Is an Online Engineering Course Worth the Money?

Wondering if an online engineering course is worth the cost? In today’s digital age, online education offers many benefits and can be a valuable investment in your future. Let’s explore why.

Online engineering courses have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering students the flexibility to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. An important consideration to make, particularly for online engineering courses, is whether the cost justifies the benefits.

It is important to note that the cost of an online engineering course can vary greatly depending on the provider and the level of qualification. It’s important to research and compare different courses to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.

You’ll study the same material online that you would if you enrolled in traditional classes. In fact, at some universities, the same faculty members provide both online and in-person instruction.

The perks of taking an online engineering course
One major advantage of online engineering courses is that they can often be more affordable than traditional in-person courses.

Online courses eliminate many of the costs associated with attending a physical campus, such as travel expenses, accommodation fees, and facilities. Additionally, many online courses, such as those offered at EIT offer flexible payment options, allowing students to pay for their studies in installments rather than upfront.

Another benefit of online engineering courses is that they offer flexibility in terms of scheduling. Students can often work around other commitments, such as work or family obligations. This can be particularly appealing to those who are unable to attend traditional classes due to geographical barriers or other limitations.

Another advantage is accessibility. Being able to study through a campus you want without having to relocate and see extra costs such as accommodation and travel provides more opportunities for you as a student.

Online learning can provide more individualized instruction than in-person learning, as students can receive personalized feedback and support.

“Global education technology investments reached $18.66 billion in 2019, and it was projected that the overall market for online education would reach $350 billion by 2025”, this was reported in an article by Degree Choices titled, “Classroom vs online learning and how to succeed in an online class.”

Drawbacks of taking an online course

One of the main challenges is that students may miss out on the hands-on experience that is often a crucial aspect of engineering education.

However, if choosing to study through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), this obstacle is non-existent. EIT offers engineering students hands-on experience through its remote laboratories, where students can deal with real-life engineering problems and find solutions.

Online courses can also lack the social and collaborative aspects of traditional classroom learning, which can be important for networking and building connections in the industry.

At EIT, lecturers and instructors are very heavily involved in their students’ study careers, as they encourage students to cooperate with their fellow classmates as well as create spaces for students to interact with the lecturer/instructor directly. This allows the students to form connections within the industry.

See below a list of EIT’s bachelor’s degrees:

Additionally, EIT’s vocational education courses feature a module, DPE FPE 619 (Apply the fundamentals of professional engineering practices) that emphasizes collaborative activities and encourages students to work with other student engineers, sharing knowledge and opinions in order to apply their understanding of real-world challenges.

Learning from home may be challenging for those who struggle with self-discipline and time management. However, to combat this, EIT sets deadlines for certain tasks and assignments to ensure that students are keeping up with their work. In addition, EIT’s learning support officers help remind students of upcoming deadlines and are available for students to contact if they need assistance.

The online format can also make it easier for students to participate in academic misconduct on exams or assignments, however, EIT periodically uses Iris invigilation to monitor this issue.

Related: What to Look for When Taking an Online Course

Annie Masara, one of EIT’s 2023 Student Ambassadors and an Advanced Diploma student, says, “The engineering course is highly valuable as it offers convenience and flexibility. I can attend classes from home, eliminating the need for travel. Additionally, the course allows me to plan my schedule according to my needs, enabling a good work-life balance. It also accommodates my part-time jobs without interfering with my studies. The visibility of previous module grades and prompt feedback from lecturers help me stay on track and improve. Moreover, the course is affordable, as it eliminates expenses like stationery, food, and travel. I am grateful to EIT for selecting me as an eligible student and student ambassador.”

Job prospects and career opportunities

When taking an online engineering course, it is vital to consider the job opportunities that the course will create for you.

Pursuing an engineering course, online or otherwise, requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the investment will pay off in terms of job opportunities and career growth.

In addition, the engineering industry is growing rapidly, with a high demand for skilled professionals in many fields. Pursuing an online engineering course that matches industry demand can lead to greater job prospects and career opportunities.

EIT provides students and prospective students with the opportunity to evaluate the potential job outcomes associated with specific courses and provides a diverse range of fields the students can get into.

In an article by My Degree Guide titled, “2023 Best Online Engineering Degrees”, it says “Many organizations depend heavily on the expertise of engineers, so you may have plenty of job opportunities available. In fact, the number of engineering positions is growing.”

In conclusion, whether an online engineering course is worth the money ultimately depends on individual circumstances and priorities. Online courses can offer affordability, flexibility, and convenience, but may lack the hands-on experience and networking opportunities of traditional in-person courses. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and carefully consider your goals and priorities before deciding. However, all courses helping to achieve your goals will ultimately be beneficial.