<p>…just announced that they are going to offer an Engineering degree beginning the fall of 2009. Not that Western Illinois is generally thought of as a technology school, but they have deep ties with Deere & Company and Caterpillar. If one aspired to work for John Deere or Caterpillar, and lived in the area, it has been ritualistic to attend this school. What I wanted to know from all you is would this be a good idea to attend such a new program, or should a person not really worry about the age of the program?? </p>
<p>Yeah sure go for it. As long as the university is a good fit for you and you fell in love with it, then it’s hopefully the right place where you will succeed. So I guess just finish up some general ed core classes in the fall and winter.</p>
<p>New program huh? Well every university has started a new program at some time in their past. So I don’t see what the big deal is about pursuing a degree from a new program. Unless if accreditation in the Engineering from ABET is very important which i’m not sure then you may want to wait a bit.</p>
<p>I just looked at their site. It looks like their Department of Engineering Technology offers: </p>
<p>Bachelor of Science degrees:
* Manufacturing Engineering Technology (emphasis in Automation and Robotics or Manufacturing Design and Production)
* Graphic Communication
* Construction Management</p>
<p>Master of Science degree: Manufacturing Engineering Systems</p>
<p>Minors: Construction Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Graphic Communication, Industrial Technology</p>
<p>I would not call these engineering degrees, though, but instead engineering technology degrees. I’m still trying to discover what career path these degrees allow.</p>
<p>I’ve also been in correspondence with an advisor at WIU who began speaking of this program earlier this spring. Although its not exactly set in stone, it looks very likely. I am just starting to research it as an option.</p>
<p>I believe Engineering Technology degrees at WIU were designed to prepare a person to enter the factory life as a supervisor or planner. I’ve seen research & development jobs, at John Deere, requiring an Engineering Technology (or Engineering) degree though. I think the technology degree is considerably more ‘hands-on’ than that of an engineer.</p>
<p>I am a 47 yr old returning to school and have taken 4 classes and registered for two more at WIU. I live outside of Memphis TN. With work and five kids, time for school is tough. I have enjoyed the Distance learning Program, staff very helpful. I also plan on taking some CLEP and Excelsior Tests to trim hours needed. WIU has been great.</p>