Testimonials from Online Master's students
Mingxi Lin
What do you do for work?
I'm a water resource engineer. In my job, I do a lot of modeling and use theories which involve complex equations and calculations. There's a lot of technical knowledge to keep up to date.
Why did you choose Purdue’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering program?
I wanted a program that focused on water management and had extra flexibility so I could continue working. One of my coworkers, a Purdue alumnus, recommended that I check out Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Civil Engineering. The alumnus said the program was highly ranked with a practical, career-centered focus. It also had a concentration in Sustainable Water. I knew immediately that the program would be applicable at my work. There were lots of course options, and I could study part-time.
What are some of the things you liked about the program?
I liked that the program was just as challenging as an on-campus program. The classes are the same, the interaction with professors is very good, and you work with on-campus students to complete assignments, so you feel like you’re a regular graduate student.
What is a memorable lesson your learned in the program?
Since I work full time, balancing my job and school responsibilities was challenging. I learned how to pace myself so I could get through all of the work. I worked a lot of late nights and weekends, but the work was interesting, so it didn’t feel as bad. And now I can say I’ve mastered time management – it's something I can use in my career.
I also learned how to use ArcGIS Pro, a new GIS software designed to replace the older version of ArcGIS, which I use in my job as a water resource engineer. One of my graduate courses modeled how to use the new software, and I was able to apply this new skill in my career.
How has earning your MSCE helped you accomplish your career goals?
Now that I’ve graduated, I can see clearly how getting a master’s has increased my confidence as an engineer, made me a more effective teacher and mentor, and helped me grow through adversity.
It’s also prepared me for leadership roles. Since I have about seven years of work experience now in the field, I’m transitioning from being a project engineer to a manager, which comes with more responsibility. Part of being a good manager is being a good teacher. If you can help your team grow, you grow too.
Aerielle Karr
What is your area of interest within CE?
Infrastructure, Resiliency and Sustainability
Why did you choose Purdue for your MSCE?
Purdue has one of the most respected civil engineering programs in the country. An MSCE from Purdue would be a steppingstone for my career as a civil engineer due largely to the diversity of course offerings. A little sidenote: I actually considered Purdue for my undergraduate studies but decided to stay close to home.
What do you like about the program?
The flexibility of the online degree allows great work-life balance given my demanding and challenging career as a civil engineer with the FAA. I also enjoy the classes because they are relevant to the constantly changing world of construction and civil engineering. Also, the program is very affordable.
How will earning the MSCE help you reach your career goals?
Civil engineering requires its leaders to have a broad and diverse skillset to successfully navigate and execute solutions to our world’s most challenging infrastructure problems. Obtaining the MSCE provides me the ability to continue to build on a solid career and academic foundation to tackle some of these issues.
What advice would you give to a prospective student interested in the online MSCE?
- Know your career goals and how this program aids in achieving them
- Ensure you can make the time commitment to devote to your studies
- Develop relationships with your professors and fellow classmates
- Reinforce your computer programming skills for programs such as MATLAB, Python, C++ or similar
Any additional information you would like to share?
This degree has been challenging but rewarding and character building. I now feel better equipped to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
Yan Zhu
What is your area of interest within CE?
Smart Mobility, Transportation and Traffic Engineering
Why did you choose Purdue for your MSCE?
Purdue is one of the top schools in CE in the nation. The CE program is also famous around the world for the high reputation academics.
What do you like about the program?
The fully online program allows me to obtain my graduate degree while working full time as a transportation engineer to maintaining my current immigration status. The flexibility of the online program also makes it possible for me to work around my full-time job. The faculty supports online students and provides the best educational experience. The cost is unbeatable comparing other online graduate programs.
How will earning the MSCE help you reach your career goals?
It helped me get a deep understanding for many most advanced technologies in the industry which I will never be able to learn by myself.
What advice would you give to a prospective student interested in the online MSCE?
I had been looking for an online MSCE program for years, the online MSCE program offers the most variety of CE course to pick from as well as online courses from other major. Many 3-credit courses are divided into three 1-credit courses to make the schedule super easy to fix.
Any additional information you would like to share?
As I used to take my undergraduate degree as an international student, I would like to mention that you don’t need to apply for or switch to the F-1 student visa to take the online MSCE program.