Online learning has evolved rapidly since the first learning management systems emerged in the 1990s. In the early 2000s, increased bandwidth and computing power opened the door to modern online education technologies, including video streaming, teleconferencing, and multi-participant online applications. The results have been nothing short of astonishing. In 2006, about 3.5 million students enrolled in at least one online course. By 2027, that number is projected to grow to 57 million, representing enormous growth.
While concerns about the quality and reputation of online degrees once prevented some students from choosing this path, a recent survey shows that the perception of online education has shifted. Today, about three-quarters of students say online education is as good or better than in-person alternatives. Coupled with the convenience of remote learning, online education is here to stay.
Tufts University School of Engineering offers an engaging and intuitive online learning experience that benefits distance learners of all backgrounds. Read what current students have to say about the School of Engineering’s online programs to discover how one might fit your lifestyle and life goals.
Transform Your Future With an Online Degree From Tufts
Develop Skills That Propel Success in an Evolving World
Adjusting to the Online Classroom: Overcoming Initial Apprehension
Online learning has advanced significantly since text-based bulletin boards and downloadable readings constituted most (if not all) course materials. Today’s online programs provide access to resources that support robust multimedia course content, student-faculty interaction, collaborative study and projects, and well-regarded degree programs. Not all online programs deliver these benefits, but the best ones—like those offered by the School of Engineering at Tufts—do.
At Tufts, online students benefit from a rich learning experience and renowned faculty members with real-world experience. The synchronous online learning environment fosters collaboration and engagement. Enrollment advisors help prospective students prepare for the online classroom and assist with the application and registration process, while enrolled students benefit from dedicated services throughout their academic journey and beyond.
The following sections explore Tufts School of Engineering students’ classroom experiences, faculty connections, and personal reflections.
Time Management for Online Success
Balancing graduate-level coursework with job responsibilities can be challenging; the flexible format of the part-time online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) and online Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS) at Tufts makes meeting all your obligations easier. Asynchronous content facilitates flexible study time, allowing students to focus on course work outside of work hours. Remote delivery of synchronous course work eliminates the time and effort involved in commuting to campus.
Students appreciate the accommodations. As Alyssa Bawgus, MSDS EG24, puts it, “The online program really let me manage being a full-time professional while getting a lot of my classwork done outside of a nine-to-five.” She suggests students set and keep time limits in mind throughout each semester to avoid falling behind. She notes that the program’s flexibility made it easier for her to manage course work.
Lanie Kropp, MSDS EG24, knew the only way she could balance graduate studies with her full-time job would be through an online, part-time program. She explains: “Having the flexibility to take classes from my apartment instead of having to be in person was the only way I was going to be able to make it work with my schedule.”
Planning ahead, tracking your responsibilities, designating a study space, and taking care of your mental health can also contribute to your success. Create a calendar with all your academic, work, and personal commitments to help you visualize your schedule, develop a routine, and plan for busy periods. Choose a quiet spot in your home where you can study without distractions, and communicate your study schedule with household members so they know when not to disturb you. Finally, make sure you take the time to practice self-care. Not only will this help you manage stress and anxiety, but it will also improve your focus and productivity, which in turn contributes to better time management.
Building Community in a Virtual Environment
Online students at Tufts engage in an interactive community where everyone is welcome and valued. The virtual classrooms feature dynamic conversations and group projects while small class sizes allow for active participation and real-time collaboration among faculty and peers.
“There are a ton of different assignments in the program that require you to work collaboratively with other people. … It’s been super great just being able to collaborate with people in a way that I didn’t really expect,” shares Derik Hendrikson, MSCS EG25. Kropp also appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with her peers and develop a sense of community, reporting that “the weekly Zoom sessions felt very conversational. Because of that, we were able to get to know each other pretty well.” Beyond the synchronous sessions, students continued their interactions online. “Professors encouraged interaction on the online platforms, and that helped us to have conversations. You got a sense of what people were thinking about and what questions they were having,” reflected Kropp.
Tufts School of Engineering faculty members keep online office hours, providing students direct access to personalized guidance and support. They also offer dedicated mentorship to help students make industry connections and grow their professional networks. According to Hendrikson, “There are so many different opportunities to go to office hours and meet one-on-one with professors.” Hope Rogan, MSCS EG25, found the level of support offered by Tufts faculty to be unprecedented, sharing, “Working with the faculty has been stellar. … They’re all willing to give their time. They’re so passionate about wanting to get you to learn, which is something that I have not experienced elsewhere.”
Seizing Opportunities for Professional Growth
Online learning allows students to apply their knowledge in real-time to their current jobs, helping solidify course concepts and opening the door to personal growth and career advancement. Bawgus explains: “From the first semester, I was really able to take some of those fundamental concepts and … immediately apply them to where I was working.” As a result, she was “able to do deeper and deeper projects, working and building off of that material.” Bawgus also saw the potential career benefits of these applications, sharing that they were “something I could use almost immediately to advance my career.”
The Tufts online programs expose students to a broad range of career opportunities. According to Kropp, “One of the great things about this program has been seeing how vast the data science umbrella is.” Her education has led her to realize that she wants “to prioritize being able to do interesting things … I’m going to be looking for positions where I get to really ask interesting questions.” Exploring different areas in the field helps students pinpoint their areas of interest and then tailor their studies accordingly. It also enables them to focus on building connections in their target niche to expand professional networks and potential career opportunities.
Key Takeaways: Words of Wisdom for New Students
Considering enrolling in a Tufts School of Engineering online program? Hendrikson encourages candidates not to overthink the decision to enroll: “Just taking the plunge and doing it is probably the best piece of advice that I can give you because … it’s just been such a great experience.” Rogan also emphasizes growth, sharing how the program allowed her to challenge herself and advance her skills. She advises students not to “look at something and think, ‘that’s too difficult. I’m not going to do it,’ because, at the end of the day, you’re limiting yourself. Always be willing to give it a try.”
New students are encouraged to ask for help when needed to stay on track. Hendrikson points out, “Anytime you’re feeling like you might be struggling or you need a little bit of additional support, there’s always somebody that can help you out.”
Tufts Delivers Convenient, Flexible, Highly Regarded Online Degrees
Online degree programs can provide the same enriching, engaging, and transformative experience as on-campus programs, offering a flexible and accessible path to achieving your goals. Apply now to the online MSCS or online MSDS to get started, or connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the programs.