Stanford University Announces Online MS in Mechanical Engineering; Interdisciplinary Curriculum Blends Theory, Practical Application

Business Wire, Nov 11, 2004

STANFORD, Calif. -- Stanford University's Department of Mechanical Engineering announced that it is offering the degree of master of science in mechanical engineering to technology professionals completely at a distance beginning in Autumn 2005. "Our faculty have a tradition of commitment to innovative teaching, and continue to spearhead university-wide and national educational development initiatives," says Frederich B. Prinz, department chair. "This represents an important step in our mission to educate tomorrow's engineering leaders in industry as well as in academic research." All online courses will be taught by Stanford faculty and delivered worldwide by the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD).

Successful degree applicants may pursue a master's degree entirely at a distance in four areas of concentration: Automatic Controls, Design for Manufacturability, Design Methodology, and Solid Mechanics. Controls courses and solid mechanics provide theoretical and practical knowledge applicable to both traditional and emerging fields and technologies. Stanford's design programs have produced leaders in the industry for nearly 50 years and its award-winning courses continue to draw industry students from around the world.

"To maintain competitiveness, a technical professional requires career-long education," says Dr. Andy DiPaolo, Executive Director of SCPD and Senior Associate Dean of the School of Engineering. "Students in industry pursue full-fledged Stanford master's degrees online through SCPD and are held to the same high academic standards as on-campus students. The convenience of online courses and access to Stanford's premier faculty is a winning combination." Industry professionals seeking admission to the online program in Autumn 2005 must apply by January 18, 2005, for consideration.

The Stanford Center for Professional Development uses distance education to deliver over 250 graduate and professional education courses from the School of Engineering, as well as selected courses from the School of Humanities and Sciences and the School of Medicine. Twenty-two Stanford master of science degree concentrations are now available online. http://scpd.stanford.edu