Abstract

This paper outlines a proposal for serving working professionals in industry by offering them two programs of study to enhance their education and improve their job prospects. The programs were specifically designed to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry in Texas. Many students with associate degrees need four-year degrees to move into supervisory positions (2 + 2). Online education allows them to keep their job and pursue higher education, so they can move up in their careers. A two-year online course rotation cycle was developed for the Technology courses. The students are able to enhance their skills in order to be promotable. Based on the success of the undergraduate technology program we have designed a Master of Science program in Industrial Technology (2 + 2 + 2). Students in the Master of Science program will take two online courses each semester for two years just like the undergraduate Technology Program. Many technology students with bachelor’s degrees need graduate degrees to move into upper technical leadership positions. The advantages of online education are learning anytime and anywhere which is especially good for working adults including those that have to travel as part of their job. E-learning is the new name applied to internet based online education. Many online students are older working adults balancing studies with the demand of family and work.

Keywords

Working Professionals, 2 + 2 Programs, Higher Education, Online Education, Technology Courses.

Biography

Raj Desai is Chair of the McCoy School of Engineering at Midwestern State University, Texas. He has worked at Midwestern State University, Texas for the last 7 years. Before that he worked at University of Texas, Permian Basin for 11 years. His background includes over 3 years in industry, 2 years of research, 4 years of community college teaching, and over 30 years of university teaching. He has program start-up experience at the community college level and at the university level with engineering and technology programs. He has research experience with programming, developing online programs in technology, and has several refereed papers on recycling and innovation.

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Dr. Raj Desai