Online ChemE degrees

LINK

University of North Dakota offers a mostly online B.S. in ChemE which is ABET accredited.

What would the degree allow you to do? Get a promotion at your company or a new position with them as an engineer?

I appreciate the responses. I would already have opportunities with the company I work for. My boss, as well as his boss, are chemE's. I will look into an alternate degree that I could get a masters that would allow advancement. However, ChemE degrees seem to be the preferred path.

How old are you?

I'm a ChE graduate from LSU as well. The program is not setup for someone working full time. Looking back on my time there, I don't think I ever meet or heard of someone working full time while going through the program (particularly the last 2-2.5 years).

I would be in the same boat as well regarding the legitimacy of an online degree in ChE. Its not that online degrees are bad, but I just don't see how an online program can be anywhere near the level of a brick/motor university.

Finally, if you can find a way to get it done, I would see you as a very strong candidate. I'm assuming you have a lot of operation/operator knowledge. This is something missing in most ChEs out of school. To me, its pretty invaluable.

Fwiw, I think the OP is trying to transition within his company. I think that is a pretty significant difference especially if he already has direct exposure to the engr department he'd be going to.
But I agree that if he would have a hard time getting a role with a different company until he gets some years of experience at his current company after the degree.

quote:

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Instead of hoping that his current employer will promote him or put him in an engineering role, I would sit down and discuss it with them.

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Well he said it has to be approved, so a discussion is implied

I know someone who has done this exact thing.

If I may ask, which company?

Your main opposition will be similar to the ones in this thread. Everyone is very protective of their degree, and rightfully so. They put so little value on the field experience an older person with relevant experience has vs the paper they worked their arse off for in school (trust me, we did).

My buddy went to LSU, graduated in Chemistry and went to work in the lab at a chemical facility. Worked for several years, saw the same thing you’re seeing, “I need an engineering degree”.

He enrolled in North Dakota’s online degree program. It’s mostly online, but involves a lot of group time, including video chats, etc. He also spent 2 or 3 summers up there for several weeks doing labs and such. So in my opinion, it’s not a trash/UoPhoenix type online degree.

However, he had a very difficult time breaking that barrier. Respect for an LSU Chem/Online ChemE degree was difficult, as was simply working the HR angle to transition/interview for an Engineering role from a non-engineering role. They couldn’t figure out how to do it...even suggesting quitting and applying externally (less of a chance). Ultimately, he found someone who would listen and was offered an entry level role as an engineer. He’s 10 yrs older than the equivalent entry level engineers out of school. Almost like a step back to get a step up.

It’s a great option, but you’re going to face difficulties. Engineers are proud of their paper and will look down on your online degree. I’d have a long talk with your current employer and their engineering department to see how you would fit in and how that transition would occur if you went through with your plan.