By enrolling in Dartmouth’s online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering (MEng-CE), you not only obtain technical knowledge; you also acquire the skills to study, adapt, and advance as an engineer in various environments. This aspect is intentional.
Assistant Professor Michael Kokko, who possesses nearly ten years of expertise as a robotics engineer and senior systems engineer, elaborates:
“Certainly, we aim for students to graduate with solid technical competencies. More crucially, we aspire to instruct them on how to acquire knowledge, how to swiftly learn new skills, and how to utilize them proficiently.”
This principle permeates Dartmouth’s online MEng-CE program. Regardless of whether your background is heavily focused on hardware or you are newer to the discipline, the MEng program caters to driven learners from diverse backgrounds, tailored to meet you at your current level and then expand your capabilities.
Practical Experience, Genuine Impact in the Classroom
Professor Michael Kokko understands the essentials for addressing industry challenges because he has experience across various roles in robotics, systems engineering, and software.
“I enjoy the DIY process and creating solutions in a garage setting. Nevertheless, when collaborating with the market and multiple individuals, it’s beneficial to have a framework, a strategic plan, and measurable outcomes to ensure that we are progressing appropriately.”
This is precisely the design philosophy he incorporates into his course on Distributed Computing, where students learn to develop code for robotic agents and engage with authentic system design issues.
A Practical Orientation, Even in a Virtual Setting
One of Dartmouth’s advantages lies in its ability to translate its in-person, project-driven ethos into the online realm.
“If you examine the online MEng courses, we strive to replicate what we do in physical classes on the online platform. Feedback has indicated that students value the hands-on nature of the experience. They collaborate with peers, communicate via Slack, tackle group assignments, and concentrate on creating, testing, and designing collaboratively.”
From virtual labs on Coursera (which require no setup or dependencies) to authentic robotics projects, students experience the same interactive, problem-solving curriculum as those studying on campus.
Empowering Students to Learn
The program is purposefully crafted to encourage students to step outside their comfort zones. In the Distributed Computing course, for instance, students utilize Go, a programming language that many have never encountered before.
“Most of my students have not programmed in Go. At first, there may be some reluctance, but the primary learning objective is to help them become comfortable with the process of mastering something new.”
The objective is for students to gain confidence in confronting unfamiliar obstacles, reflecting the realities of industry work.
“We encourage students to say, ‘I need to learn this new skill. I may not know much about it, but I recognize I need to progress from point A to point B, so I will acquire the knowledge necessary to bridge that gap.’”
A Nurturing, Small-School Atmosphere
Dartmouth’s smaller engineering division presents both challenges and advantages. The student-to-faculty ratio fosters personalized mentorship and a genuine sense of community. The concern each professor has for their students is evident, even in the online setting.
“We’re a highly committed team. You’re not merely watching videos recorded by faculty long ago. We engage with students on Zoom twice a week, in addition to office hours. We are here to support students.”
Students hail from various backgrounds with diverse skill levels and specialties. The program caters to all of them. Professor Kokko stresses the significance of including varied perspectives in the classroom and illustrates how real-world applications are a fundamental aspect of his teaching approach.
“Our focus here is on teaching skills and imparting knowledge on how to learn. That’s what students can expect to gain from the program. The group projects are organized to ensure that everyone has an engaging, interconnected experience.”
What Makes Dartmouth’s MEng-CE Exceptional
If you’re aiming to elevate your career where computer engineering meets hardware, Dartmouth provides:
- A comprehensive curriculum anchored in tangible projects.
- Professors with extensive industry backgrounds who are actively involved in ongoing research and case studies.
- Small class sizes with high levels of engagement, even in an online context.
- Virtual lab settings that facilitate ease of entry into coding and design without the hassle of setup.
- Hardware for practical experience that is shipped to all enrolled students and utilized across numerous courses.
- A learning philosophy that endures long after graduation.
As Professor Kokko states:
“I would urge anyone interested in advancing their education or career at the intersection of computer engineering and hardware to explore this program. We strive to ask, ‘Have you ever encountered a situation similar to this before?’ and ‘How can we relate that to our current topic?’ We want to make this degree accessible to all of our students.”
Prepared to take the next step?
If you are curious, ambitious, and seeking an online engineering degree tailored for working professionals, Dartmouth’s online Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering could be your next move. With educators like Michael Kokko mentoring you, you will not only gain knowledge; you will also connect, develop, and excel.
Embrace the next step and immerse yourself in the future with a fully online, hands-on experience from Dartmouth.
The post Dartmouth’s Online MEng in Computer Engineering: Beyond Skills, A Philosophy of Learning first appeared on Coursera Blog.