U of A offers first online master’s degree in construction engineering

This fall, the University of Alberta is launching its first online Master of Engineering with a specialization in Construction Engineering and Management (MEng.) The program is delivered by the department of civil and environmental engineering and is completely online. 

It is also the first entirely online Master of Engineering in Construction Engineering and Management in Western Canada. 

It will allow students to complete coursework without attending in-person lectures while also participating in interactive lessons and collaborating with peers. 

Tuition for the online degree will be identical to that of its on-campus equivalent.

Samer Adeeb, a professor and the chair of civil and environmental engineering, helped envision the courses offered through the online program.

Designed for working professionals and remote learners

“[The program] was designed so that students can, on demand, learn the material,” Adeeb said. Students complete courses at their own pace and can choose to take one or multiple courses at the same time. 

Adeeb explained how survey results showed that there is interest in online engineering programs. Structural engineering and construction engineering and management showed the greatest demand. While an online Master in Construction Engineering is available, the university will discuss plans for an online Master in Structural Engineering.

“The content is identical, but the delivery is different,” Adeeb said. He explained that the online delivery type is beneficial for students who wish they could pursue a Master of Engineering, but were not able to because of work, or remote location. Prospective master’s students do not want to lose job experience to come back to campus.

Some can also not afford to take time off of work, or move to Edmonton to attend in-person courses. The program currently targets Alberta learners because of the province’s high percentage of engineers compared to other provinces. 

The online delivery mode recognizes this, with former U of A undergraduate students in mind. Weekly pacing is provided to ensure students stay on the right track. 

The program will also be more project-based than the traditional in-person master’s degree. Students will be encouraged to produce solutions for open-ended questions, and learn to work with others, according to Adeeb. Projects will be a key focus, and group projects ensure students gain interpersonal skills needed in engineering.

The online courses include interactive “game-like” components that directly engage students, and promote active learning. Students will also develop networks with their peers, and communicate regularly with their professors and teacher assistants. Weekly discussion forums allow students to reflect on course content, and discuss real-world engineering problems. 

“I think that the University of Alberta at this stage is a leader in education across the country,” Adeeb says

“Our programs are very industry influenced,” Adeeb said. “Theory is very important, but the projects and problems are practical in nature.” 

He personally saw the success of online learning when he built an open education resources website. He made all his lectures available online, and saw positive responses from students all over the world benefiting from his videos. 

A couple months before the start of the program, a Canvas course created for onboarding students gave clear instructions of course expectations, and information on course delivery mode, Adeeb explained. Students enter the program fully prepared for how it will be taught. 

The online delivery mode of the program supports the institution’s SHAPE strategic plan by making online education have greater accessibility to all students. “Having an online MEng will cement ourselves as a global institution.”

Currently, Adeeb is having discussions regarding resources for additional courses and additional programs offered online in engineering. 

“We are hoping that next year we’ll be able to provide another program, MEng in structural engineering.”