POWER June 2012 - 66

EDUCATION
4. Hands-on training. The lab components
of the University of North Dakota's
(UND) online program are offered in a very
condensed format on the UND campus during
the summer. To complete the hands-on portion
of the lab, distance-learning students are
required to be on campus for five to 14 days.
Courtesy: University of North Dakota
" The lecture classes are offered 100% online, "
El-Rewini said. " Distance students are
able to view recorded lectures via the Internet
at any time. "
Online lectures are recorded for distance students
as the instructor teaches the on-campus
students. Students take exams in their own communities
by arranging for proctors to administer
the exams according to guidelines set by the
instructors.
El-Rewini explained that " the lab components
of the program are offered in a very condensed
format on the UND campus during the
summer. To complete the hands-on portion of
the lab, distance students are required to be on
campus for five to 14 days " (Figure 4).
Typically, students complete their written
solar photovoltaic facilities, fuel cell power systems,
and geothermal power systems.
In addition, mechanical engineering courses
on topics such as intermediate thermodynamics
and gas turbines are applicable to many
processes found at coal- and gas-fired power
plants. Similarly, a course in system dynamics
and controls is applicable to a wide variety of
power system designs that incorporate electrical,
mechanical, and hydraulic elements.
reports after returning home. Although it varies
from program to program, about 90% or more
of the required credits can be completed remotely,
El-Rewini said.
For more about UND's distance engineering
degree programs, call 1.800.CALL.UND
or visit www.engineeringonline.UND.edu.
A Good Return on Investment
All students enrolled in the NECE online programs
pay the same tuition rate regardless of
their state residency, Trygg explained. Tuition
cost varies, depending on the program, but it falls
within the range of $232 to $281 per semester
credit hour (including fees). The cost of books is
manageable at around $350 per semester.
" Students in our NECE programs are fortunate
because many of our energy company
partnerships provide great scholarships to assist
them with tuition expenses, " Trygg said.
" In addition, many of our industry-employed
students can utilize their company education
plans, which is a wonderful benefit to the students
and is an excellent investment in the future
of the company. "
Within the NECE program, the full cost for
a two-year degree is typically under $18,000.
Considering that many of the program's graduates
start in jobs at salaries as high as $40+ an
hour, the financial payoff is an attractive return
on investment for the students.
The NECE offers career services for students
in the forms of assistance with resume writing,
interview skills, and finding job openings. A free
service, the Job Seekers Network, is available for
companies and students to review position openings
and apply for jobs. Companies also use this
service to post their openings at no cost.
In contrast, at UND, tuition for distance engineering
courses is charged based on the student's
state of residency. Currently, North Dakota resiIdentify
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POWER | June 2012

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POWER June 2012

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