My Experience in WVU's Online Software Engineering Grad Program

Snyder asserts some progressive claims here. Perhaps, the future of higher education does lie in online learning, but for now, the Admissions Team at West Virginia University understands that there are still some reservations or even stigmas that surround pursuing graduate school online.

But we're here to dispel some of those notions. 

We chatted with Herbert "Herb" Richardson III, a WV native and current WVU student studying Software Engineering at the master's level — a solely online graduate program. Here's what he had to say about his experience as an online graduate student.

By the way, for the last two years, WVU's has ranked at number 15 for U.S. News & World Report's top online graduate computer information technology programs in the nation.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What’s your name/age/hometown?  

HR: Herbert W. Richardson III, 57. I was born in Morgantown, and I live in Shinnston, WV.

What graduate certificate did you pursue at WVU? Was it online?  

HR: I previously earned a graduate certificate in Corporate Communications in 1992 where the classes were held remotely in Buckhannon, WV. I am currently pursuing the online M.S. in Software Engineering.

Tell me about your current program. What skills are you learning that will help you to challenge convention and promote innovation in your industry?  

HR: The online-only MSSE is 33 hours, providing a mixture of technical and management courses geared towards students already in the workforce. Much of the coursework is directly related to the work that I do in the SW engineering field.

I wish that I would have taken these courses 20 years ago; it certainly would have helped me in my career!

How do you handle the online nature of the program? Do you find that it helps or hinders your learning?  

HR: My life being what it is, graduate school online is the only option I could pursue. It took a while to get comfortable in this setting as I was very much a ‘brick and mortar’ guy. The lectures certainly supplement the course material, but like most graduate studies, the student is responsible with reading and researching and not expected to be ‘spoon-fed’ by the professor.

What convinced you to enroll in an online master’s program?  

HR: I became an empty nester, my new company pays the tuition and fees, and I have a constant yearn to learn.

When will you graduate with your master’s? What do you hope to do professionally upon graduation?  

HR: I will graduate either summer or fall 2018. I plan to stay in the same engineering field and hopefully these newly learned skills make me more marketable.

What advice do you have for individuals considering an online master’s program at WVU?

HR: Plan to devote 5-15 hours per week to study + 1-2.5 hrs of lecture. Acquire the required and optional textbooks and other media if possible. Most importantly, like everything else in life, manage your time!

Note: Want more WVU student stories? You can read them here! 

If you want to experience West Virginia University for yourself, and if you want to explore the online graduate programs available at WVU, we hope you'll download our Online Graduate School Toolkit for a comprehensive look at the online offerings at WVU!