Rensselaer Implements Advanced Professional Studies Program

The Office of Graduate Education has announced the launch of a customized graduate degree program for the employees of Pratt & Whitney’s North Berwick, Maine, location.

The content and structure of the degree program was developed by Rensselaer faculty in response to the particular career development needs of Pratt & Whitney’s engineers. The cohort of 20 students, who will begin classes this summer, will engage in an academically rigorous curriculum that focuses on key concepts in the field of industrial process management. Individuals who complete the prescribed course of study, including a master’s project that is relevant to their current professional role, will be awarded a Master of Engineering degree in Systems Engineering and Technology Management.

Rensselaer recognizes the growing need for academically rigorous and professionally relevant programs in science and engineering for working professionals, and has implemented new content delivery options to meet the needs of this audience under the umbrella of Advanced Professional Studies (APS). Using a blend of online content and conveniently scheduled traditional courses, Rensselaer faculty engage with students at multiple campus locations and at the worksites of our industry partners.

“We are witnessing the development of new technologically based instructional tools, the expansion of new knowledge at unprecedented rates, and a shift in the demographics and location of potential students,” said Stanley Dunn, vice provost and dean of graduate education. “The ability to engage collaboratively with students at remote locations has opened new possibilities for delivering educational programs to meet the learning needs of working professionals.

“Working professionals are attracted to graduate study at Rensselaer for our academic value and the relevance of the coursework to their current professional needs. Through the convenience of courses delivered through the APS option, students can earn a degree without significant disruption to their career. Our partnerships with major corporations, small businesses, and government agencies are driven by our ability to provide high-quality academic programs to meet their organizational needs.” Dunn said.

We are witnessing the development of new technologically based instructional tools, the expansion of new knowledge at unprecedented rates, and a shift in the demographics and location of potential students. —Stanley Dunn, vice provost and dean of graduate education.

In addition to cohort-based offerings, like the opportunity currently available to employees of Pratt & Whitney, Rensselaer offers two master’s degree programs through the APS option that are open to all qualified applicants seeking to advance their knowledge and skills: a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Information Technology.

Working professional students enrolled in the mechanical engineering program can choose to concentrate their studies in one of three areas: design and manufacturing, energy, or mechanics. The information technology program includes concentrations in the in-demand areas of Web science or data science and analytics. Students pursuing these degrees through the APS option complete 30 credits of graduate coursework and projects, through part-time study, in under three and a half years.

Rensselaer is currently enrolling students for fall 2015. To learn more about these programs, attend an upcoming webinar or contact Brian Apkarian, associate director of graduate admissions, via email or (518) 276-2194.