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Why Online from Vanderbilt?

A Tech-Driven Experience Built for Online Learners

As one of the most innovative universities in the world, Vanderbilt has developed programs that break the mold in online learning. Vanderbilt Engineering Online programs are specifically designed for remote education, incorporating high-quality technology grounded in extensive research on how online students learn best.

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In addition to sophisticated learning tools, the Vanderbilt Engineering Online experience encompasses everything that makes a graduate education so valuable: a challenging curriculum that enables your growth, a diverse online community that provides support and expands your perspective, and access to opportunities ranging from research projects to professional development resources.

A Collaboration-Focused Online Campus

The Vanderbilt Engineering Online campus marries advanced technology with social features, forming an immersive learning experience. As a student, you will gain a deep understanding of curricular principles, build solutions to problems through research and exercises, and form close relationships with fellow motivated tech professionals and Vanderbilt faculty.

Programs feature weekly, HD-streaming live classes during which you’ll participate in group work and discussions. Classes are small, maintaining a 15:1 student-to-professor ratio to ensure engagement and personalized learning. Outside of class, you can meet with faculty during online office hours.

Classroom Features

The online classroom includes learning tools designed to enhance Vanderbilt Engineering Online's technical and hands-on curricula, including:

  • Small-group break-out rooms
  • Video and document sharing
  • Live chats, surveys and polls
  • Collaborative content annotation
  • Screen-sharing capabilities
  • Full class recordings

See how students collaborate with these learning tools in our online classroom video. 

The entire suite of classroom features and functions are fully accessible from any desktop, tablet or mobile device.

 

Course Content

Our curriculum is rigorous but delivered in an intuitive fashion with customizable features that fit learning into your schedule and lifestyle. Course content is self-paced so you can learn on your own time, anywhere. You may also complete course work while in offline mode on the program’s mobile app.

You’ll watch video lectures that feature interactive components, such as question-and-answer sessions, case studies and group assignments. You will also complete hands-on projects and exercises, enabling you to learn by doing and develop skills you can immediately apply to your career.

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Nashville In-Person Experiences

In addition to online learning, you will be able to attend events on campus, such as career-building workshops and the Vanderbilt Entrepreneurship Conference. If you live near or choose to visit Nashville, you may participate in workshops and projects at the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s center for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Upon completing the program, you can attend the on-campus graduation ceremony. At the ceremony, you’ll walk with on-campus students to receive the same Vanderbilt diploma.

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Personalized Student Support Services

As an online learner at Vanderbilt, you have access to a curated set of student services provided by our on-campus partners, re-imagined to fit your needs. Our goal is to provide you with the support to belong, succeed, thrive, and grow.

1. Career Services

Whether you are upskilling, reskilling, or growing your social capital our career services team is committed to supporting your growth as a professional. From virtual coaching to professional development workshops and access to alumni networks, we can help you gain clarity about your future.

2. Library Services

Online learners have access to Alyne Queener Massey Law Library services and expertise while working towards completion of their degree. Access e-journals, e-books, and legal research databases, chat with a librarian, or request materials to be mailed directly to you.

 

3. Writing Studio

Students in the MLS program have access to one-on-one writing support available at no cost through the Vanderbilt Writing Studio, which offers both in-person and online appointments you can reserve through our website up to seven days in advance. Vanderbilt’s free and confidential writing services can provide you with constructive feedback on drafts, help you develop strategies for a variety of assignments, and provide valuable perspective on the expectations around writing in graduate courses.

Visit the Writing Studio website for more details.

4. Student Access & Accommodations

Student access determines accommodations for students with disabilities at Vanderbilt University. Using the Commodore Access Portal, students can connect with our office and request accommodations.

5. Student Care Network

As a Vanderbilt student, you have access to a variety of health and wellness resources that form a network of care. From mental, physical, cultural, or financial wellness and everything in between, our teams are here to support you where you are and when you need it. The Student Care Network’s primary offices include Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and the Center for Student Wellbeing.

Learn more about our holistic network of services and resources.

6. Project Safe

Project Safe serves as a central resource for Vanderbilt students who may be impacted by sexual and intimate partner violence. With a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual appointments, and safety planning, our team can identify resources wherever you are.

7. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Vanderbilt strongly believes in promoting environments that are affirming, welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and diverse. We encourage you to explore our identity centers, attend virtual events, and access resources that allow you to bring your true self to the learning space.

Sign up for the equity, diversity, and inclusion Newsletter.

8. Financial Aid

Vanderbilt welcomes students who can benefit from and contribute to the community, regardless of their financial situation. Questions about your financial aid package? Contact us at finaid@vanderbilt.edu or 800-288-0204 (toll-free).

Learn How the Immersive Vanderbilt Engineering Online Experience Can Benefit You

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Leadership and Faculty

Our online programs are designed and delivered by the same faculty who teach on campus at the School of Engineering. Our faculty are active researchers and developers in their fields and bring their expert knowledge to the classroom.

Learn more about the School of Engineering faculty on our website. 

Leadership

Computer Science Faculty

Engineering Management Faculty

Student Profiles

The Vanderbilt Engineering Online community is built to inspire you and inspire innovation. As a student, you will have the chance to meet other motivated tech professionals in and outside of classes. Your classmates will come from all areas of the country and have diverse professional and personal backgrounds, providing new perspectives that enable you to grow as a tech and engineering leader.

Below, get to know some of our current students, and hear why they chose Vanderbilt Engineering Online.