Students Worldwide can Learn in Unique Virtual Clemson Classroom

CLEMSON, SC – March 4, 2009  — Tough economic times are not keeping an unusual group of Clemson University graduate students out of the classroom. In fact, they are benefiting from the convenience and camaraderie of a global classroom experience.

The Master of Engineering with a concentration in Capital Projects Supply Chain and Logistics offered in the department of industrial engineering is a first-of-its-kind online graduate program that has working professionals from around the world and across the spectrum of disciplines sitting in a virtual classroom any time of the day or night that fits their schedule.

“The degree is unique in that it focuses on the logistics of capital projects engineering and construction, combining theory with practice to broaden student understanding of the entire project supply chain and life cycle,” said Bill Ferrell, professor of industrial engineering and associate dean of the graduate school.

Capital projects generally are defined as new construction, expansion, renovation or replacement of an existing facility or facilities and infrastructure. Land, engineering, architectural planning and services needed to complete the project all are part of the cycle. The program represents and explores the various roles and interests in the execution of capital projects, including owners, contractors, suppliers and subcontractors.                                                                                           

The Clemson graduate program is meant for students who are full-time professionals, such as Randy Rogers, a project materials manager with Foster Wheeler USA Corp. Rogers lives in Tulsa, Okla., but travels to Chicago, Houston and overseas regularly.

“The fact that we can learn these skill sets and pursue an invaluable master’s degree while continuing to chase careers that take us all over the globe is simply amazing,” said Rogers. 

The program, offered by industrial engineering, was developed in collaboration with the departments of civil engineering and management at Clemson, as well as with owners, contractors and suppliers such as Fluor Corp., Chevron and Mobil.

“Fluor Corporation recognizes the immense value supply chain management brings to capital projects,” said Jim Scotti, senior vice president and chief procurement officer of Fluor. “We are pleased to be able to partner with the state of South Carolina to establish what is a truly unique master’s degree program for working engineers and supply chain professionals.”

“This program brings real value to industry professionals and companies because it gives students a broad perspective of the complex supply chain problems associated with capital projects and provides practical solutions for those problems,” said Clemson civil engineer Steve Sanders, who is an instructor in the program as well as director of the Clemson Industry Cooperative Alliance.

“The interdisciplinary nature of the supply chain is highlighted by the enormous expertise that has gone into developing the course content for working professionals,” said Anand Gramopadhye, the industrial engineering department chairman. He said this type of program eventually may be extended to other fields.

All classes are offered online through web-based delivery with no residency requirement. Lectures can be downloaded to a desktop, iPod or mobile device for viewing. The courses are self-paced and accessible on the web, so students can continue their education regardless of their location worldwide. For more information, go to http://www.clemson.edu/ces/departments/ie/.