Distance Education

We offer two of our non-thesis Master’s degrees completely online:

We have delivered online education since 2012, so we have plenty of experience helping students complete our program successfully.

These degrees require coursework in unit operations in food processing, food rheology, food packaging, and advances in food quality and safety. The M. Engr. also requires an engineering report on a particular topic, such as a process, technique, or study, to be completed during the last semester before graduation.

A student looking at a paper in front of a computer

Benefits of Distance Education

Our distance education programs allow students to:

  • Pursue a graduate degree at home or while working full-time
  • Build educational/professional credentials without interrupting a career or relocating to the Bryan-College Station area
  • Study on a convenient schedule
  • Earn a degree from a nationally and internationally recognized university

All exams, projects, and other class assignments are given through the online learning e-campus system.

Program Details

There is no difference between the on-campus and online Master of Engineering degrees. Just like the on-campus degree, the online degree is not self-paced and does not require a thesis. Since this is a non-thesis degree, residency and lab work are not required.

Required Course Hours

The Master of Engineering degree requires a total of 10 courses for 30 credit hours. Additional hours may be added at the advisory committee’s discretion.

Contact an advisor with any course questions before applying to the program.

Pacing

It is recommended that students take one course each semester. Degrees must be completed within seven (7) years from starting the online graduate program.

GPA Requirements

An overall grade point average of 3.0 or above, with no D or F grades, is required to graduate. Falling below a 3.0 at any time during the program will result in probation.

Distance Education Costs

While there are benefits to an online education, the actual expense of an online degree is higher than an on-campus degree because of administrative and operational fees and other factors:

  • Number of courses taken, with each course representing three credit hours
  • Textbooks and publications
  • Software and required technology
  • Changes in university tuitions or fees
  • Other fees associated with specific courses

Estimating your Costs

Fees and tuition can change without notice, but you can estimate the cost of your degree based on:

  • Your established residence
  • Current tuition information
  • Current online education fees
  • Additional distance education differential tuition
  • A graduation fee

Use the Texas A&M tuition calculator for the most up-to-date cost of attendance information.

Payment and Financial Aid

Texas A&M University accepts a variety of payment options, including several online payment methods.

Financial assistance may be available through the Texas A&M Scholarships and Financial Aid Office.

Application Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

The M. Engr. In Biological and Agricultural Engineering (Food Engineering emphasis) degree requires a Bachelor of Science in engineering from an accredited university.

The M.S. degree in Agricultural Systems Management (Food Process Technology emphasis) requires a Bachelor of Science degree in a closely-related field.

Technology and Software

Learning online requires both hardware and software. Here are the technology requirements for our program:

  • Computer: Please see the computer requirements for the Texas A&M University College of Engineering.
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection
  • Additional hardware: Access to a webcam, printer, and scanner are highly recommended.
  • Software: Microsoft Office 2016 or higher (including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) is required, as well as two reliable web browsers. Students will also receive a Texas A&M email address that must be checked regularly.
hands on a computer keyboard

Application Process

Our online Master of Engineering and Master of Science degrees use the same graduate admissions process and requirements as our department’s on-campus Master of Engineering and Master of Science degrees.

Learn more about applying for a graduate degree

Distance Education Course Information

  • Course Listings: Graduate courses and prerequisites are listed in the graduate catalog. Always confirm prerequisites with the professor of the course or the course syllabus.
  • Required Courses:
    • BAEN required courses: BAEN 620, 622, 625, 627, 684, MATH 609, STAT 651.
    • AGSM required courses: BAEN 620, 622, 625, 627, 661, STAT 651.
  • Course Availability: Course availability varies by semester, and can be searched during the registration process using howdy.tamu.edu.
  • Course Changes: Changes to a degree plan can be made via petition with assistance from an academic advisor.
  • Dropping a Course: A student can withdraw from a course by following the instructions on howdy.tamu.edu before the withdrawal deadline.
  • Courses in other departments: Students can take up to two courses in another department with the approval of an academic advisor.
  • Course Materials: All course materials will be made available on the course website in Canvas beginning on the first day of classes.
  • Course Recordings: All courses are recorded during their designated times, and recordings are uploaded to Canvas to be viewed by registered students within several hours.

Distance Learning Expectations

All students will be expected to:

Tips for Success in Online Education

If you have never taken an online/distance education course, there are a number of things you can do to prepare for the semester and ensure a good educational experience. Students are encouraged to:

Have a reliable computer/device and Internet connection

Online education course materials, assignments, and exams will be delivered through Canvas. Students must have a computer and a reliable Internet connection during the semester.  If you experience technical difficulty during the semester, contact Help Desk Central at 979-845-8300.

Keep in contact with the course instructor

Instructors within the department are as dedicated to their distance education students as they are to their on-campus students. Students should interact with their instructor and advisor early and often to communicate course-related needs and progress.

Be consistent with workspace and studying habits

For the best chance of success, distance education students should establish a regular study space to avoid unwarranted distractions and focus on the task at hand. Students should also set a regular study schedule to complete all course readings, activities and assignments.

Plan your work, life and school schedules early

All course syllabi include a schedule for the semester. Students should communicate any scheduling conflicts to their instructor as early as possible to allow time for alternative arrangements to be made.

Ask us Questions

Faculty and staff from the department are available to provide support and information to successfully complete an advanced degree, whether it’s a question prior to enrolling or a need for assistance during the program.

Useful Bookmarks for Online Students

Canvas

Canvas is the course management system used to access all online/distance education course content, including videos, readings, assignments, discussion forums, exams, and projects.

Howdy

Howdy is the student service portal used to register for classes, check final course grades, Texas A&M email, and access all Texas A&M student services.

Graduate and Professional School

Texas A&M University’s Graduate and Professional School provides information on graduate life, required forms, and professional development opportunities for graduate students.