Quality education

I just returned from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI.
It was a great trip. The staff is awesome and the facility is first rate too! Ferris offers one of two HVAC bachelor degrees (the better of the two in my opinion). I just finished one year of online classes and the trip to the campus was for the associated labs for these courses. Each class we take is relevant and extremely useful. It eliminates many of the engineering type questions the techs I have worked with could never answer (like how to properly size a hydronic valve and why). I wanted to get the word out because I really wish I would have been told about this course before I was. Here is a link with info:



http://www.ferris.edu/cot/hvacr/

I'm also interested in their bachelor degree program.

How did you like the online courses? Good quality? How long did you have to stay for the labs?

Hope you don't mind me asking...how much did this 1 yr online/lab course cost?

Thanks, and good luck to you.

My class was only the third class to go through the online program so there were some computer adjustments the whole class had to work through. The instructors are VERY understanding and worked closely with us to resolve any problems. I really enjoyed the online classes especially the flexibility (class at 6:00 or 11:30 your choice).

I have been consistently surprised by the high quality of the courses at Ferris. The emphasis is on design and knowing why it works. If you have some field experience you know how it works and how to make it work. The course will help you know why it works and how to make it more efficient, reliable or design it in the first place from scratch. I learn something new with every lesson.

My other reason for touting the quality of the classes is the information applies to real world applications you see everyday! I work in a Squadron with several engineers of various disciplines. I am continually amazed that the mechanical engineers fresh out of school cannot perform simple HVAC design procedures like sizing ductwork or pipes for example. I have asked them about these particular things before and they always reply with “We never really went over that in school”. So to make a long story short you get a jump on most folks who still need some spoon feeding they crawl after they get out of school we will do much better than that!

The labs are 5 days (7 for me with air travel). The campus is great it is in the middle of a small town it really makes a good get away from hectic places.

Cost is 260.00 per credit hour + text books I do not know the total cost but there are some 3 credit (780.00) several 4 (1060.00 for may last one) and a few 5 credit (1300) courses.
The labs are 1 credit so 260.00 ea.
These are only the HVAC/R courses and the only courses you are required to take at Ferris the rest can be at your local community college or university.
The good thing about the initial textbooks is that a student ASHRAE member can get the texts for 39.00 ea plus an annual 16.00 student membership. (Normally the texts are around 150.00) the other book we purchased was around 70.00 and we are using it for two classes.

All in all the instructors and staff really try to make the course work the most challenging part of the experience rather than petty details. They understand the concept of working and going to school because the have and in some cases are doing it. I can assure you this is money very well spent.

I am glad to answer any more questions Ferris is a great place and should get the credit and exposure it deserves.

Thanks, that information is very helpful.