Norwich University

I really got a great education here. It kicked my butt at times, and I’m glad it did because it really helped me to grow. I was able to complete the courses while I was in Korea few years back. Studying things like (1) Int’l. Relations, (2) Int’l. Law, (3) Int’l Political Economy, and (4) Conflict Management in a very dynamic Northeast Asia made the education I received incredibly relevant. For me, the education I received here really helped me in the next station in my life, both personally and professionally.

If you are thinking about a Master’s in Civil Engineering, this is an excellent option. I lived in California when I started. By the end, I lived in Eastern Europe. That is part of the power of the online learning environment. A second benefit is the staff at Norwich. One of the instructors was in the field overseeing the construction of a cell tower in Kyrgyzstan. Another was a full-​time engineering professor at a major university in California. All the others were working professionals. Ph.D.‘s, PE’s, and SE’s. All had substantial engineering experience. The next advantage is the mixture of professionals you will interact with in your class’s cohort. You will start with a group and go through all your courses together. This creates some camaraderie and makes the process more enjoyable. Among my fellow students were structural engineers designing bridges, undersea platforms, water systems in Africa. Some ran businesses. One was a PMP professional for a large international firm. Experienced, working professors matter when the conversation is covering the latest design theory and calculations. In the classroom, the diversity of input from a wide range of engineers was more than edifying, it was exciting.
Of course, the important things undergrad engineering leaves out are covered. Using code books to determine design loads is one such skill. Connections in reinforced concrete, complex wood splices, and the several failure methods of steel connections in tension are a few of the other skills required in structural engineering.
Part way through the program, Norwich leveled up on the online platform. They moved from «angel» to Moodle. Angel was a good platform. But, Moodle was worth the extra work. I think you’ll like it.
Something Norwich did which made life a little easier was this: They shipped textbooks to us students. Do not worry if you have the correct edition, or all the software attached, Norwich works directly with Fawcett books. Fawcett mails the books to your door. Yes, I received mine in Eastern Europe, no problems. Having the books early helped me get a jump start on each course. Between each class, there is a two-​week break. I used that break to work through the early chapters. That way, I had a basis on which to build the new knowledge.
The workload is respectable. I set some goals for each class, and the instructors helped me reach them. So, be prepared to earn your degree.
If you have never done online classes, also called «asynchronous learning,» it is easy to see the advantages. If you have a mandatory meeting, it doesn’t matter. Take the meeting. When you arrive back home, you can upload your assignment then. The hours are variable, just not optional.
One of the previous reviewers noted that Norwich should utilize video to provide some of the lecture material. One thing you will notice during your coursework: NU proactively mines the student body for information on industry trends. That is one reason why the course content is so relevant to today’s engineers. And, there are both video and downloadable PDF lecture materials. Watch all the videos at least twice. Print out the PDF lecture notes or load them onto an iPad. Go to a café and do your reading. One caveat of online learning is that social portals are just one click away.
Another aspect NU seems to have responded to is the Capstone process. Yes, it was a lot of work. I respected it and all their warnings, «It is more work than you think. Be sure to investigate the available data before you choose a project.» The process forced each of us in the program to perform parts of the Capstone project during the last courses. Personally, I chose something that really challenged me to learn dynamics and building serviceability to an entirely new echelon… a few levels higher than I functioned before the program.
The best part for me was receiving my degree. The second best part was graduation week. Meeting your classmates, presenting your capstone project, attending lectures you’d normally pay to hear, and some really delicious chow (food, for you civilians) were all part of it. Oh, and do NOT skip the Dog River Run. It was an experience that still makes me smile.

Fantastic School! Just DON’T go here for nursing!!!
The nursing program is awful. There is insane turnover with professors and only two truly good professor who can teach. The four years I spent at Norwich were the most stressful and awful of my life. That would be fine if it prepared me to take the NCLEX and be a nurse but it didn’t! The culture was fear and intimidation and didn’t actually facilitate learning! The year I graduated about 40% of the class failed the NCLEX on their first time! From what I’ve heard, subsequent classes haven’t done that well either!
If you want to be a nurse, do yourself a favor and choose another school!

Nice campus…

I went to this place from 2005 – 2009. Great School. Your experience is what you make of it. Plenty of opportunities to better yourself. This place has all of the ROTC’s. Tons of groups to join: Rangers, Mountain Cold Weather (They have there own rescue team that is actually used by the state because of how good they are) Air Force Spec Ops, Navy Seals club, Marine Corp Semper Fi club (tons of PT), Handgun Training, Boxing, MMA, and much more. It’s not like West Point where you are mandated to serve after school. You have a choice. Most go in the military and those that dont usually end up doing police or government work so this school produces nothing but people beneficial to society. There is a Corps and Civilian side. All that I have mentioned before applies to Corps. There is a little rivalry between the civies and the cadets but its nothing too serious. The classrooms are small so there are more interactions between students and instructors than you would get at most larger schools meaning its easier to get the material. The school gives generous amounts of scholarships and loans for students who can’t really afford the big price tag (me haha). The surrounding area is very very rural. Northfield itself is under 2,000 ppl. Better if you like the outdoors because there is plenty of it. Nearest ‘city’ is Burlington — 1 hour north on the highway — and that place would be considered a small town in most states but in VT its the largest city in the state. The Corps program can be intensive based on who you ask. Ive seen ppl in the military come and leave because they said it sucked and ive seen ppl who never served find it not too hard and the other way around. Most ppl that say the place was a waste of time probably did nothing there and just tried to skate by. The alumni from this place are great as well. This school has produced some people in high places who love this school. Norwich Forever!

It wouldn’t be America without this military academy.
For almost 200 years this fine institution has produced leaders that have made exceptional contributions to every field imaginable. Without them, I doubt America would be as great as it is.
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of serving with and working with some fantastic graduates of this outstanding institution.