Textiles Alumna Returns Home to Complete Master’s Degree Online

For many NC State Online and Distance Education students, being able to balance school with a career is difficult, but achievable.

NC State alumna and current College of Textiles graduate student Jessica Whalen learned the importance of pacing herself as she works full time as a Textile Engineer with Magna Seating in Michigan.

“I only take two classes per semester,” Whalen said. “I try to pace myself so that I am not cramming everything for school on the weekends. This way I do not burn myself out,” she added.

After completing her undergraduate textiles degree from NC State in 2011, Whalen was intent on pursuing a master’s degree in textiles.

“I wanted to continue with education in textiles so I knew the NC State College of Textiles was the place for me based on my undergraduate experience,” Whalen explained. “When I moved to Michigan, I was so excited to find out the College of Textiles had an online distance education master’s program.”

Whalen said the online format was less stressful than having to worry about going to campus every day. She said it also helped with improving her time management, which is always useful.

“I could basically set up my own schedule for most of the classes,” Whalen said.

Whalen will be the first in her department at Magna Seating to earn a master’s degree that is directly related to the field of textile engineering.

“The College of Textiles is amazing for those wanting to go into the textile field and as a bonus, the online Master of Textiles program does not require a thesis,” Whalen said.

Whalen hopes to graduate with a master’s degree in December 2017.

Students can learn more about the online Master of Textiles Program on the Textiles Online Programs website.

This post was originally published in Online and Distance Education News.