2027 Self-Paced Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs
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Many professionals with unrelated undergraduate degrees face the challenge of entering the electrical engineering field without disrupting their current careers. Traditional programs often demand fixed schedules, creating barriers for those balancing work and personal commitments. Studies show that enrollment in self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs increased by 35% over the last five years, reflecting growing demand for flexible learning paths. This article examines how these programs accommodate diverse schedules while maintaining accreditation and industry relevance, assisting readers in making informed decisions to successfully transition into electrical engineering careers.
Key Benefits of Self-Paced Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's programs offer flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance coursework with employment and personal commitments effectively.
- These programs enable accelerated skill acquisition by letting students progress upon demonstrating competency, often reducing time-to-degree compared to traditional formats.
- Cost-effective pathways include lower tuition, eliminated commuting expenses, and opportunities for transfer credits, making accredited credentials more accessible to non-traditional learners.
What Are Self-Paced Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs, and How Do They Differ From Traditional Online Formats?
Self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's programs enable students to complete coursework on their own schedules, without fixed academic calendars or cohort deadlines. Unlike traditional online formats-which often use scheduled asynchronous learning or cohort models with weekly assignments-self-paced programs offer open enrollment and flexible timelines, allowing learners to begin anytime and progress by mastering specific competencies or modules. This milestone-based progression focuses on demonstrated mastery rather than seat time, appealing to students seeking individualized pacing and control.
These programs often support transfer credits and prior learning assessments, enabling students to accelerate degree completion by validating existing skills and knowledge. Financial aid eligibility typically remains available, but students should verify requirements with each institution. Compared to traditional online programs, which tend to provide more structured faculty interaction, group collaboration, and scheduled deadlines, self-paced learners benefit from autonomy but must exercise strong self-discipline to manage time and maintain progress. This trade-off affects accountability and peer engagement.
- Flexible Enrollment: Students can start their electrical engineering program at any time, bypassing traditional semester cycles and enhancing accessibility for non-traditional learners.
- Milestone-Based Progression: Advancement depends on completing competencies or modules, emphasizing mastery over time spent in courses, which caters to individualized learning speeds.
- Time Management Challenges: While flexible, self-paced formats require strong personal discipline as students do not have imposed deadlines or cohort-driven schedules to follow.
- Reduced Scheduled Interaction: Faculty contact and peer engagement are often less frequent, which may impact collaborative learning but benefits those who prefer independent study.
Self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's programs benefits are especially meaningful for working professionals, parents, and others needing maximum flexibility. Their growing popularity reflects an educational shift toward accommodating diverse lifestyles and competency-based advancement in rigorous STEM fields. For those exploring options, researching the easiest masters degree can provide insights into flexible learning paths and degree acceleration strategies. Comparing the differences between traditional and self-paced online electrical engineering degrees helps prospective students select programs best aligned with their goals and constraints.
Which Accredited Institutions Offer Self-Paced Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs?
Several regionally accredited institutions provide self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs tailored for working professionals, non-traditional students, and those needing flexible learning paths. These programs frequently employ competency-based education models that let students advance by demonstrating mastery instead of following fixed semester schedules. This approach is ideal for learners seeking accredited self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs in the US that accommodate individual pacing and prior knowledge.
- Capella University: Offers a fully online, competency-based bachelor's in electrical engineering via its FlexPath program. Tuition is a flat-rate subscription per term, encouraging accelerated completion. Capella is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and completion can be as short as 18 months depending on prior experience.
- Western Governors University: Known for its competency-based model, WGU charges tuition monthly, allowing unlimited course completion within each term. It holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Typical completion ranges from two to three years.
- Arizona State University (ASU) Online: While not strictly self-paced, ASU offers substantial scheduling flexibility for its online electrical engineering program within its polytechnic school. Tuition is per credit hour, and the institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Most students finish in around four years, with some accelerated pathways.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU): SNHU's program offers flexibility with transfer credits and prior learning assessments, useful for those pursuing top flexible online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs with transfer credit options. Tuition is per credit hour, and SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Degree completion usually takes three to four years.
- University of Florida Online: UF provides an electrical engineering degree with strong online flexibility, recognizing transfer credits and professional experience for potentially shorter completion times. Tuition is per credit hour, and accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Average completion for part-time students is about four years.
These programs support adaptable learning schedules and frequently accept transfer credits and prior learning assessments, offering opportunities to shorten degree timelines. Financial aid options vary, so prospective students should carefully review each institution's policies regarding funding for competency-based or subscription tuition models. Balancing tuition costs, pacing flexibility, and accreditation is essential when selecting a program that aligns with career goals and personal circumstances. For those interested in expedited options for allied fields, exploring a fast track social work degree online offers a parallel example of accelerated, flexible study models.
2026 Update: Planning for Labs, Hardware Kits, and Proctored Assessments
For 2026, this section was added to help students evaluate the practical, hands-on requirements that can affect the fit of a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor’s program.
- Whether required labs are fully remote, completed through mailed hardware kits, simulations, or short on-campus sessions
- What equipment students must buy, borrow, or receive from the program, including circuit components, meters, and software tools
- How lab deadlines work in a self-paced format, especially for courses that must be completed in sequence
- Whether exams require live proctoring, testing-center visits, or specific computer and webcam setups
- How group design projects are handled for students working at different speeds
- What technical support is available when lab hardware, software, or remote platforms fail
Checking these details early helps students avoid unexpected scheduling issues and choose a program that matches both their learning pace and home setup.
- Prior Credits: Students entering programs with previously earned transferable credits can often shorten their degree completion time significantly. Many schools allow up to half of the required coursework to transfer, helping reduce the overall number of classes needed.
- Transfer Coursework: Technical and general education courses from prior institutions can fulfill basic requirements, letting learners skip foundational classes and cut down their total credit load.
- Weekly Hours Invested: The time dedicated to studying each week greatly impacts pace; part-time students with limited weekly availability naturally take longer, while full-time effort enables faster progress through the curriculum.
- Prior Learning Assessments: Exams, portfolio reviews, or competency tests that validate existing knowledge or professional experience can replace certain courses, supporting accelerated advancement without diminishing academic standards.
- Average Completion Benchmarks: According to National Center for Education Statistics data, full-time bachelor's engineering students typically finish in 48 to 60 months. Though self-paced online formats offer flexibility, average completion times tend to align closely with these figures unless students actively speed up their studies.
- Setting Realistic Schedules: Balancing personal, professional, and academic demands is essential to avoid burnout. Creating a sustainable weekly routine tailored to individual obligations helps maintain steady progress toward degree completion.
- Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, and technology assistance provided by many online programs play key roles in keeping students on track. Utilizing these resources can improve time management and enhance the likelihood of finishing within planned timeframes.
A professional who enrolled in a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree described the experience as "challenging yet rewarding." Balancing a full-time job and family responsibilities required careful time management and flexibility. He noted that while some weeks demanded intense focus to meet assignment deadlines, other periods allowed catching up through slower progress. Taking advantage of academic support services made a "huge difference" in staying motivated and organized. Reflecting on the journey, he said, "It wasn't about rushing but maintaining consistent effort and leveraging prior experience to make meaningful strides." This approach helped him complete the degree at a pace fitting his lifestyle and career goals.
Admission requirements for self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs include:
- Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants generally need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's programs. This requirement ensures foundational academic skills crucial for succeeding in college-level studies.
- GPA Requirements: GPA criteria differ significantly among programs. While some selective options mandate a minimum GPA between 2.5 and 3.0, open-access programs might waive this entirely. Checking specific GPA expectations early helps applicants align their academic history with program standards, especially when considering transfer credit and prior learning assessment policies for online electrical engineering degrees.
- Prerequisite Courses: Most programs expect prior completion of math subjects-such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus-and physics to prepare students for rigorous coursework. Verification often involves transcripts or evaluations through prior learning assessments.
- Admissions Flexibility: Many self-paced programs embrace open-enrollment or rolling admission, enabling non-traditional, part-time, or returning learners to apply anytime without deadline pressure or demanding standardized tests. This accessibility supports diverse educational pathways.
- Program Selectivity and Support: Selective programs typically offer structured academic support like tutoring and advising for students with stronger academic records. In contrast, open-access choices focus on accessibility, requiring students to take initiative in seeking assistance.
- Application Enhancement: Candidates not meeting minimum criteria can boost their applications by completing preparatory coursework, securing compelling recommendation letters, or showcasing professional technical experience. A thoughtfully crafted personal statement can further demonstrate motivation and readiness.
Cheap online edd programs also provide examples of flexible admissions practices applicable across various fields.
- Per-Credit Tuition: Many self-paced electrical engineering programs charge between $300 and $600 per credit hour, with a full degree requiring around 120 to 130 credits. This pay-as-you-go approach provides cost transparency, but expenses can rise if students take longer to finish.
- Flat-Rate Subscription: Some institutions offer monthly or term-based subscriptions, typically ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. This option encourages faster completion since students can take unlimited courses during the payment period, potentially lowering the overall cost.
- Bundled Fee Arrangements: These include tuition along with textbooks, technology access, and sometimes exam fees consolidated into one price. While this setup offers budgeting predictability, it can become less cost-effective if a student progresses slowly.
- Additional Fees: Technology charges for online platforms and proctoring software usually fall between $50 and $200 per term. Specialized courses often require textbooks, lab kits, or software licenses which might add $500 or more to the total tuition.
- Hidden Charges: Proctoring fees charged per exam-ranging from $20 to $50-and graduation application costs often catch students by surprise, as these are typically not included in the base tuition.
- Cost Versus Pace: Accelerated learners using self-paced models generally achieve the lowest total cost, even if upfront fees seem higher. Those who study more slowly often face prolonged fee accumulation, increasing the total amount paid.
A professional who completed a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree shared that while managing expenses was initially challenging, the ability to control her study speed and budget made all the difference. "I had to carefully plan each term, balancing work and coursework while watching the clock on subscription periods," she recalled. The unexpected proctoring and material fees were obstacles, but her strategic pace-taking advantage of flat-rate terms when possible-helped reduce overall costs. Reflecting on the journey, she emphasized that understanding these factors upfront allowed her to make smarter financial and academic decisions, ultimately leading to a rewarding career transition.
Federal financial aid plays a crucial role for many students enrolled in self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degrees, though competency-based education (CBE) programs often operate under unique rules. Unlike traditional credit-hour programs, some CBE options require students to demonstrate progress milestones to maintain eligibility for Pell Grants and Direct Loans via FAFSA. This difference can affect timing and the amount of aid disbursed.
State-level assistance complements federal aid but varies depending on the student's residence and the institution's policies. Candidates should verify available grants with their state's higher education office, as well as review institutional scholarships-many of which target online learners or STEM disciplines. These awards typically consider academic achievement, financial need, or professional history.
Professional organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) provide discipline-specific scholarships aimed at fostering diversity and innovation within electrical engineering. These funding opportunities are important for offsetting costs but often have strict eligibility and application deadlines.
According to the latest report from the College Board, nearly 70% of full-time undergraduates receive financial aid, increasingly through grants rather than loans. This shift is progressively benefiting online and self-paced learners as institutional support improves.
Because self-paced and CBE programs have distinctive financial aid structures and disbursement schedules, prospective students should engage directly with financial aid offices before enrolling to clarify eligibility and optimize funding opportunities.
- Federal Aid Eligibility: FAFSA supports many online electrical engineering students, but CBE programs may require measurable progress to confirm eligibility for grants and loans.
- State and Institutional Support: Availability of state grants and school scholarships varies widely; many institutions offer dedicated aid for online or STEM students.
- Professional Scholarships: Groups like IEEE offer electrical engineering-specific awards to promote diversity and innovation in the field.
- Disbursement Timing: Self-paced program structures influence when aid is released, so students must verify schedules with financial aid offices.
- Increasing Grant Aid: More online students receive grants over loans, reflecting a national trend in student financial aid.
Competency-Based Education (CBE) in self-paced online Electrical Engineering programs centers on students demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge instead of accruing fixed classroom hours. Learners progress by passing rigorous assessments that validate understanding of core topics like circuits, systems, and signal processing. This flexible approach allows faster advancement through familiar material and focused effort on challenging areas, ideal for working professionals or students with existing expertise.
For financial aid, CBE programs convert competencies into credit hours, but methods vary. Direct assessment models award credits solely upon proven mastery without traditional credit hour benchmarks, offering greater flexibility but requiring alignment with accreditation standards. Alternatively, credit-hour-equivalent programs map competencies to standard semester credits to maintain federal aid eligibility while preserving a familiar academic structure.
Leading examples include the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option and Western Governors University's Electrical Engineering program. Both use frequent assessments alongside dedicated faculty mentors to provide continuous support, ensuring students remain engaged despite the self-directed pace. These programs also benefit from employer recognition, valuing demonstrated skills over time spent in class.
CBE demands significant self-discipline and effective time management, making it essential that prospective students assess their readiness for independent study. According to a report from the Online Learning Consortium, CBE enrollments have grown by 15% annually, reflecting rising acceptance of this learning model.
- Mastery Through Assessment: Students prove competency via exams and projects rather than completing set hours, allowing personalized pacing and focus.
- Credit Hour Conversion: Programs convert demonstrated skills into credits differently-direct assessment awards credits upon mastery, while credit-hour equivalents align to traditional academic standards.
- Faculty and Employer Support: Many CBE programs provide dedicated faculty mentors and enjoy recognition from industries valuing demonstrated skills over seat time.
- Self-Discipline Requirement: Operate largely unsupervised, requiring motivation and strong organizational skills to progress effectively.
- Growing Popularity: The rise in CBE enrollment reflects broader acceptance and demand for flexible, skills-based education in engineering fields.
Accreditation plays a vital role when selecting a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's program. Regional accreditation is especially valued, carrying more weight with employers and graduate schools due to its rigorous assessment of academic quality and student support. For those seeking regionally accredited electrical engineering bachelor's degrees online, six regional accrediting bodies are officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Many reputable programs also hold programmatic accreditation from ABET, which verifies that the curriculum meets industry standards essential for electrical engineering professionals. In contrast, enrolling in nationally accredited or non-accredited programs carries risks, such as limited credit transferability and difficulty advancing in one's career or pursuing further education. These programs often serve vocational or technical schools and may not be broadly recognized by employers.
Prospective students should confirm accreditation status through reliable sources like the U.S. Department of Education's accreditation database or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) directory to ensure valid credentials. This due diligence supports informed decisions about enrollment and future opportunities. Additionally, students interested in flexible scheduling options might explore programs in related fields, such as clinical psychology programs online, which sometimes share self-paced structures.
- Accreditation Type: Regional accreditation ensures wider acceptance by employers and schools, making it preferable for electrical engineering degrees.
- Regional Accrediting Bodies: Six main regional accreditors-MSCHE, NECHE, HLC, NWCCU, SACSCOC, and WSCUC-are recognized by the Department of Education.
- Programmatic Accreditation: ABET accreditation confirms an electrical engineering program meets industry-specific educational standards, enhancing graduate competitiveness.
- Risks of National Accreditation: Programs with only national or no accreditation may limit credit transfer options and hinder career progression.
- Verification Resources: Use the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA online directories to verify accreditation before enrollment.
Transfer credit policies for self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree programs vary but generally allow substantial prior coursework to count toward degree requirements. Many institutions set a maximum transfer limit-commonly between 60 and 90 credits-enabling accelerated degree completion for non-traditional students and working professionals. Programs evaluate transfer credits through official transcript reviews that consider course content, accreditation, and earned grades to ensure alignment with degree objectives.
Military training credits are often accepted based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations, which benefits veterans and active-duty personnel by converting relevant experiential learning into academic credit. Further easing transfer processes are articulation agreements with community colleges, which guarantee that lower-division courses are directly applicable to the bachelor's degree. These policies enhance flexibility and reduce redundant coursework for transfer students.
Among schools with the most generous transfer policies are Western Governors University-permitting up to 90 transfer credits and accepting prior learning assessments-and Southern New Hampshire University, noted for its military-friendly credit recognition and extensive community college partnerships. These institutions provide comprehensive transfer credit guides to help students estimate their remaining credit requirements before enrolling.
Prospective enrollees should always request a transfer credit evaluation upfront. This essential pre-enrollment step clarifies how many credits will transfer, influencing the true remaining credit load and associated costs. For working professionals considering advanced studies, exploring the shortest online masters degree options can also complement their educational trajectory after completing a bachelor's.
- Maximum Transfer Credits: Many programs accept between 60 and 90 credits, allowing accelerated degree completion for qualified students.
- Military Training Credits: ACE recommendations enable recognition of military learning, enhancing credit transfer for service members.
- Articulation Agreements: Partnerships with community colleges facilitate smooth credit transfers and reduce redundant coursework.
- Evaluation Process: Transfer credits are reviewed for course relevance, accreditation, and earned grades before approval.
- Pre-Enrollment Assessment: Requesting an official credit evaluation helps students understand workload and financial commitments upfront.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) enables self-paced electrical engineering students to gain academic credit by validating knowledge acquired outside traditional academics. This includes professional experience, military training, industry certifications, and independent study. Students can earn credits through portfolio reviews, challenge exams, and standardized tests such as CLEP and DSST.
Programs like Western Governors University and Thomas Edison State University offer some of the most accommodating PLA policies, typically accepting 12 to 30 credits. These schools emphasize flexibility while ensuring academic standards through rigorous assessment procedures. The American Council on Education (ACE) plays a crucial role by recommending credit for military and workplace learning, simplifying credit transfer for service members and professionals.
To maximize PLA credit awards, students should submit comprehensive portfolios featuring detailed resumes, work samples, employer evaluations, and certification proofs. Institutions usually provide clear guidelines and advising services to help align these submissions with course expectations.
Recent studies indicate that around 85% of adult learners in self-paced programs utilize PLA, highlighting its significance as a cost-effective and time-saving pathway. Prospective students should carefully explore individual program PLA limits and documentation requirements to optimize their degree progress.
- Credit for Prior Learning: PLA recognizes diverse learning experiences-professional, military, and certified-boosting degree completion speed.
- ACE Evaluations: The council's recommendations facilitate academic credit for military training, easing transfer into electrical engineering programs.
- Top PLA-Friendly Schools: Western Governors University and Thomas Edison State University offer broad PLA credit policies, accepting up to 30 credits.
- Documentation Essentials: Detailed portfolios with work samples and employer letters improve PLA application success rates significantly.
- Widespread Adoption: Nearly 85% of adult learners use PLA credits in self-paced studies, emphasizing its growing role in accessible education.
Self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's programs commonly offer several concentration tracks tailored to diverse career goals and job market demands. These specializations impact study length, coursework difficulty, and whether additional credentials are necessary for advancement.
- Power Systems And Energy: Focused on generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, this track prepares graduates for roles like power engineers. Salaries typically range from $80,000 to $110,000 annually, and professional engineer (PE) licensure may be required for career growth.
- Electronics And Embedded Systems: Concentrating on circuit design and embedded software, this specialization suits electronics engineers and systems developers. Median earnings fall between $75,000 and $105,000, with hands-on labs or internships recommended due to its technical complexity.
- Communications And Signal Processing: Covering telecommunications and wireless technology, this field leads to positions as telecom engineers or signal specialists earning $85,000 to $115,000. Industry certifications in networking can improve job prospects.
- Control Systems And Automation: Emphasizing robotics and industrial automation, this concentration offers careers in control engineering with salaries from $80,000 to $110,000. Additional certifications or practical experience may be necessary.
- Computer Engineering And Software Integration: Blending computer science with electrical engineering, this track involves hardware-software integration. Graduates earn $90,000 to $120,000 on average, though the interdisciplinary curriculum may extend program duration.
Selecting the appropriate concentration aligns one's studies with both personal interests and labor market needs. Tracks with intensive labs or certifications often lengthen completion times, while theory-oriented options might allow faster graduation. Prospective students should evaluate the balance between passion, professional requirements, and time investment when choosing a specialization.
What Graduates Say About Self-Paced Online Electrical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Programs
- Ramon: "Choosing a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's degree was crucial for me because I needed the flexibility to keep working full time while studying. The program's affordability made it accessible without sacrificing quality, which was a major factor since I was funding it myself. Completing the degree not only boosted my technical knowledge but also opened doors to several new job opportunities within my company that I hadn't imagined before."
- Marcos: "Reflecting on my journey, the self-paced format allowed me to thoroughly understand complex electrical engineering concepts at my own rhythm, which really helped me master the material deeply instead of rushing through it. I appreciated the reasonable cost compared to traditional universities, making it a smart financial investment. Professionally, the degree has elevated my credibility in the field and given me the confidence to pursue engineering projects I once felt were out of reach."
- Silas: "From a professional standpoint, I chose a self-paced online electrical engineering bachelor's program to maximize efficiency-balancing family, work, and education without feeling overwhelmed. The cost-effectiveness of the program was a pragmatic consideration that allowed me to avoid student debt. Since graduating, I've witnessed a clear advancement in my career trajectory, gaining responsibilities and roles that leverage the specialized skills I honed throughout the program."
Other Things You Should Know About Electrical Engineering Degrees
Yes, credits from a 2027 self-paced online Electrical Engineering bachelor's program may be transferable depending on the receiving institution's policies. It's important to confirm with both the current and prospective schools to understand their credit transfer agreements and accreditation requirements.
Students need a reliable internet connection, a computer with minimum specifications like a multicore processor and 8GB RAM, and specific software such as MATLAB or CAD tools recommended by their program, to successfully enroll and participate in 2027 self-paced online Electrical Engineering bachelor's programs.
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- Client Challenge https://www.scribd.com/document/76832791/Application-Ee
- Account Suspended https://questapply.com/find-program/36084/electrical-engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Top-up) (Online) BEng Tech (Hons) https://www.tees.ac.uk/undergraduate_courses/engineering_&_construction/beng_tech_(hons)_electrical_and_electronic_engineering_(top-up)_(online).cfm
- 2025 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (other) Tuition - Online https://www.collegetuitioncompare.com/majors/14.1099/electrical-electronics-and-communications-engineering-other/
- In need of an electrical engineering degree I can do online.? - Answers https://www.answers.com/electrical-engineering/In_need_of_an_electrical_engineering_degree_I_can_do_online
- Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) https://www.sait.ca/admissions/transfer-options/prior-learning-assessment-and-recognition
- How Online Programs Support Electrical Engineers at Work https://info.online.bradley.edu/college-of-engineering/blog/online-programs-for-working-electrical-engineers
- Academic accreditation https://www.theiet.org/career/accreditation/academic-accreditation
- Self-Paced Learning: What to Expect From a CBE Program https://www.umassglobal.edu/blog-news/self-paced-learning-expect-a-cbe-program
