In June, Joe Kuzmanoff became the first graduate of Oregon State University’s online bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering — an accomplishment more than 25 years in the making and the culmination of an eclectic journey.

“For years, I had been looking for a program that could be done 100% remotely,” said Kuzmanoff, who describes himself as the quintessential nontraditional student. “Until the Oregon State Ecampus option came along, the choices were very slim.”

A long-brewing interest in engineering

Like many drawn to mechanical engineering, the 46-year-old from Grayslake, Illinois, had been captivated by mechanical systems since childhood. At 14, he restored a vintage Yamaha Enduro motorcycle. Later projects included an MGB GT — a classic British sports car — along with BSA and Triumph motorcycles.

“I learned how to machine parts, and I had formal training in welding, and those skills gave me a tremendous amount of freedom,” he said. “Studying high-level engineering years later gave me the ability to design and fabricate my own parts and understand mechanical systems on a deeper level.”

Kuzmanoff graduated from high school in 1997, then enrolled in an engineering degree program at a college in Chicago. Things didn’t go as planned, so he opted for associate degrees in engineering, science, and arts, which he earned in 2001 from the College of Lake County, not far from his home.

He later worked as a driving instructor before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005. While stationed in Monterey, California, Kuzmanoff attended the Defense Language Institute and subsequently served as a cryptologic linguist and analyst specializing in Russian. His studies included a 47-week Russian language class.

“I took a number of courses and tests to get my linguistic certification,” he said. “That was eye-opening, because I figured out how to study effectively.”

That newfound confidence and his improved study habits would pay off years later at Oregon State.

Search for the ideal online mechanical engineering program

Nine years ago, Kuzmanoff began working as a math and science tutor at the College of Lake County. Though his ambition to earn an engineering degree never wavered, he still hadn’t found a suitable remote option. Then COVID hit, and suddenly millions of college students were taking online classes, which convinced Kuzmanoff that nearly any degree could be completed through distance learning. When Oregon State announced the 2023 launch of its fully remote, accredited mechanical engineering degree program, Kuzmanoff jumped in.

Many of the credit hours he had accrued while earning his associate degrees applied to his bachelor’s degree, but to squeeze in all of the credits he needed before his GI Bill benefits expired, Kuzmanoff consistently maintained at least a full course load (including one 20-credit term) and continued to work the maximum allowable hours at his job throughout the program. It was all worth the effort.

“A lot of the material was fascinating,” he said. “And the further I progressed the more faith I had that I could tackle even the most difficult classes.”

The curriculum focuses on mechanical engineering’s computational track, which emphasizes mathematical and computer-based methods to model, simulate, and analyze physical systems, explained Andy Dong, professor and head of the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering.

“It doesn’t replicate the hands-on activities typically associated with a conventional mechanical engineering curriculum,” Dong said. “However, the track emphasizes computational skills that are very much in demand for mechanical engineering jobs.”

A fast-growing program

Kuzmanoff may have led the way as the program’s first graduate, but he will be followed by many more students who recognize the opportunities it creates.  

“We projected that about 20 students would enroll in the first year,” Dong said. “By the summer 2024 quarter, enrollment reached 85 students. As of Summer 2025, it had grown to 227 students, and another 38 students — and counting — have already registered for the fall term.” 

Kuzmanoff visited Corvallis this summer for the first time to attend commencement and receive his degree.

“I finally got to meet some of the faculty and staff who had helped me so much,” he said. “The campus is absolutely beautiful, and the size of the commencement was amazing.”

Kuzmanoff is now weighing his options, which include graduate school and finding an engineering position.

“I didn’t do this with a specific dream job in mind, but it’s opened a lot of doors,” he said. “I feel like my outlook is pretty good.”