Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees 2020
Mechanical Engineers are behind many of the technologies that you use every day. The person who designed your car engine was a mechanical engineer, so are the professionals behind your air-conditioner.
If you enjoy working with machines and have a passion for mathematics and engineering, a mechanical engineering job may be right for you. Mechanical engineering involves using math, physics, and engineering to build appliances, from wind turbines and engines to circuits that power smartphones.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in mechanical engineering are expected to grow at a rate of 4 percent by 2020, which the Bureau describes as “as fast as average.”
But it’s not just the employment prospects; these professionals bring in handsome salaries as well. The median pay for a mechanical engineer in 2019 was $88,430 per year.
Online mechanical engineering degrees have grown in popularity over the last few years as an alternative to traditional, in-person programs. With these degrees, you can build a solid understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering while enjoying the flexibility that comes with pursuing your degree remotely.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top 10 online mechanical engineering degree programs and discuss their curriculums, tuition and other important information.
Ranking of Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees in 2020
There are so many online mechanical engineering degree programs that you may be a little overwhelmed. But don’t worry—you’re not alone. To help you find the program that’s right for you, we’ve prepared a list of the top programs on the web.
#1: University of Alabama
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Tuition: $375 / credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 126 credits
With an alumni body that includes 15 Rhodes Scholars and 13 Boren Scholars, the University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. The program is mostly online, but students need to attend at least three in-person classes to graduate.
This program will prepare you for a career in mechanical engineering as you learn about the science of designing a component, a machine, and a system as part of a bigger process. The curriculum includes classes in statics, dynamics, heat transfer, and applied differential equations.
#2: Indiana State University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Tuition: $332 / credit
- Duration: Varies according to student
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits (including transfer credits)
With more than 12,000 students from all 50 states and over 65 countries, Indiana State University offers an online Mechanical Engineering Technology degree with an emphasis on theory and practice.
This program is designed for transfer students who have already started a mechanical engineering degree. It focuses on design and management, preparing the student for designing tools and products and managing people, resources, and systems. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of computer-aided design, the strength of materials, and applied statistics, among other topics.
#3: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical
- Tuition: $157.65 / credit (in-state); $611.65 / credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: Varies according to student
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers fifteen programs online, including a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical. The program is designed for those who can’t attend classes on campus. Except for summer labs, which require on-campus instruction, the program can be completed entirely online.
Students learn about control systems, power systems, electronic circuits and systems, and linear circuits, among other topics. This degree prepares the student for careers in electrical technology, such as systems administrator and mechanical engineer.
#4: Old Dominion University
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
- Tuition: Varies depending on several factors
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Old Dominion University offers several engineering degree programs online. One of these is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, which has multiple specialties to prepare the student for specific career paths. The curriculum covers civil engineering technology and computer engineering technology, among other topics.
Engineering students can also opt to pursue a minor in mechanical engineering technology, which explores fluid mechanics, thermal applications, and thermodynamics, among other topics.
#5: University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Tuition: $380 / credit
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 124 credits
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology can be pursued combining in-person and online classes.
Students gain a broad understanding of engineering and the skills needed to design, test, and build products, systems, and devices. Topics covered include mechanical engineering, materials science, and engineering design.
The university has over 18,000 students studying in six different colleges. Graduates have an average mid-career salary of $107,300.
Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Offerings
A degree in mechanical engineering will give you the theoretical knowledge and skills you need to break into a career in engineering.
Online programs in mechanical engineering provide a high degree of flexibility. Most allow you to study from anywhere for most of the program. Some, however, require the student to attend labs to practice the skills acquired online.
You can earn four types of mechanical engineering degrees online:
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
Online Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree
An online associate degree in mechanical engineering will teach you how to design and build mechanical systems such as circuits, engines, and heaters. Through labs and classes, you’d gain the foundational knowledge and skills needed to secure an entry-level job in mechanical engineering.
Online Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Admission Requirements
Most associate degrees in mechanical engineering online require a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate.
Online Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Curriculum
In an associate degree, you’ll learn mechanical engineering through classes in math, engineering, and natural science. You will also attend labs to hone your engineering skills.
The engineering courses cover how to design, prototype, model, and build different mechanical systems. For example, a standard course in an associate degree in mechanical engineering is ‘strength of materials,’ where you learn how different materials can be used with machines. This class helps the student understand the natural limitations of certain materials in circuits and machines.
Online Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree Progression
An associate degree will prepare you for an entry-level job as a mechanical engineering technician. To gain access to more advanced positions, you may have to study a bachelor’s degree. Many associate degree holders go on to study for a bachelor’s degree.
Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
An online mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree will open the doors to several jobs in mechanical engineering. Most mechanical engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
To enroll in an online mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree, you’ll need at least a high school diploma as well as advanced skills in mathematics and science (such as physics or chemistry).
Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Curriculum
The first two years of the program involve courses in engineering, chemistry, physics, and computer programming. These will give you the foundational skills you need to understand how machines are engineered.
For example, courses in math will give you the skills you need to analyze data in the context of engineering, while courses in programming will help you understand how engineering relates to the hardware used by computers.
The last two years of the degree cover more advanced engineering topics, such as material science and strength, fluid mechanics, machine design and dynamics, and system dynamics. You’ll also be expected to participate in several labs to gain experience.
Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Progression
After graduating from a bachelor’s degree, there are two common paths: studying toward a master’s degree, or getting a job in mechanical engineering. With a bachelor’s degree, you’ll be well-positioned to secure an entry-level job in mechanical engineering or a related field.
Online Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degrees
If you want to delve deeper into a specific topic, consider studying a master’s degree in mechanical engineering online. Master’s degrees are typically more research-focused.
To be admitted into a master’s program, you need to have a bachelor’s degree. You may be asked to submit college transcripts and have over a certain GPA score.
Online Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Degrees
Some schools also offer mechanical engineering doctoral degrees online, which allow the student to pursue a particular specialization in mechanical engineering. Some of the specializations are materials science, robotics or aerospace systems.
The bulk of the work will go toward creating an advanced research project that makes an original contribution to the field. You’ll be expected to work on a dissertation or a capstone project which you will have to defend in front of a dissertation committee.
To gain admission, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s. You may also have to submit your GPA, letters of recommendation and a resume.
What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
A degree in mechanical engineering opens the door to a range of jobs. Almost all sectors of the engineering industry—from pharmaceuticals to oil and gas, and from chemicals to aerospace—seek out Mechanical Engineers.
These are a few of the career paths available to holders of an online mechanical engineering degree:
- Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical Engineers find solutions to complicated engineering programs, from designing small components to building engines for vehicles. They work on all stages of the product development life cycle, from research to testing.
- Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft and other flying objects. They work on missiles, satellites, space vehicles, commercial airplanes, and military aircraft.
- Automotive Engineer: These professional design cars, motorbikes, bikes and trucks. These often specialize in the design, production, or research and development of vehicles.
- Contracting Civil Engineer: Contracting Civil Engineers oversee the construction of an engineering project on the ground. They organize human and material resources, ensure projects are on schedule and solve any construction-related problems.
- Maintenance Engineer: Maintenance Engineers ensure that electronic equipment and machinery run smoothly. They oversee routine maintenance, organize repairs, and respond to unexpected errors in existing systems.
These are just a few of the jobs you can access with a mechanical engineering degree. You can also become a Water Engineer, Production Manager, Land-based Engineer, or Acoustic Consultant.
Career Prospects for Mechanical Engineering Degree Graduates
Mechanical engineering degree graduates have excellent career prospects. These workers are in high demand, and companies are willing to pay a lot of money to attract the right talent.
These are the average salaries for typical engineering jobs, collected from Indeed.com.
As you can see, a mechanical engineering degree can be a stepping stone to a big salary. If you just landed your first job in the industry, your salary may be significantly lower than the figures above. Still, as you accumulate years of experience, you can expect your income to increase.
Conclusion
Do you enjoy building things? Do you like math, physics and engineering? If so, a degree in mechanical engineering may be a good investment for you. As a student of mechanical engineering, you’ll learn to design, build and test devices. You will also develop the mindset you need to thrive in several engineering-related careers.
Schools are starting to offer mechanical engineering degrees online, allowing you to study on a flexible schedule. Although many of these programs still require the student to attend some classes on campus, most of the coursework can be completed from the comfort of your home.
