Mechanical engineers are behind many of the technologies that you use every day. The person who designed your car engine was a mechanical engineer. The professionals behind your air conditioner are mechanical engineers. So, what exactly is the profession about?
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is the use of math, physics, and engineering to build appliances. These appliances come in a variety of forms from wind turbines and engines to circuits that power smartphones.
Do you enjoy working with machines? Or do you have an aptitude for numbers and problem solving? If so, a career in mechanical engineering may be the right fit for you.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in mechanical engineering are expected to grow by four percent this year. The Bureau describes it as being “as fast as average.”
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But it’s not just the employment prospects that bear mentioning. These professionals bring in handsome salaries as well, with last year recording a median pay of $88,430.
It thus comes as no surprise why the career has grown in popularity over the last few years. This, in turn, paved the way for online mechanical engineering degrees to gain traction as alternative to traditional, in-person programs.
With such an option, you can build a solid understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. And you can do so while enjoying the flexibility that comes with pursuing your education remotely.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top five online mechanical engineering degree programs and discuss their curricula, tuition fees, and other important information.
Five Best Mechanical Engineering Degrees Online
With online mechanical engineering degree programs in abundance, it’s easy to get lost in the search for the best ones. 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.
| University | Program | Cost/credit |
| University of Alabama | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | $375 |
| Indiana State University | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology | $332 |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical | $157.65 (in-state), $611.65 (out-of-state) |
| Old Dominion University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology | Varies |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology | $380 |
#1: University of Alabama
- Program: 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
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Tuition: $332/credit
- Duration: Varies according to student
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits (including transfer credits)
Indiana 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.
Design and management are the focal points of the program. This means that students train in designing tools and products, as well as 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
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology: Electrical
- Tuition: $157.65/credit (in-state); $611.65/credit (out-of-state)
- Duration: Varies by student
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers 15 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 others. Graduates of the program are expected to launch careers in electrical technology. These include roles as systems administrators and mechanical engineers.
#4: Old Dominion University
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology
- Tuition: Varies depending on several factors
- Duration: 4 years
- Credit Requirement: 120 credits
Old Dominion University offers some engineering degree programs online. One of these is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. The program entails multiple specialties to prepare students for specific career paths. Covered in the curriculum are the fundamentals of civil engineering technology and computer engineering technology.
Engineering students can also opt to pursue a minor in mechanical engineering technology. In this field, students explore fluid mechanics, thermal applications, and thermodynamics, among others.
#5: University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Program: 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 via an integration of 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 the field. Programs offered online provide a high level of flexibility that in-person programs rarely do.
Most allow you to study from anywhere throughout the program. Some, however, require students to attend labs in person to equip them with hands-on experience.
Just like with other fields, there are four types of mechanical engineering education that you can attend 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.
The Admission Requirements
Most associate degrees in mechanical engineering online require applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate.
The Curriculum
In this degree, you’ll learn mechanical engineering through classes that focus in areas of 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 is ‘strength of materials’, where you learn how different materials can be used with machines. This class helps you understand the natural limitations of certain materials in circuits and machines.
The Career Track
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 doors to several jobs in the field. Most mechanical engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
The Admission Requirements
Applicants will need at least a high school diploma as well as advanced skills in mathematics and science (such as physics or chemistry).
The 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’d need to understand how machines are engineered.
For example, courses in math will teach you how to analyze data in the context of engineering. Courses in programming, meanwhile, will show you how engineering relates to the hardware used by computers.
The last two years of the degree cover more advanced engineering topics. These include 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.
The Career Track
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 offer mechanical engineering doctoral degrees online, which allow students to pursue a particular specialization in mechanical engineering. The specializations include materials science, robotics, and aerospace systems.
A bulk of the coursework will go toward creating an advanced research project that makes an original contribution to the field. The program culminates with a dissertation or a capstone project which you will have to defend in front of a 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 and oil and gas to chemicals and 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. Their tasks range 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 professionals design cars, motorbikes, and trucks. They 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 and organize repairs. They also 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. Given this, 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. 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, you’ll learn to design, build and test devices. You will also develop the mindset you need to thrive in several engineering disciplines.
Schools are starting to offer mechanical engineering degrees online, allowing you to study on a flexible schedule. It’s true that many of these programs still require the attendance of some classes on campus. However, most of the coursework can be completed from the comfort of your home.
