Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
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Mechanical engineering is a broad field that covers a number of different areas within engineering. Typically, mechanical engineers research, design and manufacture and test tools, engines, and other various mechanical devices. Many mechanical engineers design tools that are needed for other areas within the field of engineering. These skilled individuals often become managers later on in their careers. Along with civil engineers, mechanical engineers have one of the highest rates of employment within the engineering field. Jobs may be found in manufacturing, professional, scientific, or technical service settings. Depending on the level of achieved education, experience, and location, mechanical engineers can earn anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year.
A thorough study of mathematics and science will help to prepare engineering students for this career. An understanding and ability to work well with computers will also be required when entering mechanical engineering, as the majority of their design work will be on computer software programs. Mechanical engineers overall will need to be able to perform a number of different tasks to ensure that their end products meet standards for quality assurance.
A bachelor's degree will be required for any entry-level position within this field. A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering may be applied toward other engineering jobs further down the road. Many engineers who have training in one specific area may end up working in another as changes in technology are made, or if there are a shortage of engineers at a specific time. In addition to a bachelor's degree, mechanical engineers will also need to be licensed. All 50 states will require a license in order to be considered a professional engineer. A combination of coursework, licensure, and experience will have any student well prepared for this field of opportunity.
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Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
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Career Specializations
- Robotics: This has become a more obvious discipline area of mechanical engineering in the past decade or so. Mechanical engineers make some of the most recognizable and innovative changes in robotics today.
- Marine Engineering: This area focuses on sea vessels to make sure that they are properly equipped for sea travel. This may involve design projects on very complex systems to ensure that all needs for the vessel are met.
- Nanotechnology: Designing and creating technology such as the computer chip or the polymer is what mechanical engineers focus on here. Nanotechnology generally deals with the smallest forms of new technology devices.
- Acoustical Engineering: Considered to be one of the most artistic areas of engineering, this discipline deals with the suppression or generation of sounds.
- Biomechatronics: Combining the human body with mechanized devices is what this area focuses on. Some major developments are made to assist, or replace major valves of the heart.
Degree Levels
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years to complete
Education & Certification Requirements
Pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in mechanical engineering will create many opportunities for prospective students. When considering mechanical engineering programs, make sure to look at ABET for accredited colleges. They provide information on all the accredited engineering colleges that may be available. There are 600 colleges there to choose from and over 3,000 programs for future engineers and related studies.
All mechanical engineers are required to possess a bachelor's degree in order to find working opportunities. Two years will generally be spent studying science and mathematics, with the following two years being spent specifically on mechanical engineering. Some universities have agreements with two-year colleges, where they will automatically accept a student after their initial two year's training has been completed.
All states will also require proper licensure to become a mechanical engineer as well. In order to become a professional engineer (PE) students must complete their bachelor's at an ABET-accredited college, have four years of job-related experience, and successfully pass a state examination for licensure. Before students choose to continue their education in mechanical engineering, they should look at licensure requirements according to the state they will be working in. (BLS)
In order to become a mechanical engineer, students will need to pass two stages of licensure testing that is required by their individual state. The Fundamentals of Engineering exam (FE) can be taken directly after graduation. After this test has been completed and passed, students can now call themselves an engineer in training (EIT). To become a fully licensed engineer, students will need to have required work experience to take the second test, or the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Upon the second exam's completion, students can now be fully recognized as professional engineers (PEs). (BLS)
Salary Information
Salaries for mechanical engineers will vary depending on experience, education level and location. However, the average salary can range from $47,000 to over $100,000. Engineers as a whole can earn some of the highest-paying salaries in comparison to other professions. Those who focus specifically in mechanical engineering are expected to have higher incomes than other engineering roles, such as agricultural engineering. (BLS)
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for the mechanical engineering field in general are expected to grow by 6 percent. Employment opportunities are projected to be slower than average; however, there will still be a need for their services as they work to improve and develop a wide range of products.
In the future, employers will depend on mechanical engineers to increase productivity. Technologies are constantly changing and evolving and the job of a mechanical engineer will help to implement them. As technologies emerge in the fields of biotechnology, materials science, and nanotechnology, job opportunities will continue to grow. As engineering will be changing with technology, mechanical engineers will be expected to come up with product designs at a faster rate.
Regardless of the need for mechanical engineers, the globalization of the field is sure to change some aspects of employment. Engineers around the world are willing to work for lower rates than engineers in the United States, so competition for certain positions is to be expected. (BLS)
Related Careers
All engineers will use and apply their studies in mathematics and natural science in their everyday work. Other careers that may be of interest include computer scientist, computer and information systems manager, and biological scientists.
Computer scientists design, create and invent new technology. Although this career field may require a PhD, computer scientists work with mechanical engineers and other experts to solve business and computing problems.
Computer and information systems managers are expected to have a fast-growing employment rate for the future. These experts typically plan and coordinate computer systems within an organization. Administering technology by overseeing software development, Internet operations, and overall network security are the main goals for these experts.
Similar to mechanical engineers, biological scientists work to develop new ideas and products. They study living organisms and conduct research to gain a better understanding of life processes. Although a PhD may be required for positions under this field, in some circumstances a bachelor's degree in biology will be acceptable. (BLS)
