Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Mechanical engineering schools' online programs prepare students to enter a growing field with numerous career opportunities. Additional licensure requirements

Updated October 20, 2023

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Can you Get a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?

Mechanical engineers design, prototype, and build moving machines. Multiple industries that include automotive manufacturing, robotics, and cooling systems employ them. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earn a $90,160 median annual salary. The BLS also projects that jobs for mechanical engineers will grow 4% between 2019-2029.

Professionals must possess a bachelor's degree to enter this diverse field. An online mechanical engineering degree provides the education engineers-in-training need to apply to entry-level positions and start the licensure process. Other benefits include honing transferable problem-solving, mathematics, and interpersonal skills.

Mechanical Engineering Frequently Asked Questions


Can you get a mechanical engineering degree online?

Top colleges and universities offer a fully online mechanical engineering degree. Students experience the same learning outcomes as on-campus degree-seekers, such as the ability to troubleshoot problems and collaborate with peers.

Is a mechanical engineering degree worth it?

The mechanical engineering field offers job opportunities in different industries. As a result, students and recent graduates explore careers aligning with their values and interests.

What degree do I need to become a mechanical engineer?

Professionals need a bachelor's in mechanical engineering degree to apply to entry-level positions. Other options include a 5- to 6-year BS/MS program.

Do mechanical engineers make good money?

A typical mechanical engineer earns approximately $50,000 more annually than the average U.S. worker. The top 10% of earners in this field make over $140,000.

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Why Get a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering schools' online programs prepare students to enter a growing field with numerous career opportunities. Other benefits include qualifying for a state-issued professional engineering license. Additional licensure requirements involve obtaining at least four years of professional experience and passing an examination.

A mechanical engineering degree online program may use an asynchronous curriculum. Asynchronous programs allow students to view recorded lectures and contribute to discussion boards at convenient times. This academic flexibility allows many degree-seekers to continue working while earning a degree. Other online learning benefits may include specialized support services and the ability to attend a top U.S. school without relocating.

How Much Does a Mechanical Engineering Degree Cost?

Prospective students on a budget should determine whether any in-state public colleges and universities offer a mechanical engineering degree, as these schools charge residents competitive tuition rates. Learners attending a private school may pay more for their degree. Applicants determine a school's return on investment by researching graduate outcomes.

An online mechanical engineering degree may feature cost savings in addition to lower tuition. Some colleges and universities exempt online learners from specific fees. Students do not pay for multiple services that on-campus learners use, such as housing, meals, and transportation. Also, many students with small children circumvent childcare costs.

Institutional financial aid reduces students' tuition. Many schools award grants and scholarships to incoming first-year and transfer students. Active-duty service members may also qualify for an automatic tuition reduction. Please contact your prospective school's financial aid office to learn more about tuition-reduction programs.

How Much Do Mechanical Engineering Majors Make?

Professionals with a mechanical engineering degree working in scientific research and development services earn the highest median annual salary. Other fields offering a competitive salary include computer and electronic product manufacturing, architectural services, and transportation equipment manufacturing. Workers in these sectors earn over $90,000 annually.

Geographic location affects how much mechanical engineering majors make. Workers in New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and Maryland earn significantly more than professionals in other states. Positions in California and Louisiana also offer a median salary exceeding $100,000 annually. However, students should consider a state's cost of living before deciding where to start their career.

In addition to becoming a licensed mechanical engineer, workers can increase their salary potential with industry certifications. A certification demonstrates mastery of mechanical engineering topics and dedication to the field. Certification requirements may include possessing relevant experience and passing examinations.

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Courses in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering degrees emphasize the knowledge and skills necessary to develop moving devices and systems. Coursework prepares students to apply mechanical engineering fundamentals when navigating real-life problems. Typical programs conclude with a senior project wherein degree-seekers design and create a product. Graduation requirements also include general education courses, such as history and literature.

Typical mechanical engineering schools online require some, if not all, of the following foundational courses. However, course expectations and academic requirements vary among schools. Please visit a program's website or contact an admissions advisor to learn more about the student experience and graduate outcomes.

Certifications and Licensure for Mechanical Engineering

Professionals with a mechanical engineering degree may continue their education and earn professional engineering licensure and industry certifications. Licensure and certification requirements involve gaining professional experience and passing an examination. Potential benefits include qualifying for a supervisory position, earning a raise, or exploring new job opportunities.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) awards the CHD to candidates who pass a 115-question examination. ASHRAE members receive a certification discount. Professionals recertify every three years, completing at least 45 professional development (PD) credits. More than 30 U.S. government agencies recognize ASHRAE certifications as a gold standard in the field. CQEs possess the honed quality control (QC) skills necessary to develop new systems, analyze improper QC causes, and promote QC best practices. Eligibility requirements for professionals with a mechanical engineering degree include four years of experience and passing a 175-question examination. Recertifying involves completing PD credits or taking another examination. Although recent graduates do not need a license to apply to entry-level positions, licensure helps experienced mechanical engineers advance their career. Eligibility requirements include passing the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and working as an engineer-in-training for at least four years. Candidates then attempt the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. Other requirements vary by state.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

#1 Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

The University of Alabama

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Designed with working professionals in mind, the online BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama prioritizes flexibility. Distance learners take courses through an online learning management platform. The program prepares graduates for mechanical engineering careers or related professional paths.

Undergraduates can take synchronous and asynchronous classes as part of their online mechanical engineering program. Busy students often prefer the flexibility of asynchronous classes, which require no set meeting times. Majors can focus their studies with a specialization or minor. Experiential learning opportunities help degree-seekers gain hands-on experience.

At the public institution, 34,134 learners choose an online delivery format. Online learners can qualify for federal financial aid programs and many other forms of aid at the accredited institution. Working professionals may also receive employer-sponsored tuition plans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,780
Out-of-state
$30,250
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
37,840
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
90% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

University of North Dakota

  • Grand Forks, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

From its Grand Forks campus, the University of North Dakota offers a variety of in-person and online degrees. The public institution currently enrolls 11,293 students online. The mechanical engineering bachelor's program appeals to degree-seekers interested in pursuing entry-level careers or graduate studies in the field.

The online format makes it easier for majors to earn 120 credits and complete a bachelor's degree. Undergraduates connect with faculty using the school's online learning platform. Distance students can work with the program to arrange internship opportunities in their local area.

The school boasts a long record of excellence in online education, delivering 11 online bachelor's programs for degree-seekers. The school supports distance learners with online student services, such as academic advising and career counseling, which prepare learners for the job market.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,540
Out-of-state
$12,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,060
Out-of-state
$16,590
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
13,615
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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