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.

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.

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.

• Engineering Graphics Communication

  Engineering graphics communication introduces students to drafting software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Pro/E. Coursework involves developing simple blueprints and creating 3D models. Degree-seekers take this course in their first year of a mechanical engineering online program, as advanced courses require learners to complete assignments using these software suites.

• Materials Science

  Mechanical engineers must consider which materials best suit a product in development. Materials science introduces learners to different materials' mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Coursework also emphasizes materials' inspection best practices, as selecting the wrong metal, plastic, or polymer during production may lead to a project's failure or put users in physical danger.

• Applied Strengths of Material

  Mechanical engineers create durable products by considering how stress and strain affect moving systems. Course topics include how constant loads wear down materials and formulas engineers use to calculate these effects. Learners examine advanced materials' strength topics, such as materials' failure points when applying different loads simultaneously.

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.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

#1

The University of Alabama

School Information
Location	Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Admission Rate	83%
Graduation Rate	71%
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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The University of Alabama offers an online mechanical engineering program featuring a flexible learning environment. Students take core mechanical engineering courses and receive specialized training.

Students use the college’s generous transfer policy to finish degrees faster. Bachelor’s degrees cost $10,780 for in-state tuition. The school offers master's programs that students typically complete in two years. Prospective students can expect to pay $10,780 graduate in-state tuition. Enrollees pay for tuition with an average aid package of $9,249. Distance learners receive support from online services, such as tutoring and career advising.

The school offers flexible enrollment with multiple start terms. The school admits students at a rate of 83%. Applicants submit official school transcripts, and entrance scores may bolster students’ application. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.

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#2

Old Dominion University

School Information
Location	Norfolk, Virginia
Admission Rate	89%
Graduation Rate	53%
Accreditation	Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Percent Online Enrollment	54% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Learners at Old Dominion University can pursue 177 academic programs, including online options. Students receive specialized training, and major classes cover field-specific topics to prepare learners for the workforce or graduate studies.

With transfer credits, online learners can finish bachelor’s degrees in 18-36 months. The school’s in-state tuition rate for bachelor’s degrees is $7,029. Enrollees complete master's programs in about two years. Graduate students pay $10,207 in in-state tuition for programs. Enrollees pay for tuition with an average aid package of $8,021. Per credit, enrollees pay an average of $492.

Online learners can choose from multiple start terms. Prospective learners can expect an 89% admission rate. Applicants must submit documents, such as school transcripts, and degree-seekers can use entrance scores to bolster their application. Old Dominion University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

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#3

Indiana State University

School Information
Location	Terre Haute, Indiana
Admission Rate	90%
Graduation Rate	41%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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Indiana State University delivers 165 online and on-campus programs. The school admits 90% of its applicants.

Indiana State University At a Glance:

Undergrad Graduation Rate: 41%

Students Receiving Aid: 92%

Percentage of Learners Awarded Student Loans: 57%

Average Cost After Financial Aid: $12,996

Applies Transfer Credits: No

Nontraditional learners can choose from multiple start terms. Degree-seekers can expect an admission rate of 90% and can use entrance scores to bolster their application. Indiana State University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting agency.

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#4

University of Michigan-Dearborn

School Information
Location	Dearborn, Michigan
Admission Rate	62%
Graduation Rate	56%
Accreditation	Yes Higher Learning Commission
Percent Online Enrollment	34% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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The bachelor's programs at University of Michigan-Dearborn help professionals advance their careers and pursue new opportunities. In a mechanical engineering program, distance learners complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. The coursework covers core mechanical engineering topics and specialized training.

With transfer credits, online learners can finish bachelor’s degrees in 18-36 months. Online learners pay $12,729 in-state tuition for bachelor’s degrees. 

Distance learners can finish a master’s degree in two years. Graduate students pay $12,770 in state. The school’s average aid package of $9,694 helps students pay for their education, and students help afford their education with private and institutional scholarships.

The school's bachelor's programs rank among the best in the nation for quality and affordability. Students can access support services online and in person. Learners can access peer and professional tutoring. University of Michigan-Dearborn has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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#5

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

School Information
Location	Lowell, Massachusetts
Admission Rate	73%
Graduation Rate	66%
Accreditation	Yes New England Commission on Higher Education
Percent Online Enrollment	32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.

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University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers an online that ranks among the top programs in the country. At the public institution, degree-seekers take classes in person and online. 

Created with working professionals in mind, the program's flexible format puts more control in the student's hands. During an online degree, learners take courses that build in-demand knowledge and skills. Students work closely with faculty advisors to design a custom degree plan based on their interests and professional goals. The school supports online students through academic advising, experiential learning opportunities, and career services.

Distance learners may qualify for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid, such as the Pell Grant.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 5,831

Online Bachelor's Programs: 11

Online Master's Programs: 11

Admission Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 66%

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No

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