A mechanical engineer helped develop so many of the devices and objects you use daily. Within their industry (e.g., auto research, cooling systems, robotics), these professionals analyze manufacturing processes, develop prototypes, and troubleshoot problems. Much of their work also involves collaborating with engineers from different professional backgrounds, such as electrical engineers and materials scientists.
Becoming a mechanical engineer requires more than a passion for design and invention. You also need a foundational education in engineering featuring specialized mechanical engineering coursework. Discover how earning an online mechanical engineering degree can train you for this role while providing a flexible and affordable educational experience.
Why Earn Your Mechanical Engineering Degree Online
- The best online mechanical engineering degree programs feature the same accreditation as on-campus programs.
- Some programs offer an asynchronous curriculum, letting you schedule graduation requirements around a full-time job or other responsibilities.
- Many public colleges and universities waive out-of-state tuition for online students.
- Your online program may offer specializations, such as computational engineering.
Best Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for Mechanical Engineering
Prospective mechanical engineering majors should only consider colleges that are accredited. Institutional accreditation means a school meets set standards for academic quality.
Many graduate schools and employers only recognize degrees earned from accredited schools. What's more, you can only qualify for federal financial aid if your school holds the proper accreditation.
In addition to institutional accreditation, you should look for programmatic accreditation when applying to mechanical engineering programs.
The best mechanical engineering programs will hold ABET accreditation. This indicates that the program meets quality standards to prepare students for STEM careers.
How Do Online Mechanical Engineering Programs Work?
The best online mechanical engineering programs bring the college experience into your home. You benefit from the same expert instructors who teach on-campus courses. You also complete a rigorous curriculum and earn a degree equal to the credentials your college awards to on-campus students.
However, even if an online mechanical engineering degree advertises itself as "online," it may still require some on-campus or other in-person experiences. These experiences could include labs or proctored exams. For the latter, your program may let you take exams at home with a virtual proctor.
Contact college or program enrollment advisors if you have questions about the online learning experience.
Common Courses Within Mechanical Engineering
- Computer-aided drafting
- Electrical basics
- Elements of thermodynamics
- Instrumentation and measurements
- Introduction to mechanical design
- Machine design analysis
- Manufacturing processes
- Materials science
- Renewable energy
- Systems dynamic analysis and design
Is a Mechanical Engineering Degree Worth It?
$75,512
Avg. starting salary for mechanical engineering majors (2023)
+9%
Projected job growth for mechanical engineers (2024-34)
The average starting salary of a mechanical engineer with a bachelor's degree is significantly higher than the average starting salary of all workers with a bachelor's ($63,721), according to NACE. A high starting salary features many potential advantages, such as letting you:
- Pay down student debt faster.
- Explore job opportunities in high-cost-of-living areas.
- Start saving for long-term financial goals, such as home ownership or retirement.
The 9% projected growth for mechanical engineers between 2024 and 2034 also suggests that an online bachelor's degree in this field could offer a strong return on investment. Recent graduates entering an in-demand field should be able to explore more open positions and negotiate a higher starting salary.
Even if you're preparing to enter an in-demand field, you should still follow the job market closely while in school. Keeping up with hiring trends can help you best align your education with employers' changing needs.