2023 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Levels of Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Online mechanical engineering degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate levels. Each level prepares future engineers for increasingly advanced roles.

Bachelor's Degree

Undergraduate degrees in this field provide students with an understanding of real-life engineering principles, product design, assembly, the fundamentals of heat transfer, and various programming languages. The curriculum includes foundational chemistry, mathematics, and physics coursework.

Master’s Degree

An online master’s in mechanical engineeringfocuses on product life cycles, graphic simulation computer programs, patent law, the design process, risk assessment, advanced mathematics, and team management. Students may pursue senior engineering roles by choosing a concentration, such as fluids engineering, mechanics and materials, or design and manufacturing.

Doctoral Degree

At this advanced level, students carry out original research in various areas of study, such as nanotechnology, alternative energy technology, and lean manufacturing. A doctoral degree provides an understanding of both classical mechanical concepts and the latest developments and technologies. These mechanical engineering programs may take several years to complete and involve writing and defending a dissertation and open the door to teaching at universities or working in research and development.

Certificate Programs

Students and professionals looking for additional education in a specific concentration may consider procuring a certificate. Mechanical engineering certificate programs cover a range of topics, such as matrix theory, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromechanical systems.

Overview of an Online Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is the oldest and broadest engineering field, and it includes several disciplines, such as aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), product manufacturing, and energy. You may even take some of these courses as electives to fulfill your graduation requirements and explore potential career paths.

Nearly all mechanical engineers possess at least a bachelor’s degree in either mechanical engineering or a similar engineering field. You can complete these programs online; although, some require on-site lab participation for specific courses. Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete with a full-time schedule and require 120-130 credit hours. These mechanical engineering bachelor's degree programs may take longer for part-time students to finish.

While a mechanical engineering program may not require an internship, some see this opportunity as a way to gain practical work experience. School advisors can help you find these kinds of hands-on opportunities, which employers consider valuable. Completing a student internship along with your degree can help you build a resume and network with prospective employers.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are similar across all online mechanical engineering bachelor's programs. While prerequisite classes are usually not required, it helps to have completed advanced math, science, and physics classes during high school. This achievement — along with above-average grades — may increase your chances of acceptance into the mechanical engineering program of your choice.

In general, requirements for first-year students include the following:

• High school diploma (alternatively, HSE or GED test scores)
• High school’s four core units in English, three units in Algebra I or higher, three lab science units, and three social studies units
• SAT/ACT scores
• 2.0 minimum GPA
• An application fee that typically ranges between $30-$50

Students may transfer into degree programs with approximately 24-30 credit hours from an accredited institution. Transfer students are not often required to submit standardized test scores for enrollment, but they still need to submit high school transcripts, college transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and an application fee.

Accredited Mechanical Engineering Programs

Accreditation ensures that schools provide quality education, allowing them to receive federal funding and count the credits of transfer students. Programs, such as those for mechanical engineering degrees, may also be programmatically accredited. Industry-specific boards certify that a program offers curricula that meet the current needs of employers.

ABET examines curricula to verify that it prepares students for future careers in science and technology. Completing an ABET-accredited program will help prepare students for the Professional Engineering exam, which is necessary for licensure. So, when applying to schools, make sure you’re applying to accredited mechanical engineering programs.

Common Courses in an Online Mechanical Engineering Program

In a mechanical engineering program curriculum, students must complete general education courses, core requirements for the major, and electives. 

Below are some classes that remain similar across all mechanical engineering programs:

Funding an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

It’s possible to fund an online degree at the top mechanical engineering schoolsthrough various public and private sources. The best place to start this process is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By submitting this application, you may qualify for federal grants or scholarships, work-study programs, or low-interest rate federal student loans that offer flexible repayment options. 

Once you discover your eligibility, you can speak with a financial aid officer at your school to see what other options are available. For example, they may offer student employment opportunities or private scholarships. A scholarship is the best way to pay for tuition because it's free money that you don't have to repay, and you don't have to worry about interest rates. Scholarships are also available from national engineering organizations. Membership to an organization may be required, but it’s usually affordable — or even free — for students.

Licensing Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Professionals

Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed, while those working for engineering firms or companies are not legally required to have licensure. However, since potential employers may still prefer to hire licensed candidates, you may decide to earn a license in order to highlight your skills and experience. This license may come from an organization such as The National Society of Professional Engineers.

In most states, obtaining a Professional Engineer license requires the completion of an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree program, four years of relevant work experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering and Fundamentals of Engineering exams. States may have different exam requirements, so check with your state to find the most relevant information.

Careers with a Mechanical Engineering Degree

Employers need skilled mechanical engineers who are creative and analytical but also have effective communication and listening skills in a team setting. Furthermore, competitive job candidates must also have skills in project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving, which can be acquired through a blend of work experience and degree coursework. 

A mechanical engineering online degree can prepare you for several gratifying, well-paying career opportunities, such as those indicated below: 

Bottom Line

Earning your mechanical engineering degree online can be a great way to start your career and achieve your goals. The best schools for mechanical engineering offer online programs that are fully accredited and well-respected. If you’re interested in working as an aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, industrial engineer, or one of the many other options for graduates of a mechanical engineering online degree, then explore different programs and decide which school is right for you.