2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Kennesaw State University is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering that requires 30 credit hours. Full-time students spend at least one year completing the program, which aims to help them complete advanced studies in mechanical engineering.

At Kennesaw, online students complete asynchronous and synchronous coursework on the learning management system (LMS) D2L Brightspace. The mechanical engineering graduate program delves into the major components of mechanical engineering, like thermodynamics and design. Sample courses are Advanced Solid Mechanics, Project Management Processes, and Advanced Dynamics and Vibrations. A master’s project is also required to graduate. Future career opportunities may include aerospace engineers, construction engineers, and manufacturing engineers.

The University of Alabama (UA) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering totaling 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year finishing this graduate program online, and it doesn’t require them to complete a thesis.

UA facilitates asynchronous and synchronous remote learning through the LMS Blackboard. A master’s in mechanical engineering gives engineering professionals the knowledge and skills to advance their careers. The program’s courses include Intermed Heat Transfer, Failure of Engineering Materials, and Atomistic Modeling or Materials. Live, in-person proctoring and a comprehensive exam are required for this program. Graduates may pursue careers in materials engineering, petroleum engineering, and nuclear engineering.

At Pittsburgh State University (Pitt State), a public institution, students can pursue an online Master of Engineering Technology - Mechanical Technical, which requires 33 credit hours. Students can typically complete the full-time program within one year, and they can choose between a thesis or coursework path to obtain their degree.

Pitt State's online students complete coursework on Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The master's program in engineering technology delivers a project-oriented approach to mechanical engineering concepts. Some of the courses are Engineering Project Management, Alternative Energy Concepts, and Mechanics of Composites and Structures. Prospective careers for alumni include mechanical engineers, mechanical design engineers, and systems designs engineers.

Kansas State University (K-State) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. The graduate program can take one year to complete at a full-time pace. While all coursework is offered online, students must visit the campus at the end of the program to complete an oral exam.

K-State facilitates asynchronous and synchronous distance learning on the LMS Canvas. The mechanical engineering master's program delivers advanced coursework on a range of engineering topics to help working professionals further their careers. Sample courses are Intermediate Dynamics, Thermal Systems Design, and Finite Elements. Potential career settings for graduates include automotive industries, aerospace, and product manufacturing.

Mississippi State University (MS State) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. With a total of 31 credit hours, this master's degree typically takes full-time students at least one year to complete. The program offers seven major areas of study students can choose from as well as thesis or non-thesis options.

At MS State, remote students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through Canvas, a popular digital software. The online curriculum is designed to help students maximize their potential in the engineering field, with courses such as Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Systems Analysis, and Material Selection in Design. A graduate seminar, oral presentation, oral exam, or thesis may also be required — depending on which track a student takes. Prospective careers for graduates are engine designers, architects, and robotics engineers.