6 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees [2025 Guide]

Updated on November 11, 2024
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Through real-world applications and rigorous core instruction, students pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology can complete their degree entirely online and still maintain a high-quality education.

If you look around you, nearly everything you use, see, hear, or feel has moving parts that you can learn to design and operate with an online degree in mechanical engineering. This engineering degree online can help open the door to many versatile career paths that will allow you to solve problems that impact our world and its future.

Not only do mechanical engineers have opportunities to research and develop new devices, they have great potential to rewarded both creatively and financially for their important work.

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Universities Offering Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. East Coast Polytechnic Institute University

Acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology through East Coast Polytechnic Institute University can help open doors to a high-demand industry in as little as two and a half years.

Through real-world applications and rigorous core instruction, students pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology can complete their degree entirely online and still maintain a high-quality education.

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. Indiana State University

Indiana State University’s virtual Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology program has two main focuses. One is a mechanical aspect. This area of study teaches students about the tools, machines, and commodities needed to be successful in the field.

The second area of focus is management. Management trains students to become leaders and teachers in their field.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Old Dominion University

An undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering technology from Old Dominion University focuses on manufacturing systems and manufacturing designs. Students enrolled in this program will also add a concentration in engineering or science to their curriculum.

This degree is thirty credit hours and can be completed using a distance learning platform.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

4. University of Alabama

A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology from the University of Alabama can lead to various employment opportunities in the field of engineering and computer science. This degree is very versatile and can be applied to product manufacturing in an array of areas, including automotive, robotics, and textiles.

A BSME is available virtually at the University of Alabama.

The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. University of Massachusetts – Lowell

Expanding career opportunities by offering an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering technology, the University of Massachusetts -Lowell helps to make students meet their professional and personal goals.

Students who participate in this program will use comprehensive practices, advanced technology, and investigative studies to work towards becoming specialists in the field of mechanical engineering.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

6. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a front-runner in STEM technology and offers a variety of courses that utilize these areas to build a new generation of industry leaders.

UND’s BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology is a widely-respected program that combines hands-on learning with the latest technological innovations in design, thermal sciences, and aerospace.

The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Mechanical Engineering at a Glance

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from environmental to technological.

Key Aspect Details
Competitive Salaries Median Salary for Mechanical Engineers: $96,310 per year (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). Reflects the steady demand and rewarding nature of the field.
Innovation at the Core Mechanical engineers lead in technological advancements, contributing significantly to fields like AI, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.
Online Flexibility Online engineering bachelor degrees provide the flexibility to balance studies with work or other commitments, facilitating easier access to the degree.
Hands-On Experience Programs often include practical components such as virtual labs, internships, or capstone projects to ensure that graduates are ready for industry challenges.
Specialization Choices Opportunities to specialize in areas like aerospace, automotive, or robotics, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals.

Pursuing an online degree in mechanical engineering isn’t just about earning a credential. It’s about equipping yourself with the skills and knowledge to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to a range of exciting and evolving industries.

Mechanical Engineering Careers & Salaries

Mechanical engineers are the vital forces powering the machinery of our modern world, often working behind the scenes to drive the technologies and industries that define our everyday lives.

From the vast expanse of space to the intricate workings of biomechanical systems, the scope of this field is as broad as your ambitions.

Versatile Career Paths for Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers are the unsung heroes behind many of the technologies and industries that keep our world running.

Here’s a glimpse at where you can make your mark:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers enjoy a median annual wage of $96,310 per year. If you’re aiming for higher-paying roles or a position in management, an advanced degree may be a key stepping stone.

Let’s dive into some job categories and their average salaries to give you a taste of what lies ahead in this exciting field.

Careers Annual Median Salary
Petroleum Engineers $131,800
Aerospace Engineers $126,880
Construction Managers $101,480
Biomedical Engineers $99,550
Manufacturing Engineers $96,350
Mechanical Engineers $96,310
Project Management Specialists $95,370
Management Consultants $95,290

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mechanical engineering sector is on an upward trajectory, with an expected growth rate of 10% for the next ten years.

Mechanical Engineering Online Courses

Each university creates its own path to graduation, but most of them have a similar curriculum. In your online studies, expect to find the following:

These courses build on the foundation you may have received in an associate’s in mechanical engineering.

As you can see, in freshman and sophomore years, students typically gain the necessary tools and take similar classes that are found in an online bachelor’s in chemical engineering or civil engineering degree program. In junior and senior years, coursework usually zeroes in on more advanced areas. Courses build on each other as you learn new concepts, skills and principles that require understanding of what you learned in the previous course.

The final degree component is the mechanical engineering core that will likely include classes that provide a solid foundation for many career paths. These may include Engineering Principals, Materials Science (molecular and atomic structures), Thermodynamics (the pressure, density and temperature of heat), Fluid Dynamics and Transfers (how heat, liquids and gasses move).

The specialization you choose affects not only what classes you take during your education, but also what skills you develop and, in turn, what career options may be open to you after you graduate. Other core courses may include Statics (how forces impact immobile bodies), Dynamics (how various forces affect bodies in motion), Analysis of Structures and Mechanical Designs, plus classes in Circuits, Electronics, Instrumentation, and Vibrations.

In addition to foundational courses, many colleges also offer electives to better prepare students to succeed in specialty mechanical engineering fields such as aerospace, transportation or the environment. Senior design projects or internships may also provide hands-on experience.

Choosing an Engineering Bachelor Program

There are many factors to consider when choosing your online mechanical engineering program. In your search for the best fit, you want to select a program that:

These are just a few of the factors that you should consider when making this important decision. It might help to create your own chart that ranks these factors according to which are most important to you. Then fill in the chart for each online degree program you are considering.

 Admissions Requirements

In order to get accepted into a degree program, either a high school diploma or a General Education Diploma (GED) are most often a compulsory requirement. Beyond that, schools vary widely on other qualifications, but may include:

Remember to read the specific admission requirements for each institution you might want to attend. They are all different and have different deadlines you do not want to miss.

Accreditation

Regional accrediting organizations assure that programs meet acceptable quality standards in such areas as faculty, facilities, and curriculum. They create evaluation criteria and personally inspect institutions to determine whether those criteria are met. Those that pass are accredited.

In addition to general accreditation, institutions with engineering programs may also seek accreditation from a professional organization called the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

ABET evaluates and approves collegiate programs that effectively prepare students to succeed. ABET accreditation is an important indication that the program provides students with a thorough learning experience.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Everyone knows that college is pricey. Many students are overwhelmed and intimidated by the process that lets them know about financial aid and/or scholarships. Fortunately, the federal government is posting an online, interactive Free Application for Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) to assist you.

You will be well served by conducting a thorough online search for available state, institutional, work-study, loans and private and nonprofit grants and scholarships. Many colleges review FAFSA applications when they review aid applications. Be sure to meet all deadlines.

Whether you planned ahead with a college savings or not, you can learn more about financial aid and scholarships, StudentAid.gov is a good place to begin.

FAQs

What Can You Do With a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Your mechanical engineering degree can help you obtain the expertise to know how things work. What could be more practical?

Your degree can help you pursue work in a wide variety of engineering jobs, including aerospace, energy, transportation, electronics, materials and construction. It is very versatile and typically leads to high-paying jobs in disciplines with high career satisfaction.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for mechanical engineers is $96,310 and also projects annual job growth of 10% for 2022 to 2032.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering Cost?

Tuition costs vary depending on whether you will be attending attend public or private college and whether you are a resident of the state in which your college is located. Many, but not all institutions, charge more for out-of-state students.

Also, there may be additional fees so be sure to read tuition descriptions carefully. While things change very rapidly, tuition currently ranges from about $210 to $410 per unit. The total tuition for four years will likely be between $26,000 and $51,000, but remember that financial aid, work-study and scholarships are designed to defray the cost of attending.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering?

Your time to graduation will depend on whether you become a full-time or part-time student. Most online programs require between 120 and 127 units for graduation.

Since the majority of courses grant three to four units, it should take four years to graduate if you take a full load of 15 units per 16-week semester at institutions that are on a semester program. You will enroll in fewer units at institutions that are on the quarter system.

Also, credits may be earned in summer school, so if you attend year-round, you can speed up your time to graduation.

Is Mechanical Engineering a Good Major?

Yes, many find a mechanical engineering major to be personally and financially rewarding. Your studies can lead you to a career in nearly every field where engineers are active. And that includes designing, creating and implementing a huge range of products and systems.

Mechanical engineers invent new and better products, improve delivery systems, create better energy systems, solve environmental problems and help us explore the potential of outer space.

They have had a hand in developing every household or business device with moving parts. And most mechanical engineers reap both financial and personal rewards.

Can You Become a Mechanical Engineer Online?

Yes, you can become a mechanical engineer by completing an online degree program. Online education has become increasingly popular and accessible, and many universities now offer online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in mechanical engineering.

After completing an online degree, you will still need to meet any additional licensure requirements in your country or region, especially if you wish to become a Professional Engineer (PE). Continuous learning and staying updated with advancements in the field are also important in this rapidly evolving discipline.

What Degree Do You Need to Be A Mechanical Engineer?

A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering is a baseline requirement for entry-level jobs. In addition, all states require mechanical engineers to be licensed. You can apply for a license if you graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering college.

You will also be required to pass a national exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. When you have been practicing for four years, you can take an additional exam to become a Professional Engineer.

If you want to advance in your profession and earn higher pay, in most cases you will want to pursue a graduate degree.

Is a Degree in Mechanical Engineering Worth It?

Yes, a degree in mechanical engineering is worth it for many students. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this sector has an expected growth rate of 10% for the next decade. Some careers in this field include petroleum engineering, energy systems, defense manufacturing, robots, and dozens of other related sectors.

Depending on the subspecialty you select, you can work in a team environment where you can solve real-world problems and use your education and creativity to make a genuine difference.

Although you may be concerned with the financial benefits of your degree, it is just as important to make a career choice based on your interests and passions.

Mechanical engineers have been involved in the research, development and implementation of practically any machine or system you can imagine. And they are imagining more of them each day to improve our quality of life and solve our global problems.

Next Steps

An online mechanical engineering degree may be a great investment in your professional and financial futures. If you have always been interested in how things work and what machines and systems can do, this career can give you the chance to learn, create, and achieve.

In this versatile field, you can invent and improve products and systems, solve environmental problems, improve transportation, and even explore new worlds.

You will need to work hard to get this degree and take classes that both inform and challenge you. But your diligence should pay off as you gain entry into a respected lucrative, expanding profession.

Let’s get you closer to your goals—click “Find My Program” today.

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