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According to a , very few engineering programs exist fully online. As of October 2024, ABET had accredited 3,611 programs across 702 institutions, but only 46 institutions offered a program that was 100% online. The authors attribute the gap to disciplines like mechanical engineering, where hands-on lab work is hard to replicate remotely. 

When you compare programs, treat any fully online option as genuinely scarce in this field and scrutinize how each one handles lab requirements.

Also, in of 255 employers, 87.4% of those that track degree modality had hired a graduate with an online degree, and 100% reported paying online graduates the same starting salaries as in-person graduates. That is worth checking against any doubt about how a mechanical engineering degree earned online will be received at hiring time.

Now more than ever, online degrees are just as respected as in-person programs. Many of the best mechanical engineering schools offer online programs at all levels. Some schools allow you to earn your mechanical engineering degrees online at an accelerated pace so you can begin your career sooner.

Curious to explore different kinds of online engineering degrees? Check out our lists for the best computer engineering degrees and aerospace engineering degrees.

An online mechanical engineering degree provides a flexible pathway to a comprehensive education in this dynamic field. These programs cover fundamental concepts like thermodynamics, materials science, and fluid mechanics while integrating modern technological advancements. With interactive learning platforms and industry-relevant coursework, students can balance studies with personal commitments and prepare for diverse engineering careers. 

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 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.

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 engineering focuses 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.

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.

The (ABET) is one of the industry-specific boards that accredit engineering, computing, science, and technology degree programs. 

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.

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.

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

The first two years consist of introductory lower-division courses in writing, computer, math, physics, and science to provide fundamental knowledge for the final two years of upper-division study. Upper-division courses include more advanced topics that will help you visualize, conceptualize, and design term projects. 

Also, taking electives in your areas of interest may help you consider various specializations you could pursue in mechanical engineering.

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

• Introduction to Robotics and Automation: The content of this course covers system design and both the study and simulation of industrial robots in manufacturing automation.
• Strength of Materials: In this course, students examine the materials used in science and the effects of stress and pressure on engineering materials, such as pressure vessels, beams, shafts, and columns. Coursework explores how weaknesses, deformation, and design flaws can deteriorate a material’s strength.
• Fundamentals of Manufacturing: Faculty arm students with knowledge about theory and provide students with laboratory experience in cutting, inspection, numerical control, chip forming, and newly developed processes.
• Electronic Fundamentals: This class explores the electronic components, laws, and theories of electronics and how they apply to force, current, power, and resistance. Content also includes an introduction to power supplies and amplifiers.
• Applied Statistics: Students are introduced to statistics in this class, from how to use statistical data to utilizing graphic and analytical methods in order to determine equilibrium, force, and friction on couples, frames, sheaves, trusses, and pulleys.

Unsure about pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering? Explore our complete list of online bachelor's degrees.

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 .

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 . States may have different exam requirements, so check with to find the most relevant information.

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: 

• work in diverse industries, with the highest concentration working in wind energy, metalworking, transportation, and power. Mechanical engineers design, install, test, and maintain equipment.
• design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They confirm that safety and quality standards are met and troubleshoot problems when they arise.
• work with scientists to design, install, and maintain medical equipment and devices. They also provide technical support for biomedical equipment and write technical documents.
• develop processes and procedures that protect people from illness and injury and safeguard properties from damage. They ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by identifying potential hazards.
• work to eliminate waste. They devise management control mechanical systems to minimize costs and improve efficiency. Overall, industrial engineers design systems that integrate people, machines, and energy to make products or provide services. Many in this role are mechanical engineer graduates, but online industrial engineering degrees are also available, specifically.
• design and develop petroleum extraction processes. They also ensure proper installation and operation of equipment while performing regular maintenance. Although petroleum engineers often have mechanical engineering degrees, a chemical engineering degree can also land you a job in this role.

Federal projections point to strong demand through 2035. Employment of mechanical engineers is from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations, with about 17,800 openings projected each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A mechanical engineering graduate entering the job market in the next few years is therefore choosing a field adding jobs steadily.

An online mechanical engineering degree may be worth it if you are interested in integrating math, science, and mechanics. In this degree, you'll learn to use analytical and critical thinking skills to implement ideas and create solutions. An ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program illustrates a program’s academic rigor to employers who rely on ABET’s stamp of approval when hiring skilled engineers.

An online degree's overall value not only depends on your interests but also your learning style, financial situation, and professional goals. Understanding the pros and cons of an online mechanical engineering degree can help you make an informed decision. 

Potential Benefits

• The take-home pay is high for most mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers of all other occupations.
• Several national engineering organizations provide a sense of community and support. Students often join organizations in the industry, such as ASME and ASHRAE, while in school and continue these memberships throughout their careers because they offer continued education, career opportunities, and networking events.
• You can save money by attending school online. Many schools charge flat or in-state tuition rates for online programs, which is often cheaper than getting a degree in person. Institutions may also waive various student fees, and you won't have to worry about the expense of commuting to and from campus.

Potential Drawbacks

• An online ME degree may require some on-campus coursework. Completing the required lab work can be challenging if you don't live close to your school. It could also be difficult to schedule the time to complete this work while juggling other responsibilities.
• Math, physics, and statistics can be demanding to learn, and these subjects largely make up this discipline. If you find math and science courses especially challenging, you may not enjoy taking mechanical engineering courses.
• There's a significant gender pay gap for female mechanical engineers. finds that female mechanical engineers with the same educational background as their male counterparts earn 15% less, which some may find discouraging. Also, research from the , drawing on the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics' 2023 National Survey of College Graduates, finds that women with a bachelor's as their highest degree earn 94% of men's median earnings, the smallest gap of any degree level, while at the doctorate the gap widens to 88%. 

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.