Best Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
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
The University of Alabama
- Tuscaloosa, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Located in Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama provides a flexible, competitive education to students near and far. The school supports programs that equip students with theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for careers in their field of choice. Students can benefit from the collaborative nature of the master of science in mechanical engineering program, and can pursue research projects and other learning opportunities while enrolled.
Degree-seekers have the option to complete the mechanical engineering program in-person or online. Leading in online education, the college supports 43 online programs. While enrolled, students benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
The University of Alabama at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 214
Number of Online Programs: 43
Admission Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 79%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,249
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 38%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,408
Average Price After Aid: $20,623
13%
$10,780
87%
$30,250
- Acceptance Rate
- 83%
- Students Enrolled
- 38,100
- Institution Type
- Public
University of North Dakota
- Grand Forks, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
University of North Dakota provides diverse learning opportunities from its main campus in Grand Forks. The master of science or engineering in mechanical engineering prepares students for professional advancement through industry-relevant coursework, lectures, and projects. In the mechanical engineering program, learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty, through research and more.
The mechanical engineering program accommodates both in-person and remote study. Of the school's programs, 30% allow for fully online study. In-person and remote students can access campus resources while enrolled, including career services and academic advising.
University of North Dakota at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 226
Number of Online Programs: 67
Admission Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 61%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 92%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $5,686
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 45%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,672
Average Price After Aid: $15,654
45%
$ 8,212
78%
$14,371
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 13,581
- Institution Type
- Public
Arizona State University Online
- Scottsdale , AZ
- N/A
- Campus + Online
Arizona State University Online is a Scottsdale-based college supporting academic programs in dual modalities. The college's master of science in industrial engineering provides students interested in a mechanical engineering career with a world-class education. Learners benefit from a good student-faculty ratio, with many chances to interact closely with professors.
The program accommodates both in-person and remote study. The institution notes that many of its programs enable online study. In-person and remote students can access campus resources while enrolled, including career services and academic advising.
As an accredited institution, ASU offers financial assistance to all eligible students, including those enrolled remotely. Prospective applicants should reach out to the financial aid office to see what funding options they might qualify for.
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 0
- Institution Type
- Public
Old Dominion University
- Norfolk, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A public institution, Old Dominion University operates a main campus in Norfolk, Virginia. It's master of science or engineering in mechanical engineering prepares students for professional advancement through industry-relevant coursework, lectures, and projects. Students can pursue collaborative learning opportunities, such as faculty-driven research projects, to supplement their classroom experience.
Enrollees seeking further opportunities for study can pursue internships or collaborate with faculty on research projects. To date, the college supports 62 online programs. Regardless of learning modality, distance learners can access institutional resources, such as career services, geared towards student success.
Old Dominion University at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 177
Number of Online Programs: 62
Admission Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 94%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,021
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 56%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,034
Average Price After Aid: $16,681
54%
$ 7,029
80%
$26,664
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,675
- Institution Type
- Public
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best mechanical engineering programs require a high school or GED diploma and prerequisites in advanced math (e.g., statistics, geometry, algebra). If you did not take these courses in high school or need to refresh your math skills, consider completing them at your local community college. Passing these courses helps train you for advanced engineering coursework, and you may earn transferable college credit.
