Can You Get Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?

Can you get mechanical engineering degree online? Mechanical engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. It’s one of the most in-demand fields of engineering, offering opportunities for growth and advancement across many different industries. If you are interested in mechanical engineering, there are several options for continuing your education through an online degree program. 

To help you understand if a mechanical engineering degree online is right for you and which program would be ideal for your situation, we’ve put together this brief overview of what it takes to get an online degree as well as the criteria for enrollment and, the career pathway you may take on after completing your degree. Either way, it’s an exciting time to consider pursuing a mechanical engineering degree online!

Before rushing into the particulars of an online degree in mechanical engineering, we must first discuss the types of online degree courses you can take on in the discipline of mechanical engineering. 

Types of Online Degree in Mechanical Engineering

There are two main types of degrees in mechanical engineering: Undergraduate and postgraduate. Let’s take a quick look at each to get a better idea of what they entail and what the main differences between them are. 

The Undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering

The undergraduate degree is designed for those students who have yet to earn a degree and want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. This type of degree usually takes around 4 years and results in a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in mechanical engineering. 

The Post-graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering

The postgraduate degree is intended for students who are looking to advance their career further by earning a Master of Engineering (ME) degree, Master of Science (MS) degree, or even a Ph.D. A postgraduate degree is typically a bit more in-depth and focused on research. You can take on any of these aforementioned degrees online depending on your level of education.

So, we now confer the enrollment requirements for an online degree in mechanical engineering. 

Pre-Requisites to Enroll in an Online Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Choosing an online program is a great option for those who are balancing work, family, and other commitments with their education. However, it’s important to know that online degrees do have some prerequisites that you may want to consider before starting a program.

Let’s discuss a few of them.

Age: Some online programs have an age limit, typically between 21 and 65 years old. This is because online students are often in different time zones, which could affect fellow students.

Resume: You’ll need a resume that highlights your education, work experience, and other qualifications that make you a strong candidate for an online degree in mechanical engineering.

High-Speed Internet: Most online programs require students to log in at certain times throughout the week. It’s best to make sure you have enough high-speed internet in your home to meet these needs.

Moreover, you must be comfortable with online learning - If you’ve never taken an online course before, it’s a good idea to try one out before enrolling in a degree program. You’ll want to make sure that you are comfortable with the process.

These are in fact the general requirements that you must fulfill to be admitted to an online degree. However, the prerequisites vary for the different types of online degrees being offered and will be covered in the rest of the article.

Online Undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering

An online mechanical engineering degree is a great option for students who want to advance their current careers or start a new one altogether. It allows you to study in the comforts of your own home and at your own pace.

For many students, an online degree is ideal due to its flexibility and convenience, making it a perfect option for those who have a busy lifestyle and/or travel frequently. An online undergraduate degree program in mechanical engineering usually takes 4-5 years to complete.

However, unlike a traditional on-campus program, the credits you earn through an online program are often transferrable, so you could finish the program faster or slower than the typical timeframe.

To successfully enroll in an online undergraduate program, the university will require you to have a valid high school diploma. Moreover, you also need to have studied math and other science subjects. The requirements for different institutions may vary and therefore you should look into them before applying.

Online Postgraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering

A postgraduate degree in mechanical engineering gives students a chance to further their education and specialize in a particular field of engineering. There are several types of postgraduate degrees in mechanical engineering, each with its own focus and set of coursework.

Again, these are ideal for students who are looking to advance their careers and earn a higher salary. Typically, you’ll complete a postgraduate degree program in 2 years, but it can vary depending on the program and credits you’ve already earned. You can also earn a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

The pre-requisite of a postgraduate online degree is an undergraduate degree, it can both be on campus or distance learning. Moreover, some educational institutes may require you to submit a personal statement and to qualify for admission based on specific grades and GPA.

We have now covered all about an online degree and how to enroll yourself in an online degree in mechanical engineering. Next, you may be wondering about the tuition costs, the next segment will cover this query.

Cost of an Online Degree in Mechanical Engineering

The cost of the degree you pursue will depend on a number of factors, including the type of degree you pursue, the school you enroll in, and the type of financing you choose.

The average cost of an online degree is between $10,000 and $20,000 per year. This does not include the cost of books or any other expenses you may have. Public universities are often less expensive than private universities. However, keep in mind that many private schools have scholarships and other financial aid available.

Furthermore, the level of degree you pursue will affect the cost of your education. Generally, the higher the degree level, the higher the cost. The type of online school you choose will also play a role in the cost of your degree. It’s a good idea to research different schools and their costs before deciding on a program.

There are a number of different ways to finance your online degree. Some schools offer financial aid specific to online students, while others offer financing options that you can apply for.

Moving on, let's discuss what careers you can take on after receiving an online degree in mechanical engineering.

Careers and Salaries of a Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design and development of mechanical systems. They may work in mechanical construction, energy, transportation, healthcare, and many other industries. Mechanical engineers are in high demand. The field is expected to grow by 8% between 2016 and 2026.

There are many benefits to choosing an online degree in mechanical engineering. It is convenient, flexible, and allows you to work at your own pace to balance your obligations in life. There are also several types of mechanical engineering degrees you can pursue through an online program. Hope this article addresses the concerns regarding "can you get mechanical engineering degree online?".