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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Program?
Earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering will boost your career, but it can be hard to rearrange your life to accommodate returning to school. In that case, you should consider an online program, which offers the same academic quality as on-campus programs in a more flexible format. Indeed, by eliminating the need to commute to campus, online programs will provide you with more time for work, family, and any other responsibilities that you may have. If you’re interested in pursuing your master’s in mechanical engineering through an online program, compare all the options to find the best match for your needs and professional goals.
Available concentrations
If you’re interested in a particular aspect of mechanical engineering, you should look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on this specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in mechanical engineering include:
Design and Manufacturing of Mechanical Systems: Covers a range of topics relevant to the design and production of products, including materials selection, environmental impact, fabrication, fracture and fatigue mechanics, and design techniques.
Energy and Thermal Fluid Systems: Reviews the components of thermal fluid systems, the environmental impact of such systems, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics.
Robotic and Control Systems: Examines the design and components of robotic systems, emphasizing different control systems and their integration.
Common degree curriculum
When narrowing down your list of school options, verify whether any online programs require on-campus courses or labs, which could be problematic for schools outside your immediate area.
The exact curriculum for a master’s in mechanical engineering will depend on which school you select, but there are some core topics covered in just about every program, including:
Introduction to Renewable Energy: Explores the basics of renewable energy, including current and future applications, the latest technological developments, and its impact on the economy and society.
Thermodynamics: Examines the principles and three fundamental laws of thermodynamics.
Internal Combustion: Covers the many factors and components involved in the internal combustion process.
Automation and Robotics: Provides an overview of robotics and relevant components, examining the different design possibilities and potential applications.
Air Pollution Engineering: Focuses on the environmental impact of particulates, pollutants, and contaminants, including exploring air quality and emission control.
Certification and license preparation
In addition to your master’s degree, you should consider earning professional certifications to bolster your resume further and advance your career. Some of the most valuable certification programs for mechanical engineers include:
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Professional: Offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, GDTP certification requires passing an exam that demonstrates your ability to read engineering drawings and apply geometric controls.
Certified Reliability Engineer: This certification recognizes engineering professionals who demonstrate a strong understanding of prediction and performance evaluation principles for improving the safety of products and systems. Offered through the American Society for Quality, certification requires passing the exam and meeting work experience standards.
Program accreditation
Only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Without regional accreditation, you may have trouble accessing federal student aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed. Ideally, your program will also be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Program completion timeframe
The time it takes to complete your online master’s degree in mechanical engineering can vary depending on the course load you commit to and the program format.
Generally, these programs can be completed in two years. Choosing an accelerated program can cut this time in half but requires a heavy course load that may not work for someone with a job or other obligations. If you can only attend school part-time, earning your degree may take up to five years.
Also, cohort-based programs are structured so that a group of students work through the curriculum together and graduate simultaneously. Asynchronous programs allow students to work through courses at their own pace and make it possible for quick learners to graduate faster.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Graduates
The employment outlook is bright for mechanical engineers. While the total number of jobs in the United States is projected to increase by 3% over the next decade, most occupations related to mechanical engineering are expected to grow much faster — this will make it easier to get hired and negotiate pay raises.
A master’s in mechanical engineering is also an excellent degree for those who want to earn a high income. You can expect to make at least $80,000 as a mechanical engineer, and many jobs in this field offer six-figure salaries.
Your salary will likely depend on where you work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for mechanical engineers is over $40,000 higher in California than in Arkansas.
Mechanical engineers work with devices and sensors that are thermal or mechanical, including engines, machines, and even some tools. Their responsibilities involve the design and development of thermal and mechanical devices, investigation of failures and weaknesses, and remedy recommendations for faulty units.
An industrial engineer works to promote efficiency and eliminate waste in production processes, which involves implementing management control systems, identifying problem areas, and developing solutions. Industrial engineers are also often in charge of maintaining production quality standards.
Aerospace engineers primarily work with airborne devices, designing and creating prototypes for missiles, aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft. They are responsible for the evaluation of these devices and for crafting a solution if a weakness or failure is found.
Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building improvements to infrastructure. They focus on projects such as roads, bridges, waterways, airports, and tunnels.
An environmental engineer combines biology, chemistry, and soil science with engineering principles to find solutions to current and future environmental issues. They address waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling, sustainable energy, and pollution control.
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Professional organizations
Professional organizations are easy to join and provide a wealth of benefits to members. Career-building tools, networking opportunities, and resource libraries are just a few things you can take advantage of with a typical membership. Some of the top organizations for mechanical engineers include:
National Society of Professional Engineers: The NSPE works to address the concerns of professional engineers and provides members with free webinar courses, face-to-face networking events, access to a job board, updates on industry news, and discounts from benefit partners.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers: Members of the ASME are provided with the latest industry news, members-only discounts, and various networking opportunities.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Degree
Online graduate programs are usually more affordable than on-campus programs, but you still may need some financial help. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can tell you if you’re eligible for government-funded grants or loans, so that should be your first step. Other options you can pursue include private loans and scholarships.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
What should you do next after submitting your FAFSA? With the wide variety of financing options available, each with its own eligibility requirements and application deadlines, you may find it challenging to make sense of your financial aid situation. The resources listed below will help you sort through this information and save as much money as possible.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
