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Degrees and Schools
Bachelor's degree programs in engineering are available at many colleges and universities. Programs that provide courses for specialization in mechanical engineering are less easy to find, however. Because knowledge of one specialty area of engineering can frequently be applied to other areas, employers may not be highly selective as to the concentration candidates choose in school.
There are a variety of different program structures, the most common being:
- Typical bachelor's degree programs which usually last 4-5 years. The first 2 years provide a general foundation and an introduction to engineering, and the remaining years concentrate on engineering, including a concentration in mechanical engineering.
- General engineering programs which last four years, and focus on engineering in general. Specialty areas are developed on the job or in graduate school.
- Partnership programs where an engineering school at a four-year institution partners with a community college or vocational school. Students start by taking engineering courses at the two-year school, followed by automatic admission into the engineering program in order to complete the remaining requirements for a bachelor's degree.
- Double degree programs which start students out studying pre-engineering subjects for 3 years at a liberal arts college, then 2 years studying core subjects at an engineering school. Students earn bachelor's degrees from both schools.
- Five-year master's degree programs which allow students to apply for one program from which they earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees.
- Cooperative programs which last 5-6 years, and help students finance some of their education by combining practical work experience with classroom study.
Two- and four-year degree programs in engineering technology are an alternative to standard engineering degree programs. Courses emphasize hands-on learning and preparation for employment.
Any engineering degree program should be accredited through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), since being a graduate of an accredited program is commonly required in order to be licensed as an engineer.
Coursework
Initial coursework for engineering bachelor's degree students includes math, physical and life sciences, humanities, and introductory engineering. Courses tend to be theoretical and scientific, although some design courses are offered in combination with computer or laboratory classes. Courses specific to mechanical engineering are usually taken after the first two years (see the variety of program structures described above).
Engineering technology degree programs are more hands-on, offering laboratory courses that emphasize application of engineering principles, current issues in the industry, and preparation for working in design and production.
Online Classes and Programs
There is a wide selection of online bachelor's degree programs in engineering. Some programs are offered by Internet-only schools, but most are provided by campus-based colleges and universities. ABET-accreditation is highly recommended for any engineering degree program, and the school should have accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employoment Requirements
Candidates for entry-level mechanical engineering jobs are usually expected to have a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or engineering. To gain admission into an undergraduate engineering program, applicants must demonstrate a solid background in science and mathematics, as well as English, the humanities, and social studies.
All states require that mechanical engineers who provide services directly to the public be licensed as professional engineers (PEs). Licensure requirements usually include:
- Graduation from an engineering program that is ABET-accredited
- A minimum of four years of applicable work experience
- Passing score on a state licensing exam
Upon graduating, aspiring mechanical engineers can take the first part of the licensing exam, Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). Passing this allows them to gain work experience as engineer interns (EIs) or engineers in training (EITs). Once they have met the work experience requirements, they can take the second part of the exam, Principles and Practice of Engineering.
While graduates of engineering technology programs may obtain the same kinds of jobs as engineering-degree- holding students, they do not possess the qualifications that allow them to register as professional engineers under the same terms. They are usually considered by employers to be at a level somewhere between a technician and an engineer.
Certification through professional organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and SAE International can provide a competitive advantage.
How to Evaluate Schools
When comparing degree programs, future mechanical engineering students should consider asking these questions:
- Program - What kind of program structure best suits the student - traditional, general, partnership, double degree, five-year master's, cooperative, etc.? What program types are available in desirable locations that also emphasize areas of specialty? Are offered courses more theoretical or geared towards preparing students to work in the industry?
- Accreditation - Is the program accredited through ABET?
- Practical experience - What kinds of research opportunities are taking place on campus? Are labs equipped with the latest computers and equipment? Does the program offer substantial internship opportunities?
- Tuition and financial assistance - What kinds of resources are available through the school for obtaining student loans, scholarships, work study opportunities, and grants?
- Career search - Does the school provide well-developed career fairs, job placement assistance and other ways of assisting graduates? What are graduates of the past two years doing now?
Mechanical Engineer Job Description
Using science, math and computers, mechanical engineers create mechanical devices, testing tools, machines and engines that are used by both major industries and individual households. They are involved in the research, design, development, and manufacturing of a wide range of products including:
- Machines that produce power such as steam and gas turbines, electric generators, and internal combustion engines
- Machines that use power such as air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, elevators and escalators, material-handling systems, machine tools, robots for manufacturing, and equipment for industrial or agricultural production
- Emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, materials science and biotech
- Tools that other engineers need to complete their work
Typical responsibilities of mechanical engineers include:
- Conceptualizing new products
- Identifying and documenting functional requirements
- Estimating resources, cost and time needed to complete projects
- Designing, simulating and testing components
- Producing and integrating components
- Evaluating designs for cost, reliability, effectiveness, and safety
- Maintaining products and developing additional components to solve technical problems
- Supervising factory production
- Assuring quality and identifying reasons for equipment failure
- Project management and technical sales
Mechanical engineers typically work in industrial plants or office buildings, and may travel extensively to worksites.
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