Anything ICT Web DeskSo you want to get a mechanical engineering degree online? Perhaps you’re already working full-time in a different field. Maybe you need to stay put for family reasons. Or it could be that you simply prefer the flexibility of remote learning.
Whatever your situation, pursuing a mechanical engineering degree online is totally possible these days. In fact, with the rise of high-quality online programs from accredited universities, you can now get the same education as campus-based students… all from the comfort of your living room.
But with so many online options out there, how do you find the right one for you? More importantly, how can you be sure you’ll get the skills and credentials needed to actually land a mechanical engineering job after graduation?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of getting your online mechanical engineering degree. We’re talking:
- Understanding the core curriculum requirements
- Finding an accredited online program
- Tips for being a successful online student
- Landing an internship (yes, even online!)
- And getting hired in your first mechanical engineering role
By the end, you’ll have a crystal clear path for leveling up your mechanical engineering skills and qualifications online.
Let’s get started.
The Core Mechanical Engineering Curriculum (Online or On-Campus)
First thing’s first: whether you get your mechanical engineering degree online or through a traditional campus-based program, the core curriculum is going to be very similar.
Here are some of the key topics you’ll need to study and master to earn an online mechanical engineering degree:
- Mathematics: Calculus, differential equations, statistics, linear algebra
- Basic Science: Physics, chemistry, mechanics, thermodynamics
- Engineering Science: Engineering materials, statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics
- Capstone Design Courses: Putting it all together through research and design projects
On top of these foundational courses, you’ll also take electives that allow you to specialize in areas like manufacturing, energy systems, mechatronics, and more.
One upside to taking mechanical engineering courses online is that most programs include virtual simulations and 3D design software training. So you’ll still get hands-on practice with the tech tools used in industry.
But…
Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees MUST Be ABET-Accredited
While the curriculum for online and campus-based mechanical engineering programs is similar, there is one big difference:
Accreditation.
Online degrees aren’t always accredited by the appropriate governing bodies. And without proper accreditation from a respected organization, like ABET, your online mechanical engineering degree likely won’t hold water for most employers.
Crucially, programs accredited by ABET have met rigorous standards for quality education and have been evaluated to produce graduates ready to enter the mechanical engineering workforce.
So if you want to pursue a mechanical engineering career after graduating, make sure any online program you consider has current ABET accreditation. Don’t settle for anything less.
Hunting Down the Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs
Ready to start looking at specific online mechanical engineering programs?
Here are some tips for finding and evaluating the top accredited options out there:
The Search Process
Kick things off by Googling “ABET-accredited online mechanical engineering degree.” You’ll likely find lists of programs ranked by various publications. Some reliable starting points include:
- US News & World Report’s rankings
- Princeton Review’s online engineering degree rankings
- Affordable Colleges Online’s listings for low-cost online engineering programs
Make sure any program catches your eye is clearly listed as ABET-accredited.
Factors to Consider
As you dig into specific online mechanical engineering programs, here are some factors to evaluate:
- Admissions Requirements: Do you meet the prerequisites for GPA, entrance exams, etc.?
- Cost: How much will tuition, fees, books, etc. set you back? Are payment plans available?
- Specializations: Does the program allow you to specialize in a mechanical engineering concentration that aligns with your career interests?
- Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Does the program have lab components or opportunities for applied projects? This could involve virtual simulations, remote lab access, or curated project kits sent directly to you.
- Thesis/Capstone Project: Most reputable programs will require a culminating design project or research thesis to get your degree.
- Support Services: What kind of academic advising, tutoring, and career services are available for online students?
- Time to Completion: How long will the program take to complete based on course load, full-time vs. part-time, etc?
Testing Out a Course
Before fully enrolling, take a test drive with the online program. Some universities allow non-students to audit or sample an online mechanical engineering course for a small fee.
This lets you get a feel for the virtual classroom experience and ensures the learning format works for you. It’s a chance to assess the material, assignments, and overall teaching style.
How to Succeed as an Online Mechanical Engineering Student
Getting admitted to an online mechanical engineering program is the first step. What comes next is actually completing your degree successfully.
As a remote student, you’ll need to bring extra discipline and self-motivation to the table to stay on track. Here are some tips for tackling your online coursework effectively:
- Set a Dedicated Study Schedule: Block out regular times for attending online classes, watching lectures, and doing homework. Treat it like your full-time job.
- Find Your Ideal Study Environment: Maybe it’s a quiet home office, your local library, or a coffee shop. Find what works for you.
- Actively Participate: Join discussions, ask questions, and stay engaged. It’s easy to check out mentally in an online setting. Don’t let yourself be a passive observer.
- Build Connections with Peers & Professors: Make an effort to interact with classmates virtually and build rapport with instructors through office hours.
- Use All Available Resources: If tutoring, writing labs, or any other student services are available, take advantage of them. They can be major keys to success.
- Stay Motivated: Remind yourself why you decided to pursue this degree online, set incremental goals, and celebrate your accomplishments along the way.
With the right mindset and systems, you can absolutely crush your online mechanical engineering coursework.
Getting Hands-On Engineering Experience Remotely
One aspect where online mechanical engineering degrees sometimes fall short is hands-on experience. After all, you can’t exactly transport heavy machinery into your living room.
But having hands-on experience with tools, equipment and procedures is crucial to your development as an engineer. Without it, you may struggle to land internships, co-ops or entry-level jobs.
Fortunately, accredited online programs get creative with how they deliver this crucial hands-on training component:
Remote Lab Access
Many schools allow online students to access on-campus labs remotely. Using cameras, remote sensors, and control systems, you can conduct experiments and interact with actual lab equipment virtually.
Virtual Simulations
Computer simulations and 3D modeling software also provide chances to apply engineering principles and test out designs. Online students often use digital twin technology to simulate real-world scenarios and systems.
Equipment Mailing Kits
To give you direct experience with tools and setups, some programs mail small-scale maker kits right to your home. These could include basic electronics, robotics, or 3D printers for you to assemble and configure.
Brief Residencies
A final option is brief on-campus residencies. For example, a summer session where online students visit campus for a couple of weeks and participate in intensive labs and manufacturing facilities.
Be sure to ask about the hands-on training methods in place for any online mechanical engineering program you consider.
Landing Internships as an Online Student
As important as hands-on coursework is, a legitimate internship is the real gem on any engineering student’s resume.
While navigating the internship process as an online student presents some hurdles, it’s far from impossible. Many companies recognize the value of online engineering education these days.
Here are some tips to get an internship on your online mechanical engineering degree path:
Leverage University Resources
First, tap into your school’s career services and internship placement resources. Any reputable online program should have systems for helping remote students find relevant internships.
Expand Your Geographical Area
As an online student, you can look for internships across a much wider geographic range since you’re not tied to a specific location. Cast a wide net.
Consider Project/Contract Work
In lieu of a traditional internship, picking up contract engineering work allows you to add applied experience. Online freelancing platforms can help you find these opportunities.
Attend Virtual Career Fairs
Most major job fairs have gone virtual in recent years. Register for any online career fairs your university participates in.
Highlight Your Remote Know-How
During interviews, emphasize your ability to work effectively in virtual settings. Your experience as an online student will serve as perfect proof.
By landing a solid internship or co-op experience, you’ll set yourself up for a full-time mechanical engineering job later on.
Getting Hired for Your First Mechanical Engineering Role
After earning that hard-earned online mechanical engineering degree, the final boss battle is getting hired into your first full-time role in the field.
Now, some employers may initially raise an eyebrow at your online education. But times are changing. According to research from Northeastern University, 61% of HR leaders consider online degrees as credible as those earned in-person.
So provided your online program is ABET-accredited, you’ll absolutely be a viable candidate – you just might need to do some extra legwork.
Here are tips for job hunting success as an online mechanical engineering graduate:
Make Alumni/Industry Connections Early
Don’t wait until you’ve graduated to start networking. Make connections with program alumni and with professionals in your target companies/industries while you’re still a student.
Get Relevant Internship/Co-Op Experience
We already covered this, but I’ll reiterate: That internship or co-op experience directly applying your mechanical engineering skills is pure gold on your resume.
Ace Your Technical Interviews
Many engineering interviews involve tackling real-world problems and case studies. Leverage your hands-on coursework and internship know-how to knock these out of the park.
Highlight Your Virtual Collaboration Skills
Again, lean into your remote working expertise. Show how adept you are using virtual collaboration tools and co-ordinating across teams.
Be Prepared to Explain Your Online Education
If asked, be ready with a calm, confident explanation for why you pursued an online degree and how it uniquely prepared you for this role.
Consider a Grad Program After
For some opportunities, you may need to consider getting an advanced mechanical engineering degree (masters or doctorate) in-person to check that box for employers.
Even through an online program, becoming an employable mechanical engineer is totally within reach if you take the right steps.
The Payoff: A Flexible Future in Mechanical Engineering
Whew! We covered a lot of ground on how to get a mechanical engineering degree online and kick off your career successfully.
Earning that online mechanical engineering degree won’t just open doors to job opportunities in areas like manufacturing, research and development, systems design, and more.
It also gives you valuable skills in independent learning, virtual communication, and remote collaboration that employers now expect.
The key is ensuring your online program hits the right accreditation and learning experience benchmarks. With some strategic planning, you can absolutely emerge as a well-rounded and hireable mechanical engineering professional.
So if you’re ready to engineer your future on your own terms, go forth and earn that mechanical engineering degree online! The flexibility is well worth the effort.
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