Mechanical engineering entails the research, design, manufacturing, testing, and redevelopment of virtually anything with mechanical, moving parts. This includes tools, thermal sensors, engines, machines, generators, medical devices, elevators, robots, weapons, and more. A variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive, to biotechnology and environmental control, require mechanical engineers.If you are analytical, detail-oriented, a good communicator, excel in mathematics and sciences, and enjoy solving problems, mechanical engineering could be the field for you. You can even earn your mechanical engineering degree online — from an associate degree to a master's degree — affording you convenience and significant savings.The job outlook for mechanical engineering is good, and it's projected that job opportunities will continue to increase through 2024. Positions involved in the latest technologies will experience the largest increase in job opportunities and salary increases.The following information offers you the knowledge needed to determine if a career in mechanical engineering is right for you. Learn more about the variety of online mechanical engineering degrees available today.
Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $8,677 | 15.3% | 2 years | $49,579 | $71,500 | 8.6% |
| Bachelor's | $19,017 | 6.42% | 4 years | $58,557 | $77,513 | 3.8% |
| Master's | $19,181 | 5.88% | 2 years | $59,843 | $83,689 | 3.8% |
Earners of bachelor's degrees and higher have the most varied opportunities for job choice, advancement, and salary increases. The process for obtaining a professional engineering (PE) license can only begin after a bachelor's degree is completed. However, there are many opportunities for associate degree holders, including technician positions. These roles require mechanical and technical skills to support the projects designed by a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering online degree programs are available from the associate to the master's degree levels.
Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Online Mechanical Engineering Find Accredited Degrees
Online Mechanical Engineering Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineers | $83,590 | 5% | 277500 |
| Materials Engineers | $91,310 | 1% | 25300 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technicians | $53,910 | 2% | 48400 |
Online Mechanical Engineering Professional Requirements
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam may be taken after earning a bachelor's degree (this can be a mechanical engineering online degree program). It is a 110-multiple choice question exam. Those who pass are called Engineers in Training (EIT) or Engineer Interns (EI). In addition to a bachelor's degree, it is the next requirement toward earning a Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam
The Principles and Practice of Engineering exam, commonly referred to as the Professional Engineering (PE) Exam, can be taken after successful passing of the FE Exam and after work experience requirements are met. These vary by state (typically four years) and must be verified with your particular state licensing board. The exam tests knowledge in a specific discipline of mechanical engineering. Passing the exam leads to licensure as a Professional Engineer.
Maintaining Certification
Some states require recertification every year through continuing education courses. Professional organizations offer certification programs. Certification is recognized state-to-state, providing the requirements are comparable.