What is a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor Degree?
Engineers utilize scientific and mathematical principles along with technical knowledge and technology to solve technical problems. Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering are some of the different disciplines in engineering. To work as a mechanical engineer in the industry or business, you need to have at least a bachelor's degree. In general, a high school diploma is required for admission into a bachelor's degree program, although some universities may also require college-level mathematics and science courses. Studies in mechanical engineering include instruction in mathematics, sciences, programming, engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, electricity, systems, computer technology, and machine design. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of engineering work, students are expected to not only acquire knowledge of mechanical engineering, but also to gain insight into other engineering disciplines such as chemical, civil, and electrical engineering. In addition, universities may require instruction in humanities and social sciences. Finally, some programs include coursework from fields where mechanical engineering may be applicable, such as business, environmental science, or the medical field.
Difference Between Civil, Electrical, & Mechanical Degree Programs
Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering are three of the different disciplines in engineering. Civil vs. Mechanical Engineering and Electrical vs. Mechanical Engineering report that although civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers design and build different types of systems and products, they have the same level of education, earn comparable salaries, and have many similarities in the ways they perform their work. The three disciplines rely on similar methodologies and skills to develop designs, prepare and manage budgets, and oversee the implementation of the designs. In addition, the design and build of engineering systems frequently require civil, electrical, and mechanical engineers to be working synergistically. As a result, the boundaries between the three disciplines are blurred rather than defined.
| Educational Requirements | Median Salary* (2020) | Job Outlook* (2019-29) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | Bachelor's Degree | $88,570 | 2% |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor's Degree | $103,390 | 3% |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor's Degree | $90,160 | 4% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
In addition to the instruction of fundamental courses, bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering offer concentrations in several areas such as aerospace, automatic controls, automotive, computer-aided design and manufacturing, energy, engineering mechanics, manufacturing, or mechatronics. Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary engineering area that focuses on the design of mechanical systems that also use electrical, electronic, computer components, and robotic components. Stevens Institute of Technology also lists biomedical, product design and manufacturing, power generation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, robotics, and autonomous systems, or sustainable energy as some of the mechanical engineering concentrations the university offers. Michigan State University lists biomedical, cryogenics, or global engineering as some of the less traditional mechanical engineering concentrations.
Prerequisites for a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree
To enroll in a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree, universities, in general, require a high school diploma. Some universities may also require the successful completion of college-level mathematics and science. To complete a mechanical engineering (ME) bachelor's degree, typically, universities require students to take a number of general education courses, basic program courses, ME foundation courses, ME core courses, and technical electives.
According to Mechanical Engineering Curriculum, general education courses help students develop communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills which are important in the marketplace. General education courses typically are drawn from humanities, social sciences, and communication areas. Basic program courses build a foundation that is common to all engineering disciplines and, in general, consists of mathematics and science courses. ME foundation courses aim to build a foundation in mechanical engineering and include advanced mathematics and physics as well as engineering mechanics and thermodynamics. ME core courses aim to help the student decide on a specialization area which will lead to the selection of capstone design, the senior year project. ME core courses include electricity, manufacturing, advanced engineering mechanics, and machine design, and controls. Finally, technical electives focus on the chosen specialization area and complement the student's capstone design project which is required for graduation.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering requires instruction of mathematics, sciences, programming, engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, hydraulics, electricity, systems, computer technology, and machine design. In addition, universities may require instruction in humanities and social sciences. Finally, some programs include coursework from fields such as business, environmental science, or the medical field.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering?
In general, the length of study to get a bachelor's in mechanical engineering is four years (eight semesters), assuming full-time study in a nine-month academic year. Frequently, universities encourage students to spend a semester or two in a Engineering Co-op Program, a Cooperative initiative between industry and universities to complement engineering education with practical experiences. Students who choose to participate in an Engineering Co-op Program will increase their length of studies to four and a half or five years.
The Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Mechanical Engineering
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUNY Maritime College | $8508 | 74% | 75% | 80% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | Colorado School of Mines | $19062 | 53% | 83% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Princeton University | $52800 | 6% | 98% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Michigan Technological University | $17134 | 74% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $53790 | 7% | 95% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | $12682 | 21% | 90% | 69% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $10575 | 79% | 66% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $9943 | 28% | 82% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | $17674 | 73% | 67% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | Carnegie Mellon University | $57119 | 15% | 90% | 58% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | $8156 | 80% | 50% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Pennsylvania | $57770 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 19 | Montana Technological University | $7431 | 91% | 54% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Santa Clara University | $53634 | 49% | 91% | 68% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | $13529 | 62% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Duke University | $57931 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $17935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Stanford University | $53529 | 4% | 94% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | Michigan State University | $15555 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 30 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | $10770 | 77% | 49% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $7623 | 85% | 56% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Tennessee Technological University | $8934 | 79% | 54% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | $49527 | 74% | 86% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University at Buffalo | $10524 | 61% | 75% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | University of Iowa | $9606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 37 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | $9101 | 45% | 82% | 68% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Stony Brook University | $10175 | 44% | 76% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | $34970 | 69% | 73% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 42 | McNeese State University | $8102 | 81% | 47% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 46 | Illinois Institute of Technology | $48749 | 60% | 70% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | $52320 | 49% | 89% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 49 | Purdue Global-Main Campus | $9992 | 60% | 82% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees
To ensure a mechanical engineering program meets the quality standards of the mechanical engineering profession, a program may seek accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (ABET). ABET is a non-profit, non-governmental agency that accredits programs in applied science, natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. ABET accreditation verifies that the educational experience of a graduate meets the global standard of the profession. In addition, ABET accreditation supports the graduate to enter the profession since licensure and certification organizations often require graduation from ABET accredited programs. Furthermore, ABET accreditation enables a graduate to work globally because it is recognized worldwide. Therefore, ABET accreditation assures that a program prepares graduates to enter the global workforce.
Mechanical Engineering Licensure and Certification
States require mechanical engineers who provide engineering services to the public to be licensed as Professional Engineers (PE). PE may also be required or recommended by many private employers in the industry. PE protects the public by enforcing standards that restrict practice to qualified practitioners. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, NCEES, is a non-profit organization that advances and administers PE licensure. To obtain licensure, PE candidates must have a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited program, four years of related experience, and must pass the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam is designed for recent graduates or students who are getting close to graduation. The PE exam is designed for engineers with a minimum of four years of experience. Many states may provide additional pathways for licensure. Therefore, PE candidates should verify the licensure requirements of the state where they plan to practice.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering?
A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering enables careers in many industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, defense, education, energy, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, power and utilities, services, or transportation, to name a few. According to What mechanical engineers do, mechanical engineers typically work in the design and development of machines for automobiles, airplanes, or other vehicles; generation of electricity; design and development of control and automation of systems; or design and implementation of solutions for sustainability. In addition, mechanical engineers may work to design and build biomedical devices for medical diagnoses, such as medical imaging devices or artificial organs such artificial limps, kidneys, etc. Furthermore, mechanical engineers may work in teaching at technology schools. Finally, mechanical engineers may provide services as engineering/technology consultants, or even legal services, as patent attorneys.
How to Become a Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics engineers design solutions to technical problems by connecting mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer, and robotic components into a single system. What is mechatronics reports mechatronics is used in many industries and applications such as robotic automation, building automation, robotic surgery, or automotive engineering, among others. Become a mechatronics engineer by earning a relevant degree, such as a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, gaining experience working in mechatronic systems, and seeking out opportunities for continuous learning.
How to Become an Energy Engineer
Energy Engineers work to reduce energy use and costs by evaluating and redesigning existing energy systems, or by designing and building new ones. Energy engineers need a related degree such as a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure that is required by the states and administered by NCEES. Supervised engineering work experience is needed for PE licensure.
What Other Kinds of Mechanical Engineering Degrees Are There?
Students who prefer hands-on careers with less math and science may consider pursuing a mechanical engineering technology bachelor's degree, MET. While mechanical engineers use science and math principles along with technical knowledge and technology to design solutions to technical problems, engineering technologists implement the designs and concentrate on optimizing the designs' production process. Therefore, engineering technologists synergize with mechanical engineers to build solutions to technical problems.
Associate Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
Graduates with a high school diploma or equivalent with high school level math and science interested in a hands-on technical career may pursue an associate degree in mechanical engineering. Two associate degrees suggested by Associate of Mechanical Engineering: Degree Overview are the Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and the Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology programs. Program graduates work to improve the efficiency and operation of mechanical systems and product development processes.
Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
Students interested in furthering their knowledge and specialization in mechanical engineering may want to consider pursuing a master's degree. Master's degree programs require additional courses and research in a specialization area which results in a master's thesis. Universities usually require a certain level of academic performance to accept candidates in master's programs. Although master's degree programs require the completion of a bachelor's degree, some universities may offer 4+1 (years) programs that result in the completion of a bachelor's and a master's degree in engineering. One example is Ohio University's biomedical engineering program biomedical engineering program.
Doctoral Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
Students who are interested in research and development in academia or industry may consider pursuing a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering (PhD) . In general, a master's degree in mechanical engineering is required for acceptance into a doctoral degree program. Occasionally, bachelors' degree graduates from other engineering or science programs may be accepted in a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering. Doctorate degree programs require additional courses, research in a specialization area, and a dissertation that needs to be defended for degree completion. Most doctorate programs require the degree to be completed within five years from the start of the program. According to Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Worth It, although a doctorate in mechanical engineering imposes additional educational expenses on the student due to the length of the program, many universities cover these costs in the form of stipends, grants, and research or teaching assistantships. Finally, Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Worth It reports that graduates with doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering frequently get jobs in management or research and make higher earnings than their non-doctorate colleagues.
Certificates in Mechanical Engineering
Recent mechanical engineering graduates or working mechanical engineers who are interested in deepening their knowledge in a specific area and broadening their professional opportunities may want to pursue one or more mechanical engineering certificates. According to Mechanical Engineering Certificates, mechanical engineers may become certified in areas such as integrated manufacturing systems, computer-aided manufacturing, convection heat transfer, product design and development, power plant management, alternative energy consulting, or product marketing, among others. These certificates may increase employability and career advancement.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees
There are many expenses associated with studying to get a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Expenses range from tuition, fees, and educational materials to living and personal expenses. To assist with educational expenses, universities offer Financial aid to qualified students. Financial aid comes in the form of merit-based aid scholarships and need-based aid. Merit-based aid and scholarships are awarded to students based on academic performance, athletic capability, and artistic talent. Need-based aid is given to qualified students upon approval of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
