Mechanical engineers (MEs) are experts in the design and maintenance of machines, tools and systems, from kitchen microwaves to offshore drilling rigs. Armed with a versatile skill set that crosses industry lines, mechanical engineers have a rosy career outlook overall with lots of choices. Although these engineering generalists work in nearly every sector, the largest number work in architecture and construction, scientific research, and aerospace among other transportation industries. The highest paid mechanical engineers work in oil and gas extraction.
Most entry-level employers prefer job applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related science like Materials Engineering. An accredited undergraduate degree is usually needed to get a state license to practice, too. Students should choose an ME program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or ABET.
The bachelor's degree is the entry-level qualification for mechanical engineers. It is possible to launch a successful career after graduating with a 4-year B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline, and this is the pathway most choose. To get into a mechanical engineering program, students will need to have taken the right math and science classes in high school, including Algebra, Trigonometry, Chemistry and Physics. Specific prerequisites vary by school. Once students are enrolled at a college or university, they may sign up to take college-level math and science courses as well as those focused on engineering practice.
Among STEM subjects, mechanical engineering is fairly broad in its scope. It is common for students to choose an area of specialization, even at the bachelor's level. Basic specializations include:
Other specializations in mechanical engineering center on applied modes of manufacturing, like HVAC design, robotics, product development, nuclear engineering, or system testing. The possibilities are open-ended and tend to follow major developments in industry and manufacturing. Bachelor-level classes in Mechanical Engineering include:
With a bachelor's degree in hand, mechanical engineers can get entry-level jobs as:
Master engineers trained at the best mechanical engineering schools have optimal job opportunities compared to their bachelor-educated counterparts. A 2-year graduate degree can come in handy when applying for the most competitive positions, especially in advanced subspecialties like aerospace. To graduate with a master's, students must complete a research thesis. There are also non-thesis, coursework-only master programs, many of which can be finished in just a year of study.
At some of the top mechanical engineering schools, ME students can take an accelerated route combining the undergraduate and master levels into a 5-year, back-to-back curriculum leading to a terminal master of science. This route is shorter than the traditional path to grad school and may mean students don't have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to get into a master's program.
Students en route to a master's in Mechanical Engineering take classes like:
What can you do with a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineers earn doctoral degrees in order to teach at universities and conduct research in support of the science of mechanical and materials engineering. It is the most competitive credential for engineers opting out of academia, too, and may be required for elite engineering positions. A doctorate can take anywhere between 4 and 7 years to complete, depending on candidates' educational exposure and how smoothly the research process moves forward.
Most Ph.D. programs do not require a master's degree for admission, although the top mechanical engineering programs offer valuable resources for getting into competitive Ph.D. programs. Some schools let students earn a master's degree and a Ph.D. concurrently.
Achieving a doctorate typically entails completing a qualifying exam, seminars, and a lengthy dissertation on a specialized research topic. Ph.D. programs are more likely to offer financial aid than master's programs. The most qualified Ph.D. candidates may receive Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships.
Just a few of the possible topics for a doctoral dissertation in Mechanical Engineering are:
A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering opens up opportunities for:
We found 269 schools offering "Mechanical Engineering" degree programs in the U.S.
>> See all 269 Mechanical Engineering Colleges in the U.S.
