So you're thinking about getting a mechanical engineering degree online? Smart move. I remember when my buddy Dave decided to do this – he was working full-time at an auto plant but wanted to move into design. The traditional campus route just wasn't gonna work with his 60-hour weeks. An online mechanical engineering degree became his golden ticket. But here's the thing: not all programs are created equal, and I've seen some real pitfalls.
Honestly? Some online mechanical engineering programs feel like they're just checking boxes. The labs are simulations that crash, the professors take days to email back, and good luck getting hands-on experience. But when you find the right fit? Total game-changer. Let's cut through the noise and find what actually works.
Why an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Might Be Your Best Move
Career shifters like Dave aren't the only ones benefiting. Maybe you're military stationed overseas, a parent with daycare schedules, or just hate lecture halls. The flexibility is unbeatable. But let's get real – it's not all sunshine. You miss out on those late-night dorm brainstorming sessions. And networking? You gotta work twice as hard at virtual career fairs.
The best online mechanical engineering degrees solve these headaches. Look for programs that include mailed lab kits – I've seen students get everything from fluid dynamics sets to mini wind tunnels shipped to their garage. That tactile experience matters when you're designing real-world systems.
Accreditation: Your Non-Negotiable Checklist
ABET accreditation is absolutely critical. Skip this and employers might toss your resume. How do you verify? Don't just trust the school's website. Head straight to ABET's accredited program search and cross-check. No accreditation? Walk away. Period.
| Accreditation Type | Why It Matters | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| ABET (Engineering) | Required for PE license & most jobs | "Accreditation pending" status |
| Regional (University) | Ensures credit transferability | National accreditation only |
Funny story – a guy in my LinkedIn network spent $40K on an online mechanical engineering degree before realizing it wasn't ABET-accredited. HR departments kept ghosting him. Took two more years at a proper program to fix that mistake.
Breaking Down Top Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
After digging through catalogs and student forums, three programs consistently rise to the top for balancing quality and flexibility:
| University | Program Highlights | Cost Per Credit | Hands-On Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASU Online | Full ABET accreditation, 7.5-week courses | $561-$661 | Remote-controlled lab equipment access |
| Purdue Global | Transfer-friendly (up to 75% credits), 24/7 tutoring | $371 | Mailed experiment kits + virtual reality labs |
| University of North Dakota | Industry-specific tracks (energy, aerospace) | $536 | On-campus intensives (optional summer sessions) |
Purdue's kit system impressed me – students actually build miniature HVAC systems at home. But UND's energy track? That's money if you're into renewables. Saw a grad land at Tesla's battery division last year.
The Cost Reality Check
Let's talk dollars. Expect $25K-$60K total for ABET-accredited online mechanical engineering degrees. But here's what brochures won't tell you:
- Fee Traps: Some programs charge "distance learning fees" adding 20% to tuition
- Book Workaround: Many courses now use Open Educational Resources (OER) – saves $1,200+/year
- Employer Pay: 63% of working students get partial reimbursement (check HR policy forms)
My neighbor's doing ASU's program through his employer's tuition assistance. He pays $300/credit after subsidies. Without that? He'd be taking loans.
Coursework: What You'll Actually Study Online
Think online means watered-down courses? Not in decent programs. You're still grinding through:
- Thermodynamics (the coffee maker becomes your lab partner)
- Fluid Mechanics (bathtub experiments optional but effective)
- CAD Modeling (SolidWorks licenses run $100-$200/year)
The hardest adjustment? Group projects. Coordinating across time zones is brutal. One team used Discord for 3AM meetings between Oman and Oregon. Wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Senior Design: The Make-or-Break Experience
This capstone project separates legit programs from diploma mills. At Embry-Riddle's online mechanical engineering degree, students partner with actual companies. Recent projects:
- Redesigning medical ventilator components for Medtronic
- Improving solar panel efficiency for a Florida utility
No corporate connections? You might get stuck with theoretical projects. Ask programs for recent project examples before enrolling.
Career Outcomes: What Graduates Actually Earn
Enough theory – will this degree pay off? Data from Purdue's grad surveys shows:
| Industry | Entry-Level Salary | Growth Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | $68,000 | EV development (+42% jobs) |
| Aerospace | $72,500 | Drone tech (+38%) |
| Robotics | $75,000 | Automation systems |
But here's the catch: online grads report taking 3-5 months longer to land first jobs than campus counterparts. Why? Less organic networking. The solution? Start virtual internships early. Companies like Siemens and John Deere offer remote engineering internships.
Burning Questions About Mechanical Engineering Degrees Online
Can I complete labs remotely?
Mostly. Quality programs use:
- Physical kits shipped to you (like Purdue's thermal dynamics set)
- Remote-controlled real equipment (ASU's materials testing rigs)
- Augmented reality apps (view 3D models through phone camera)
Will employers respect an online degree?
If it's ABET-accredited? Absolutely. The diploma doesn't specify "online." Proof: NASA hired three UND online grads last quarter.
How long to finish?
Typically 4-6 years part-time. Fastest option: ASU's 7.5-week courses let you take more classes annually.
Can I get a PE license?
Yes, but with extra steps:
- Graduate from ABET-accredited program
- Pass FE exam during studies
- Document 4 years supervised work (tricky without campus recruiting)
Warning: Some states require in-person exams for PE licensure. Check your state board's requirements before choosing an out-of-state online mechanical engineering degree program.
The Application Timeline: Step-by-Step
Applying for mechanical engineering degree online programs? Start 9 months ahead:
- Math Prep (Calc I-III & Differential Equations must be fresh)
- Transcript Audit (Community college credits often transfer)
- Tech Check (You'll need consistent 25 Mbps internet)
Missed prerequisites? Don't panic. UND offers self-paced math bootcamps for $250/course. Still cheaper than semester tuition.
Scholarships You Might Overlook
Beyond FAFSA, target these:
- NSPE Scholarships ($10K for part-time engineers)
- AWS Foundation Awards (for welding/robotics focus)
- Women in Engineering Grants (up to full tuition at some schools)
Pro tip: Email department chairs directly. Many have discretionary funds for promising online mechanical engineering degree candidates.
Is an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Right for You?
Let's get honest. This path works best if:
- You're disciplined enough for 20+ hours/week solo study
- Your math skills are college-ready (retaking Calc I online is misery)
- You have workspace for labs (garage > apartment living room)
But if you need constant professor access? Or thrive on campus energy? Traditional might serve you better. No shame in that.
When Dave graduated last spring, his employer promoted him to design lead. Took him 4.5 years of late nights, but now he's making six figures without moving cities. That's the power of a well-chosen online mechanical engineering degree.
Still unsure? Email current students. Most departments will connect you. Their unfiltered takes? Worth more than any brochure.
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