Mechanical Engineering

Overview

Mechanical engineering programs prepare people to design and improve tools and machines.

Mechanical engineering programs include topics such as:

Manufacturing systems
Physical science
Power systems

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in mechanical engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees mechanical engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in mechanical engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

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Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Biology
Calculus
Chemistry
Computer Science and Programming
English Composition
Physics
Trigonometry

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering (or a significant amount of course work in engineering and physics), good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Calculus
Chemistry
Design of Mechanical Elements
Dynamics
Electronic Circuits
Engineering Physics
English Composition
Fluid Mechanics
Introduction to Computer Science
Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines
Linear Differential Equations
Materials in Engineering Design
Mechanical Engineering Analysis
Mechanics of Materials
Senior Design Project
Statistics
Thermodynamics

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in this field typically includes:

Required courses
Master's thesis (which usually takes the form of a significant project)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.

Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.

To become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.