Mechanical Engineering Technology

Overview

Mechanical engineering technology programs prepare people to help engineers who work on mechanical systems.

Mechanical engineering technology programs prepare people to apply engineering principles to help engineers. Students learn to design, build, and test mechanical systems. They also learn to run and maintain equipment.

Mechanical engineering technology programs include topics such as:

Principles of mechanics
Design testing procedures
Prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures
Manufacturing systems procedures
Report writing

Schools

Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in mechanical engineering technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.

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

Very few universities offer graduate degrees in mechanical engineering technology. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Engineering Technicians

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

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
Chemistry
Computer Science and Programming
English Composition
Physics
Trigonometry

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Applied Calculus
Applied Mechanics
Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
Electrical Circuits and Instrumentation
Engineering Materials
General Physics
Manufacturing Processes
Pre-Calculus
Principles of Mechanical Design
Technical Drawing and Blueprint Reading
Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

A bachelor's degree program often assumes that you have taken pre-calculus while in high school. It typically includes the other courses listed above, plus the following:

Electricity and Electronics
Electromechanical Analysis
Engineering Economics
Fluid Mechanics
General Chemistry
Ordinary Differential Equations
Programming in C++ or Visual Basic
Senior Project
Statics, Dynamics, and Mechanics of Materials

Things to Know

Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.

With a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology, you may be able to work either as an engineer or as a technologist. Your options depend on what state you live in and whether your state requires a license.

If you want a license, you usually need a bachelor's degree from an engineering technology program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam.

Certifications are also available from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.