A masters in mechanical engineering online is becoming an increasingly popular option for working professionals looking to advance their careers. Mechanical engineering is a broad field with applications across many industries so there is high demand for mechanical engineers with advanced skills and knowledge. An online masters program offers the flexibility busy adults need to earn this degree while continuing to work full-time.
In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about earning a masters in mechanical engineering online including
- Overview of online mechanical engineering masters programs
- Key benefits of online vs. on-campus
- Admissions requirements
- Coursework and specializations
- Time commitment and tuition costs
- Top ranked programs
What is a Masters in Mechanical Engineering Online?
A masters in mechanical engineering online provides the same rigorous curriculum as an on-campus program, but allows students to complete the degree remotely through distance learning. Course content is delivered via recorded lectures, live-streamed classes, online discussion boards, and more.
This flexible format makes it possible for working engineers to advance their education without having to relocate or put their careers on hold. Graduates earn the same accredited masters degree as on-campus students.
Topics covered usually include:
- Advanced engineering mathematics
- Computer-aided engineering
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Heat transfer
- Control systems
- Mechanical design
- Finite element analysis
- Materials science
- Manufacturing processes
Students also complete electives within a specialization such as aerospace engineering, robotics, automotive engineering, or biomedical engineering. This allows them to gain deeper expertise in their field of interest.
Key Benefits of Earning a Masters in Mechanical Engineering Online
Pursuing a masters in mechanical engineering online offers many advantages:
Flexibility – Distance learning allows students to complete coursework on their own time from anywhere. No need to commute to campus or rearrange work schedules.
Accessibility – Online programs open up graduate engineering education, making it easier for working professionals to advance their careers.
Affordability – Online programs tend to offer lower tuition rates compared to on-campus. Costs are further reduced by avoiding commuting expenses and lost wages.
Networking – Students still collaborate with peers and engage in group projects. Many programs host online networking events and career fairs.
Relevant Curriculum – Online classes focus on real-world applications and practical problem solving skills applicable to industry jobs.
Career Advancement – An advanced engineering degree helps students move into leadership roles or specialized engineering positions.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements for online mechanical engineering masters programs include:
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Bachelors degree in engineering – Most programs require an ABET-accredited bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or related field such as aerospace, manufacturing, mechatronics, etc.
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Undergraduate GPA – A minimum GPA of 3.0 is typical but requirements vary by program. Strong grades in math, physics and engineering coursework are preferred.
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GRE scores – Some but not all programs require GRE quantitative and analytical scores. Minimum scores range between 150-155. GRE can sometimes be waived with high GPAs.
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Letters of recommendation – 2-3 recommendation letters from professors or employers evaluating academic and professional abilities.
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Personal statement – Essay outlining academic interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a masters degree.
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Resume – Summarizing work experience and academic accomplishments.
Meeting basic requirements gets your foot in the door, but a competitive application also demonstrates strong technical skills, communication abilities, work ethic, and leadership potential.
What Will I Study in an Online Mechanical Engineering Masters Program?
A masters in mechanical engineering online covers both core engineering theory as well as specialized technical electives. The curriculum provides advanced engineering knowledge and practical problem solving skills.
Core Curriculum
Typical core courses include:
- Advanced Engineering Mathematics – Vector calculus, partial differential equations, numerical methods
- Computational Methods – Finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics
- Thermofluids – Advanced thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics
- Control Systems – Feedback control, dynamic modeling, stability analysis
- Mechanical Design – Fatigue, fracture, computer-aided design
Electives and Specializations
Students also complete 4-6 electives within a focus area. Common specializations include:
- Aerospace Engineering – Aircraft design, aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics
- Automotive Engineering – Vehicle dynamics, engines, mechatronics, autonomous systems
- Biomechanical Engineering – Biomaterials, biomechanics, medical devices
- Manufacturing Engineering – Computer integrated manufacturing, robotics, smart automation
- Robotics – Kinematics, dynamics, control, computer vision, path planning
This allows students to gain expertise aligned with career goals. Capstone projects and internships provide hands-on engineering experience.
What is the Time Commitment for an Online Masters in Mechanical Engineering?
Online mechanical engineering masters degrees typically consist of 30-36 credit hours, taking 1.5 – 2 years to complete part-time. Students usually take 1-2 classes per semester.
Each 3-credit class involves about 10-15 hours per week of lectures, assignments, projects, and studying. More time may be required for particularly demanding courses like advanced mathematics.
Some programs allow up to 5 years for degree completion. Accelerated 1-year programs are also available for motivated students able to study full-time.
Time management and self-discipline are critical when balancing school with professional and personal responsibilities. Having a routine schedule for studying helps online students stay on track.
What is the Cost of an Online Mechanical Engineering Masters Degree?
The total cost for an online masters in mechanical engineering ranges from $15,000 – $30,000 including tuition and fees. Per credit hour rates are typically $500 – $1000. More specialized programs and top ranked schools tend to fall at the higher end.
Other costs to factor in include textbooks, software licenses, and a computer capable of running engineering programs if needed.
Many students in online engineering masters programs qualify for employer tuition assistance. Tax benefits like the Lifelong Learning Credit can also help offset costs.
Scholarships and graduate assistantships are less common but possible at certain schools. Affordable financing options are available for those who qualify.
Top Ranked Online Mechanical Engineering Masters Programs
Here are some of the top online mechanical engineering masters programs:
Purdue University
- Over 90% of Purdue mechanical engineering classes are available online
- Over 40 focus areas like aerospace, automotive, and energy systems
- #9 ranked graduate mechanical engineering program nationally
Georgia Tech
- Online Masters in Mechanical Engineering (OMSME) delivered via edX platform
- Specializations options in robotics, manufacturing, and more
- #10 ranked graduate mechanical engineering program
UC Berkeley
- Online Masters of Engineering (MEng) degree offered full or part-time
- Courses in solid mechanics, thermofluids, and system design
- #2 ranked graduate mechanical engineering program
University of Michigan
- Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
- Flexible pacing for full or part-time students
- #7 ranked graduate mechanical engineering program
Johns Hopkins University
- Online MS in Mechanical Engineering with 10 courses
- Focus areas in robotics, aerospace, biomechanics, and more
- #18 ranked graduate mechanical engineering program
When researching programs, look for established schools with top rankings, experienced faculty, ABET-accredited degrees, and high job placement rates for graduates.
Start Your Application Today!
A masters in mechanical engineering online is a smart investment to advance your engineering career without disruption. Top programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus degrees with added flexibility for working professionals.
This guide covered the many benefits of distance learning as well as what to expect from online ME masters programs in terms of admissions, coursework, time commitment, and costs.
Several highly ranked options from prestigious universities were also highlighted like Purdue, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan, and Johns Hopkins.
Ready to take the next step? Check out these schools’ websites to learn more about their online ME master’s degrees. The application process can take a few months to complete, so start today! With focus and dedication, you can earn an advanced engineering degree and open doors to new job opportunities.
Program at a Glance
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$1,100 per credit hour
- Admission Deadlines
- How to Apply
- International Students
Due to program size constraints, we cannot guarantee that all applications submitted by the application deadline will be considered for admission for the applied semester. However, all qualified applicants will be considered for enrollment in the following semester.
- Spring Enrollment Application Deadline: Oct 1
- Summer Enrollment Application Deadline: Mar 1
- Fall Enrollment Application Deadline: May 1
Ready to apply? Youre in the right place. Applications are accepted year-round.
What You Need Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
- Official transcripts from each institution attended. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
- Lawful Presence Document (U.S. Citizens Only). Applicants must verify their lawful presence in the United States prior to enrollment.
- English Proficiency (International Students Only). The language of instruction at Georgia Tech is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum test scores and expectations are found on our International Students tab.
- References. You will initiate the process through the online application by entering the name and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to the recommender requesting a brief online recommendation. Please inform your references that they must submit the form for your application to be complete.
- Test Scores. Applicants must complete the GRE and provide official scores to Georgia Tech.* *GRE requirements are temporarily waived for applicants of the 2022 Spring, Summer, and Fall admission cycles and the submission of scores will be optional.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
- Personal Statements. Describe your specific career goals and objectives, the decision to pursue an advanced degree, and other information that may be useful to the admissions committee.
- Professional Resume. A listing of your professional experience and uploaded to the online application.
Start Your Application You can submit your application to the program at any time of the year. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the Student Services Team.
Please set aside sufficient time — usually about two to three weeks — for Graduate Studies to receive and process your supporting documents. We cannot guarantee applications received after the deadline will be reviewed in time for the applied semester.
Application Fee A non-refundable application fee must be paid online with a credit card or electronic check if you have a U.S. bank account. The application fee is $75 for U.S. applicants and $85 for international applicants. Your application will not be received until the fee is paid.
Status Checking Once your application is completed and submitted, you may monitor its progress through CollegeNet’s online status check system (using the same CollegeNet user ID and password created when you applied).
Georgia Tech considers you an international applicant if you are neither a U.S. citizen nor a U.S. permanent resident, regardless of where in the world you live.
The admissions criteria applied in evaluating international applicants are essentially the same as those for U.S. citizens. All application materials, including transcripts and recommendations, must be submitted online and in English. You are also required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.
International and domestic candidates that have relocated to the state of Georgia for purposes of full-time employment, as well as their spouses, may qualify for a waiver of the non-Georgia resident portion of tuition through the Economic Advantage Program. We strongly encourage all international applicants to submit application materials early to expedite the admissions process and to confirm eligibility for the Economic Advantage Program.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Applicants must submit a valid TOEFL score if:
- They are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
- They are a citizen of a country where English is not the sole official language of instruction.*
- They have not successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited university in the United States.
*Countries where English is the sole official language of instruction include Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Canada — except Québec, Cayman Islands, Ghana, Guam, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Wales.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years and the minimum required total score on the exam is 100 for the internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT). For more information about these tests visit the ETS official TOEFL website.
Transcripts
All applicants to the program must hold a U.S. bachelors degree or equivalent to be considered for admission. A three-year degree is not equivalent to the U.S. bachelors degree. Neither professional designations nor work experience will count toward the fourth year of study. Were unable to make exceptions to this policy.
The Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office does not accept any private evaluation of academic documents. Official transcripts and degree documents must be submitted at the time of application and the Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office will evaluate them.
The Georgia Tech Graduate Studies Office requires the following documents from international applicants:
- Official native language transcripts
- Official English translation of the native language transcript
- Official native language degree documents
- Official English translation of the native language degree document
- Tuition and Fees
- Payments and Refunds
- Financial Assistance
Tuition $1,100 per credit hour* Mandatory Fees** Technology Fee $107 Additional Fees Varies
*All courses will be three-credit hours. **Fees are assessed only for the terms in which students are enrolled in courses.
All payments of tuition and fees are handled by the Bursar’s office. For instructions on how to pay, please visit the student payment portal.
The Georgia Tech Bursar’s Office processes refunds via EFT, also known as Direct Deposit, Monday through Friday. Refunds and overpayments are electronically disbursed to the student’s checking or savings account and should be in the students account on the following day or sooner. You are not always eligible for a refund when dropping a course, so please read over the refund policy.
Education Loans U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for education loans. To learn more about graduate financial aid and loan programs, visit Georgia Tech’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Contact your employer’s human resources department for available tuition assistance programs and eligibility.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill Effective August 1, 2011, qualified U.S. veterans may be eligible to receive financial support for tuition, mandatory fees, books, and housing. Additional information is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Website.
Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Helped My Career
What is an online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering?
Online master’s in mechanical engineering programs emphasize mathematical and computer expertise, practical engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and the ability to work well under pressure. In this ranking, our editors examine our picks of the top 30 online master’s for mechanical engineering programs.
What is a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering?
The Master’s Program is designed principally for students who wish to enter industry as practicing professionals. At the graduate level, the Mechanical Engineering program aligns academic course work with research to prepare scholars in specialized areas within the field.
Can I get a degree in Mechanical Engineering online?
We offer two program options for Mechanical Engineering; you can earn a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Certificate in Mechanical Engineering. Both of these programs have the option to be completed online. Get details about course requirements, prerequisites, focus areas, and electives offered within the program.
How do I get a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering?
To earn the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, you must complete 45 units. For admissions information, please visit the department’s site or contact [email protected]. For degree requirements, please review either the department’s program overview or Stanford Bulletin. See our FAQs page.
