Everything You Should Know – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

If you have a knack for finding out how something works and envisioning ways to improve it, a mechanical engineering career might be a good fit for you. Careers in this field often appeal to creative thinkers who enjoy designing and building things.

Many mechanical engineering jobs require a mechanical engineering degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can help you qualify for a wide selection of high-paying, challenging careers.

This article explores how to earn a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Find out everything you need to know about undergraduate mechanical engineering degrees—from admission requirements and accreditation information to courses and specializations.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

A mechanical engineering degree can prepare you to pursue various careers in the field, but what do mechanical engineers do?

Working in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, energy, computing and biotechnology, professionals in this field design, develop and test a wide array of mechanical and thermal devices.

In all these sectors, mechanical engineers use the principles of physics, mathematics and materials science to create products and processes that meet user and industry needs.

What Is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering?

A bachelor of science in mechanical engineering equips you to research and analyze problems and apply engineering skills to design solutions. This degree builds the critical thinking, decision making, technical and communication skills needed in the many industries where mechanical engineers work.

This degree is a strong choice for students seeking stimulating career opportunities and excellent salary potential in a high-demand engineering field. The 2024 salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers places mechanical engineering among the top 10 most in-demand bachelor’s degrees and reports a median starting salary of $76,740 for graduates.

A bachelor’s in mechanical engineering explores computer-aided design, engineering design processes, prototyping, testing and validating, finite-element analysis, mechanical design, energy transfer, and sensors and control devices. It delivers the skills you need to design and build mechanical components, systems and devices.

Earning a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering typically requires about 120 to 128 credits and takes around four years to complete. If you plan to earn your master’s in mechanical engineering, some universities offer blended bachelor’s and master’s programs, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously on an accelerated timeline.

Admission Requirements for a Mechanical Engineering Degree

While admission requirements vary by program, you should expect to submit the following when you apply for a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program:

• A completed application
• A high school diploma, GED certificate or the equivalent
• Prerequisite high school coursework in math and science
• Minimum GPA (typically 2.5 to 3.0)
• SAT or ACT scores
• English language proficiency

Concentrations for a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Most mechanical engineering majors choose a specialization or concentration as part of their degree requirements. While concentration offerings vary by program, below are a few popular options:

Energy

An energy concentration explores the role of mechanical systems in energy production and use. Subjects covered include advanced energy solutions, aircraft and spacecraft propulsion, internal combustion engines, powertrain control, environmental law and environmental values in public policy.

Manufacturing

This concentration builds students’ leadership and research skills for positions in the manufacturing industry. It explores advanced mechatronics for manufacturing, metals manufacturing, production and inventory control, material handling systems and global manufacturing.

HVAC and Refrigeration

Students concentrating in HVAC and refrigeration prepare for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. This concentration covers advanced control systems, fundamentals of HVAC systems, refrigeration principles and design, building heating and cooling loads, and HVAC air and water distribution system design.

Mechatronics

A mechatronics concentration explores the design and manufacturing processes for smart machines with electronic and mechanical components. Students explore mechatronics, intermediate dynamics, manufacturing automation, robotics, automation of industrial systems and advanced control systems.

Robotics

This concentration prepares learners to work in the robotics field, exploring the ideation, design, development and control of robots. It covers computational linear algebra, dynamics and vibrations, mechatronic systems design, analytical and computational dynamics, robot kinematics and dynamics, autonomous vehicles and neural engineering.

Common Courses in a Mechanical Engineering Degree Program

Below we list several courses you might encounter as a mechanical engineering major. Since each degree program determines its own curriculum, you should check with your school for detailed information about required coursework.

Advanced Machine Design

This course covers the analysis and design of machine components, force analysis, rotor dynamics, kinematic synthesis, statistical issues, energy methods, gyrodynamics, and stresses in flywheels and thick cylinders.

Introduction to Robotics

A robotics introductory course takes a systems engineering perspective on robotics. It covers manipulators, actuators, sensors, end effectors, programming of manipulators, pattern recognition, dynamics and computer vision.

Nuclear Energy Power Generation

This course teaches concepts related to operating a nuclear electric generation station. The curriculum explores electrical science, mechanical science, digital process control systems, reactor water chemistry and civil engineering for power plant engineers.

Introduction to Mechatronics

This course introduces assembly language programming and microcontrollers. Students learn about interfacing techniques for microcontroller components and applications, such as timers, A/D conversion, D/A conversion, pulse-width modulation and interrupts.

Accreditation for Mechanical Engineering Degrees

ABET, previously known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation for engineering, engineering technology, and applied and natural science degree programs.

ABET has accredited around 560 mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology bachelor’s degree programs worldwide, about 450 of which are located in the United States. ABET also accredits bachelor’s programs in related disciplines such as materials, manufacturing, mechatronics, aerospace and nuclear engineering.

Before conferring accreditation, ABET thoroughly evaluates a program to ensure it meets the rigorous academic standards necessary to set up students for success as mechanical engineers. Accreditation depends on several criteria, including a program’s educational objectives, student performance and outcomes, curriculum requirements and faculty qualifications.

When you choose an ABET-accredited program, you know you are choosing a high-quality, well-respected program that employers and graduate schools will recognize. You can verify a program’s accreditation status through ABET’s accredited program search tool.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering?

You can qualify for many jobs with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, including the popular options we explore below. If you have a particular career path in mind, choose a degree program offering a relevant concentration to ensure your coursework aligns with your goals.

We sourced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Mechanical Engineer

Median Annual Salary: $99,510
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Mechanical engineers research, design and build mechanical and thermal devices, such as sensors, engines, tools and machines. They diagnose and analyze problems and create solutions by developing or updating designs or systems. Mechanical engineers also test prototypes and monitor manufacturing processes.

Industrial Engineer

Median Annual Salary: $99,380
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Industrial engineers create systems to address inefficiency and wastefulness and increase production in industrial environments. They examine engineering specifications, production schedules, process flows and other data to identify problems and develop plans, procedures and systems that integrate personnel, machines, energy and materials in the manufacturing process.

Mechanical Engineering Technologist

Median Annual Salary: $64,020
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or related postsecondary training, bachelor’s degree may be preferred
Job Overview: Mechanical engineering technologists work alongside mechanical engineers to design, create and test tools, machines, engines and other devices. They may analyze design drawings and specifications, recommend design changes, assemble industrial equipment and mechanical parts, or create business estimates.

Materials Engineer

Median Annual Salary: $104,100
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Materials engineers develop and test materials used in various products and devices. This role involves analyzing the properties of composites, metals, plastics, nanomaterials and other materials to ensure they meet the chemical, mechanical and electrical requirements to develop products. Materials engineers also monitor materials and identify and solve problems related to product failure.

Nuclear Engineer

Median Annual Salary: $125,460
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Nuclear engineers research and identify problems related to nuclear energy and waste disposal. They design and create nuclear batteries, reactor cores, radiation shielding and related instruments. Nuclear engineers may work in the medical field, military defense, space exploration, utility power generation, or research and regulation.

Electromechanical or Mechatronic Technologist

Median Annual Salary: $65,080
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or related postsecondary training, bachelor’s degree may be preferred
Job Overview: Electromechanical and mechatronic technologists operate and test unmanned, robotic, automated and electromechanical equipment by incorporating principles of electrical, electronic and mechanical technology. They read blueprints and schematics, operate metalworking machinery, repair hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies, analyze test results, and use soldering and precision-measuring equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mechanical Engineering Degrees