Mechanical Engineering Courses

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields. Mechanical engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products ranging from medical devices to new batteries. They also may design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

Further, mechanical engineers may need to design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations. Like other engineers, mechanical engineers use computers extensively. Mechanical engineers are routinely responsible for the integration of sensors, controllers, and machinery.

Mechanical engineering technicians, by comparison, test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may assist in testing products by setting up instrumentation for vehicle crash tests. They may need to be able to operate machinery such as drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers four levels of certification through its technician certification programs.

Computer technology helps mechanical engineers create and analyze designs, run simulations and test how a machine is likely to work, interact with connected systems, and generate specifications for parts. Engineers prepare layouts and drawings of parts to be made and of the process for putting the parts together, often using three-dimensional CAD-CAM design software such as AutoCAD. Mechanical engineers often work on the newest industrial pursuits, particularly in factory automation and robotics.

The fields of alternative energies and nanotechnology will also offer new opportunities for occupational growth. Mechanical engineers design production projects to harness developments in nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter at the tiniest levels. Nanotechnology will result in improvements of technology in fields such as healthcare and in the design of more powerful computer chips.

Engineering Tests

Mechanical Engineering Department Rankings - Undergraduate

Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.

A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. The initial PE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor's degree. Engineers who pass this exam are commonly called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering. Each state issues its own licenses, although most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state's requirements meet or exceed their own.

Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education. ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program.

Mechanical Engineering & Computer Jobs

Mechanical engineers held about 288,800 jobs in 2017. The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $84,190 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $54,420, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $131,350. Most mechanical engineers work full time, and about 3 in 10 worked more than 40 hours a week in 2017. Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2017 to 2026. In the automotive industry in particular, mechanical engineers will play key roles in improving the range and performance of hybrid and electric cars.