Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s program in engineering allows students to gain a BSE degree in mechanical engineering. The program focuses on a hands-on approach through its Build-Design-Test methodology, where students actually build and then test their designs, as the name suggests. Through this methodology, students are prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation or go on to graduate school. Graduates will be prepared to apply the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering in a work environment. Students start with courses in basic math and science, and work their way up to application courses relating to engineering. Students also take general education courses in the humanities.

The University of Alabama’s mechanical engineering program prepares students to test, manufacture, design and analyze products that society uses. The program also focuses on the conservation of energy that drives machines. Students will be able to use a solid background in math and science to build practical machines. Students will conduct experiments, interpret data and design systems. Graduates go on to work in a wide variety of fields like construction, mining, automation, electronics, robotics, manufacturing and aerospace. Students can work in entry-level jobs in these fields upon graduation, and they start engineering courses in their first semester.

Siena Heights University has an engineering program with a mechanical engineering option. The program is in collaboration with the University of North Dakota in that students take in-person fundamentals like math, science and general education at Siena Heights University, and then they take online engineering courses through the University of North Dakota. The material is complemented by face time with instructions at Siena Heights. The program culminates in two degrees, one from Siena Heights and another from the University of North Dakota, and takes about five years to complete. This allows students time to customize their education with complementary courses like information technology or business that can help them succeed as an engineer.

University of Delaware’s mechanical engineering program helps students gain a wide array of skills and knowledge in one of the most diverse fields of engineering there is. Students will learn to design and analyze machines, materials and structures using the knowledge they gain in physics and materials science. Students learn a truly diverse level of areas to match the diverse field that is mechanical engineering, areas of study like dynamics, fluid mechanics, materials, solid mechanics, clean energy, nanotechnology and robotics. The program is highly customizable to make sure students are focusing on their areas of interest, like in the formal concentration in aerospace engineering.

Northern Arizona University’s bachelor’s in mechanical engineering helps students become designers who are knowledgeable about the principles of motion, force and energy through mechanical solutions. Students learn about topics like fluid sciences, thermodynamics, solid mechanics and energy systems. The program has a solid base in mathematics and physics to help students go on to design the machines that power society. The school has an innovative Design4Practice Program, which helps students gain solid technical, professional and managerial skills. Students participate in hands-on projects like building an unmanned aerial vehicle to gain appropriate skills for entering the workforce.

Kennesaw State University's bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering technology trains students to apply principles of mechanics and materials to design machines and devices. The program focuses on a sustainable approach to using energy, as students learn to design machines like energy-efficient wind turbines. Students can either go on to graduate school or become licensed professional engineers. Graduates go on to work in fields like robotics, machine design, alternative energy, construction or automation. Students learn the necessary basic science and engineering principles to become successful professionals, as well as applied skills like computer-aided design.

Indiana State University’s Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology teaches students skills to become engineers like mechanical design, management and analysis. Students will be prepared for both technical and managerial positions upon graduation. Computer-aided design is a huge emphasis of the program, and students learn how it is integrated with other engineering tools. The school has state-of-the-art CAD/CAE technologies that help students gain both hands-on and technical problem-solving experience. In relation to management, students will also learn to manage people, systems and resources to become effective at leadership on a project team.

The University of North Dakota’s mechanical engineering department prepares students to succeed as professionals. Courses include hands-on laboratory experiences to help students gain necessary skills. Students study areas like space hardware design, nanotechnology, pressure vessel research, coal combustion and precision machining. The school states that mechanical engineering is one of the most broad engineering disciplines, leading to a variety of careers in areas like automotive, aircraft, power and defense. The school also states that nearly all students gain job offers before graduation or go on to graduate-level studies. Cooperative summer education and internship opportunities help prepare students for the workforce.