Best Online Master’s In Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Updated on August 29, 2022

Become a 21st-century engineering leader with an affordable, online Master's in Mechanical Engineering from a top-ranked university.

It should come as no surprise that in our highly technical and automated world, there is a continual and growing demand for mechanical engineers.

The field of mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines. You can find mechanical engineers working in every industry—from transportation, energy, telecommunications, and electronics to bioengineering, manufacturing, and commerce.

But no matter what your career goals are— whether they be in academia or in industry—getting a Master's degree Mechanical Engineering can be a great investment in your future. You'll receive both the technical expertise and leadership strategy to help thrive in your segment of a rapidly growing global industry.

What can you do with a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is a broad field, and mechanical engineers tend to be creative, flexible individuals that can work in a wide spectrum of industries, including:

  • Aerospace

  • Automotive

  • Bioengineering

  • Communications

  • Food Processing

  • Petroleum

  • Product Manufacturing

As a mechanical engineer, you'll use the principles of science and mathematics to design and develop new materials, devices, processes, and systems. You'll also analyze, troubleshoot, and improve on existing ones. From the development of medical equipment to innovations in alternative energy using nanotechnology, we depend on mechanical engineers to propel technology forward to make our world safer and more convenient.

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Featured Online Masters Mechanical Engineering Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

What kind of Master's in Mechanical Engineering degree should you get?

As you peruse the College Choice ranking, you'll notice that there are both Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees. The main distinction between the two is an emphasis on research—most M.S. programs offer a thesis option, which is an asset if you want to continue on to doctoral studies. M.Eng. programs, on the other hand, have more of a practitioner orientation.You'll also need to decide between a campus-based program and an online program. Both have advantages, but the online programs on our ranking offer the added benefit of convenience.All the universities on this ranking are highly regarded, accredited institutions—and your diploma will not specify that you completed your coursework online. You'll do the same work and be held to the same high standards as students in the classroom. But you'll be able to do it on your time.For more information on online education, check out our ranking of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for a Graduate Degree.

How much money do people make with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering degree?

This is a good time to become an engineer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026. But here's the kicker: job prospects are best for those who stay abreast of the most recent advances in technology. That's where your master's degree comes in.In terms of pay, there is a wide salary range which will depend on your education and experience— as well as the industry you want to work in. But the BLS puts the 2016 median pay for mechanical engineers at a healthy $84,190 per year.

What are the requirements for a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering?

Requirements for admission to programs vary slightly from school to school. However, there are a few constants.You'll need good GRE scores to get into a good program. And most Master's in Mechanical Engineering programs want students to have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering—or a closely related field (like another engineering field or mathematics).But don't despair if you don't have the right academic background. Many programs offer alternative routes—including a set of prerequisite courses that would prepare you for the rigors of an engineering program. And many schools review admissions on a case-by-case basis, so make your case!

What are the most affordable Master's in Mechanical Engineering degrees?

At College Choice, we take numbers seriously. We've scoured the internet for online master's programs in Mechanical Engineering and ranked them according to their net price. The net price takes into consideration extra fees on top of the per-credit tuition rate, so you can feel confident that these truly are the most affordable degrees available.We hope our ranking helps you find a great—and affordable—Mechanical Engineering program!

Most Affordable Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering Degrees

See our rankings methodology page.

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