What an online mechanical engineering degree actually is

An online mechanical engineering degree is a bachelor's or master's program delivered primarily through the internet, covering the same core subjects as an on-campus program: thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, machine design, and control systems. The degree itself carries the same weight as a campus-based one from the same institution — employers and licensing boards do not distinguish between them based on delivery method.

Most programs combine recorded lectures, live video sessions, virtual labs, and design projects you complete on your own computer or with simulation software. Some require occasional in-person visits for hands-on lab work or proctored exams, while others are fully remote. The time to completion typically matches campus programs: four years for a bachelor's degree, one to two years for a master's.

The cost varies widely. Tuition at public universities ranges from roughly $10,000 to $40,000 per year depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Private universities often charge $30,000 to $60,000 per year. Many programs offer the same financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans as their on-campus counterparts.

Key Takeaways

  • Online mechanical engineering degrees from accredited universities are recognized by employers and professional licensing boards the same way campus degrees are.
  • Most programs require some hands-on lab work, either through campus visits, equipment you purchase, or virtual simulation software.
  • Accreditation by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) matters for professional licensure and job prospects — check before enrolling.
  • Completion time is typically four years for a bachelor's degree and one to two years for a master's, matching on-campus timelines.
  • You will need a strong foundation in mathematics and physics; many programs require calculus and physics as prerequisites or concurrent courses.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The most important factor in choosing an online mechanical engineering program is ABET accreditation. ABET is the independent body that accredits engineering programs in the United States. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is required or strongly preferred by most employers, and it is necessary if you plan to pursue a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Not all online programs are ABET-accredited. Before enrolling, visit the ABET website and search their accredited program database by institution and degree level. If a program is not listed, contact the university directly and ask whether they have applied for accreditation or plan to. Some newer online programs are working toward accreditation but do not yet have it.

Accreditation also affects your ability to transfer credits if you change schools, and it influences whether your degree will be recognized if you work internationally. Employers in aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors typically require or prefer ABET accreditation.

Lab work and hands-on requirements

Mechanical engineering requires hands-on lab experience. Online programs handle this in three main ways: campus visits, home lab kits, or simulation software. Understand which approach your program uses before you enroll, because it affects cost, time commitment, and location flexibility.

Campus visits are required by some programs for certain lab courses. You may need to travel to campus for one or two weeks per semester or for specific lab-intensive courses. Universities like Penn State World Campus and University of Florida require occasional on-campus sessions. This adds travel costs and time but provides real equipment and direct instructor feedback.

Home lab kits are shipped to you and contain components for experiments you perform at home. Some programs, including certain offerings from Purdue and Arizona State, use this model. Kits typically cost $200 to $800 per course and require workspace and basic tools.

Simulation software allows you to run virtual experiments on your computer. Programs like MATLAB, ANSYS, and Autodesk Fusion 360 simulate real-world conditions. This is the most flexible option but provides less tactile experience. Many programs combine simulation with one or two campus visits.

Prerequisites and math requirements

Online mechanical engineering programs assume you have completed or can complete calculus and physics before starting core engineering courses. Most require Calculus I, II, and III, plus Physics I and II (mechanics and electricity/magnetism). If you do not have these, you will need to take them first, which adds one to two years to your timeline.

Some universities offer these prerequisite courses online as well, so you can complete them before explore to the engineering program. Others require you to complete them at a community college or through a testing service like CLEP. Check whether your target program accepts transfer credits for prerequisites, because this affects cost and timing.

Differential equations and linear algebra are also typically required. If your background is not in engineering or physical sciences, budget extra time for these foundational courses. Many students underestimate the math intensity and struggle in the first year.

Universities offering online mechanical engineering degrees

Several large public universities offer ABET-accredited online mechanical engineering degrees. Penn State World Campus offers a bachelor's degree fully online with optional campus visits for labs. University of Florida's online bachelor's program requires periodic on-campus sessions. Purdue University Global offers both bachelor's and master's degrees with flexible lab options. Arizona State University's online program uses a combination of simulation and campus visits.

University of Southern California (USC) and Georgia Institute of Technology offer online master's degrees in mechanical engineering. These are well-regarded and more affordable than their on-campus counterparts, though still selective. Tuition for USC's program is roughly $20,000 to $30,000 total; Georgia Tech's is similar.

Smaller universities and for-profit institutions also offer online mechanical engineering degrees, but not all are ABET-accredited. Always verify accreditation status before enrolling. The ABET database is the authoritative source; do not rely on the university's marketing materials alone.

Cost, financial aid, and payment options

Tuition for an online bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 per year at public universities, depending on in-state versus out-of-state status. Private universities typically charge $30,000 to $60,000 per year. A four-year degree can cost between $40,000 and $240,000 before financial aid.

Most universities offer the same federal financial aid to online students as to campus students. You can borrow through federal student loans (Stafford loans, PLUS loans) and may be may be able to access for grants if you meet income requirements. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for engineering degrees; check your company's education benefits before enrolling.

Many programs allow you to attend part-time while working, which spreads costs over a longer period but reduces your annual expense. Some universities offer payment plans that let you pay tuition monthly rather than in a lump sum. Lab kits and simulation software licenses add $200 to $1,000 per year depending on the program.

Time commitment and balancing work and study

A full-time online mechanical engineering program typically requires 40 to 50 hours per week of coursework, lectures, problem sets, and projects. This is equivalent to a full-time job. If you are working full-time, you will need to study part-time, which extends the degree timeline to five to seven years.

Many students pursue online mechanical engineering degrees while employed, especially if their employer offers tuition support. Part-time study is feasible but demanding, particularly in semesters with lab-intensive courses or design projects. Some programs allow you to take one or two courses per semester; others require a minimum course load.

Asynchronous courses (recorded lectures you watch on your own schedule) offer more flexibility than synchronous ones (live sessions at set times). If you have an unpredictable work schedule, look for programs with mostly asynchronous content. However, some synchronous interaction is valuable for group projects and getting real-time help from instructors.

Professional licensure and career outcomes

An online mechanical engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program qualifies you to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step toward becoming a Professional Engineer (PE). The PE license is required for certain roles, particularly in consulting and public-facing work. Your degree's accreditation status directly affects your may be able to access.

Employers in aerospace, automotive, energy, manufacturing, and HVAC sectors hire mechanical engineers with online degrees, provided the degree is from an accredited program. Some large companies have hiring pipelines with specific universities; others care only about accreditation and your portfolio of projects. Your internship and project experience matter as much as where you earned your degree.

Salary outcomes for mechanical engineers are similar regardless of whether the degree was earned online or on campus. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median annual wages around $60,000 to $70,000 for entry-level positions, with experienced engineers earning $90,000 to $120,000 or more. Your actual salary depends on industry, location, and your specific skills and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will employers care that my degree is online?

No, provided the degree is from an ABET-accredited program. Employers care about accreditation, not delivery method. An online degree from Penn State or Purdue is treated identically to an on-campus degree from the same university. Degrees from non-accredited online programs may face skepticism.

Can I get a mechanical engineering degree fully online without any campus visits?

Some programs are fully remote, but most require at least one or two campus visits for hands-on labs. Penn State World Campus offers a fully online option with optional campus labs. Check the program's lab requirements before enrolling if location flexibility is critical.

How long does an online mechanical engineering degree take?

A full-time online bachelor's degree typically takes four years, the same as an on-campus degree. Part-time study extends this to five to seven years. Master's degrees usually take one to two years full-time or two to four years part-time.

What if I do not have the math prerequisites?

You will need to complete calculus and physics before starting core engineering courses. Many universities offer these online as well. Budget one to two extra years if you are starting from algebra or precalculus. Some programs have bridge courses or remedial options.

Is an online master's degree in mechanical engineering worth the cost?

An online master's degree can increase your salary by $10,000 to $20,000 annually and opens doors to management and specialized roles. The return depends on your current salary, employer support, and career goals. Many engineers pursue a master's part-time while working, spreading the cost over several years.