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 delivery methods when the accreditation is identical.

Most programs combine recorded lectures, live video sessions, virtual labs, and hands-on projects you complete at home or at a local facility. Some require you to visit campus for a week or two per semester for in-person lab work; others partner with testing centers or community colleges near you so you can do hands-on components locally. A few programs are entirely asynchronous, meaning you watch lectures and submit work on your own schedule rather than attending live classes.

The time to completion is typically four years for a bachelor's degree and one to two years for a master's, though many online programs allow you to study part-time and extend that timeline. Tuition varies widely — from roughly $10,000 to $50,000 per year depending on whether the school is public or private and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.

Key Takeaways

  • Online mechanical engineering degrees from regionally accredited schools are recognized by employers and professional licensing boards the same way campus degrees are.
  • Most programs require some hands-on lab work, either on campus for a week or two per term, or at a local testing center or community college.
  • Completion time ranges from four years full-time for a bachelor's to one to two years for a master's, but part-time study is common and extends the timeline.
  • You will need to verify that a program holds ABET accreditation (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) if you plan to pursue a Professional Engineer license.

Accreditation and licensing: why ABET matters

If you plan to become a Professional Engineer (PE) — which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining work experience, and passing the PE exam — your degree must come from a program accredited by ABET. Most employers do not require a PE license for mechanical engineers, but some roles in consulting, infrastructure, and public safety do. Check ABET's online directory to confirm a program's accreditation status before enrolling.

Regional accreditation (from bodies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education) is separate from ABET accreditation and is required for federal financial aid. A school can be regionally accredited but not ABET-accredited in engineering. Both matter: regional accreditation makes the degree transferable and recognized; ABET accreditation makes it may be able to access for PE licensure.

If you are not pursuing a PE license, regional accreditation alone is sufficient for most jobs. However, some large employers — particularly in aerospace, automotive, and defense — prefer or require ABET accreditation even for non-licensed roles. Ask employers in your target industry what they look for before you choose a program.

How labs and hands-on work fit into online programs

Mechanical engineering requires lab work: testing materials, building and testing machines, running simulations, and measuring real-world performance. Online programs handle this in several ways. Some schools operate their own remote labs, where you control physical equipment via the internet and watch results in real time. Others use high-fidelity simulation software (like ANSYS or MATLAB) to replace some physical experiments. Many programs require you to attend campus for one or two weeks per semester, usually in the summer, to complete hands-on components in person.

A third option, increasingly common, is partnership with community colleges or testing centers near your home. You complete lab work locally under supervision, and the results are submitted to your university. This approach reduces travel costs and time away from work or family. Before enrolling, ask the program exactly where and when you will need to be physically present, and whether you can complete those requirements near your location.

Virtual labs and simulations are improving but do not yet fully replace physical experimentation for certain topics — particularly fluid mechanics and materials testing. If a program claims to be entirely online with no in-person requirement, verify what software and simulation tools they use and whether employers in your field accept that approach.

Comparing online programs: what to look for

Start by checking whether the program holds ABET accreditation (if you might pursue licensure) and regional accreditation. Then compare the following: the school's reputation in your target industry, whether the program is full-time or part-time friendly, the total cost including all fees, the location and frequency of any required in-person sessions, and whether the program uses synchronous (live) or asynchronous (self-paced) delivery.

Large public universities like Penn State, University of Florida, and Arizona State University offer well-established online mechanical engineering programs with strong employer recognition. Smaller schools and private universities also offer online options, sometimes at higher cost but with smaller class sizes. Community colleges typically do not offer four-year engineering degrees online, though some offer the first two years of coursework that can transfer to a university program.

Talk to current students or alumni if possible. Ask them about the difficulty of balancing coursework with work or family, how responsive instructors are, and whether they felt prepared for internships or jobs after graduation. Many programs have student forums or alumni networks you can contact directly.

Cost, financial aid, and time commitment

Tuition for an online bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering ranges from roughly $10,000 to $50,000 per year depending on the school. Public universities are usually cheaper for in-state students; private schools and out-of-state tuition at public schools are more expensive. Add books, software licenses (MATLAB, CAD programs), lab fees, and travel for any in-person sessions. Total cost for a four-year bachelor's typically falls between $40,000 and $200,000.

Federal student loans, grants, and work-study are available to students in online programs if the school is regionally accredited and you meet other requirements. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for engineering degrees, particularly if you work in a technical field. Many online programs allow you to study part-time, which can reduce the annual cost but extends the time to degree completion.

Time commitment varies by program and whether you study full-time or part-time. A full-time student typically spends 30 to 40 hours per week on coursework, labs, and projects. Part-time students might spend 15 to 25 hours per week and take five to six years to finish. If you work full-time, part-time study is more realistic, but be honest about whether you can sustain that pace for years.

Prerequisites and admission requirements

Most online mechanical engineering programs require a high school diploma or GED and a strong background in mathematics and physics. Many require you to have completed calculus, physics, and sometimes chemistry before starting. If you have not taken these courses, some schools offer prerequisite or bridge programs you can complete first, either online or at a community college.

Graduate programs (master's degrees) typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher), and sometimes the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Some programs waive the GRE if your undergraduate GPA is strong. A few programs accept students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees if they complete additional prerequisite coursework.

Admission is usually rolling, meaning you can start in fall, spring, or summer depending on the program. Some programs have process important date; others accept students throughout the year. Check the specific program's website for important date and whether you need to submit transcripts, test scores, or a statement of purpose.

Career outcomes and job market for online graduates

Mechanical engineers work in automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, HVAC, robotics, medical devices, and many other fields. Employers generally do not distinguish between online and on-campus degrees from the same accredited school when hiring. What matters is the school's reputation, your GPA, internship experience, and the projects you completed during your degree.

Starting salaries for mechanical engineers with a bachelor's degree typically range from $55,000 to $70,000, depending on location, industry, and employer size. A master's degree can lead to higher starting pay and faster advancement into management or specialized roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady demand for mechanical engineers over the next decade, though growth varies by industry and region.

To strengthen your job prospects, pursue internships during your degree (many are available remotely or in your area), build a portfolio of projects, and join professional organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These steps matter more than whether your degree was online or on-campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will employers hire me if my degree is online?

Yes, if the degree is from a regionally accredited school. Employers care about the school's reputation and your skills, not the delivery method. Large employers and well-known schools have strong name recognition whether their programs are online or on-campus. Smaller or lesser-known schools may face more skepticism, so research the school's standing in your target industry before enrolling.

Can I get a PE license with an online degree?

Yes, if your program is ABET-accredited. The PE licensing process requires an ABET-accredited degree, work experience, and passing two exams. The accreditation status of your degree is what matters to the licensing board, not whether you studied online or on-campus. Verify ABET accreditation before enrolling if licensure is your goal.

How much time do I need to spend on campus?

It depends on the program. Some require one to two weeks per semester on campus, usually in summer. Others use local testing centers or community colleges near you. A few are entirely online with no campus requirement, though these typically use simulation software instead of physical labs. Ask each program for specifics before explore, especially if travel is difficult or expensive for you.

Can I work full-time while earning an online mechanical engineering degree?

Many students do, but it is challenging. A full-time course load typically requires 30 to 40 hours per week of study. Part-time study is more manageable alongside full-time work, but it extends your time to graduation to five or six years. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or flexible schedules for employees pursuing degrees, which can help.

What software will I need to buy?

Most programs include or provide access to MATLAB, CAD software (like AutoCAD or SolidWorks), and simulation tools (like ANSYS) as part of tuition or through campus licenses. Some programs require you to purchase your own licenses, which can cost $500 to $2,000 per year. Ask the program what software is included and what you must buy separately before enrolling.