25 CHEAPEST ONLINE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE

25 Cheapest Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs
Most Affordable

The cheapest online mechanical engineering degree programs offer a flexible way to advance your career while continuing to work.

Since the evolution of distance education, there has been a call to make an online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree available to professionals already in the field.

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Methodology for Ranking Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees

Because the field continues to grow and evolve, bringing new advancements in technology to the forefront, there has been a concerted effort on the part of employers to search for candidates who hold a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. Many mechanical engineers want to earn a graduate degree. However, some cannot justify leaving their careers to attend a traditional program.

This ranking was made possible by the research that was conducted using the National Center for Education Statistics and its publicly available College Navigator database. An initial group of schools was identified simply by searching for accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degrees. From there, each school was reviewed and compared on factors such as tuition cost and degree completion timelines. The final schools, which are listed below, were chosen based on the total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the program.

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Universities and Colleges we compared.

Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Programs

An online mechanical engineering degree is an affordable and flexible way to advance your career while continuing to work.

25. Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology is home to an excellent accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that focuses on techniques that will help professionals succeed in the field. This program is online and comes with the option to complete a one-year online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering when students meet the requirements. This program comes with seven different concentrations, including Medical Devices, Robotics and Control, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Product Design.

Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system. And most courses are live sessions during the evenings to accommodate working adults. This program has a variety of sessions lengths, ranging from eight weeks to 16 weeks. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer, Manufacturing and Packaging of Pharmaceutical Oral Solid Dosage Products, and Advanced Mechanics of Solids. This field can lead you in several directions such as electrical engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, engineering technology management, electrical engineering technology, computer engineering, civil engineering, and much more.

24. Johns Hopkins University

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Students at Johns Hopkins University will be able to graduate with an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree in two years or less. This is a wholly online course of study that has four concentrations: Manufacturing, Robotics and Controls, Thermofluids, and Solids and Mechanics of Materials.

This program is delivered asynchronously and synchronously through the school’s virtual portal. Additionally, it requires that students complete all their coursework through the platform and in 16-week sessions. Students who take three courses every term will graduate in two years. This degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Topics in Data Analysis, Intermediate Vibrations, and also Theory and Applications of Structural Analysis.

23. Villanova University

CHEAPEST ONLINE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEGREE

Villanova University is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that will prepare professionals to take on careers with the military and major aircraft and military contractors. The program comes with the ability for students to earn a graduate certificate in five areas including Thermofluid Systems, Modeling and Simulation, and also Machinery Dynamics. This degree is entirely online and full time students can graduate in two years.

Students will complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system. And courses are live, or on-demand, and follow the traditional 16-week academic term schedule. Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or master’s project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Dynamics of Rotating Machinery, Continuum Mechanics, and also Operations Research. This field can lead you in several directions such as electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, engineering technology management, computer engineering, and much more.

22. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Students at Missouri University of Science and Technology will find that the accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that is available to them will provide them with an excellent education that takes only two years to complete. This program is entirely online and there are no residency requirements. Students complete all of their coursework as live sessions during the evening. So it is convenient for working students.

This program follows the standard 16-week academic term format, meaning that students who complete three courses every term will be eligible to complete the degree in two years. Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or additional coursework, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Students interested in the program and its course offerings should contact a graduate admissions advisor. This field can lead you in several directions such as electrical engineering, software engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, engineering technology management, computer engineering, and much more.

21. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is an exceptional distance education destination, a tradition that continues with the school’s accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree offering. This online program prepares students for jobs in a variety of sectors. Part-time students who take summer courses can graduate in two years.

Students will complete all of their coursework online. Live courses are through the school’s online learning management system. Sessions are in a 16-week format and all assignments are through the platform. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework, two colloquiums, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Finite Elements in Engineering, Engineering Optimization, Automatic Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, and also Engineering Technology.

20. The University of Illinois

The one-year online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering that is available from the University of Illinois is one of the best choices for professionals in the field. This degree will prepare students for the workforce as well as doctoral study. Additionally, both part-time and full-time students can complete the program online with no campus residency requirements. Courses are in eight-week sessions, so it is possible for a student who takes two courses every term to graduate in two years.

Students complete 32 credit hours of coursework, professional development seminars, and also a comprehensive written exit exam. Prospective students should speak with a graduate admissions advisor.

19. Georgia Tech University

Georgia Tech University is home to an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that is perfect for working professionals who have an undergraduate degree in the field. This program is entirely online and has no residency requirements. Students will instead complete all of their coursework requirements online through the school’s learning management system.

Engineering degrees on the platform offer courses asynchronously or synchronously and in sessions that run in 16 weeks. Students who complete three courses every term will graduate in two years. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project or thesis, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Flight Dynamics, Wind Engineering, electrical engineering, engineering technology, and also Optimal Estimation.

18. Michigan Technological University

The accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree at Michigan Tech University is for in-service professionals in applied mechanical engineering. This degree is nationally ranked by US News and World Report. The online program has no residency requirements. Courses are both live and on-demand in sessions that take 16 weeks to complete.

Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years. The industrial engineering technology program has three options for the culminating experience: Thesis, Report, or Coursework Only. All three options require a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Students interested in the program and its course offerings should speak with a graduate admissions advisor.

17. Purdue University

Purdue University confers an affordable online Engineering degree that is one of the most affordable engineering degrees. This degree is 100 percent online, has no residency requirements, and also comes with a thesis or coursework-only option for the culminating experience. Students will find all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system.

The online courses are in 16-week sessions. Students who complete 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, electrical engineering, engineering technology, and also Design and Computer-Aided Design.

16. University of California at Riverside

Students at the University of California at Riverside can graduate with an accelerated master’s in mechanical engineering degree online in just 13 months. This program is 100 percent online with no residency requirements. There are six specializations available with this degree, including Electronics, Transportation Equipment, and Computers. All courses are available asynchronously or synchronously through the school’s virtual portal.

The Industrial engineering technology program follows the traditional 16-week academic term format, meaning that students who complete three courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree requires students to complete 30 credit hours, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Secure and Reliable Control Systems, Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and also Design and Analysis of Engineering Experiments.

15. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers students the chance to earn an accelerated master’s in mechanical engineering degree online that has a specialization in materials engineering. This program is entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will be able to graduate from this program in two years or less when they decide to study full-time. The online courses are in 16-week sessions.

This program requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Simulation Modeling and Experimentation, engineering technology, Applied Engineering Economy, and also Advanced Composite Materials.

14. Iowa State University

The accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree from Iowa State University is for in-service professionals. Full time students can complete it in just two years. So, this program has no residency requirements and all courses are through the school’s virtual portal.

Online courses are in 16-week sessions. So, students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years. This degree is a coursework-only option that requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written exit exam. Students interested in this program should speak with a graduate admissions advisor.

13. The University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati is home to a practical, non-research program that results in an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree. This program for in-service professionals is a wholly online course of study that has no residency requirements. Students will instead complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system.

Engineering degrees are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in seven-week terms. Students who study full-time may graduate with a 12-month accelerated online Master in Mechanical Engineering. This degree requires that all students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, the Master of Engineering Capstone Project, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Occupational Safety Engineering, engineering technology, electrical engineering, Intelligent Systems Theory, and also Applied Leadership for Project Teams.

12. The University of Washington

Students at the University of Washington can complete an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in two years or less. This program offers a part-time or full-time plan of study and does not require any residencies for graduation. Online courses use the school’s virtual portal and consist of live and on-demand courses in 16-week sessions.

Requirements for this mechanical engineering degree online include 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or capstone project, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample courses include Finite Element Methods in Structural Mechanics, Applied Linear Algebra and Introductory Numerical Analysis, and also Convex Optimization.

11. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers an online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that takes two years or less to complete. This thesis-only course of study is 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Designed for in-service professionals, it features asynchronous and synchronous courses in 16-week sessions through the school’s online learning management system.

Students who successfully complete three courses every term will graduate within two years. This mechanical engineering degree online requires a minimum of 32 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral defense of that thesis. Sample courses include Intermediate Heat Transfer, engineering technology, Control System Design, electrical engineering, and also Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics.

10. Texas Tech University

Students at Texas Tech University have an affordable online Engineering degree is unique in a variety of ways. This online program has no residency requirements, so students complete all of their coursework online through the school’s virtual portal. Curriculum includes labs, which are designed as simulated labs and are also available through the portal. All other courses, including lectures, are available as either asynchronous or synchronous courses that are delivered in the standard 16-week academic term schedule.

This online engineering degree requires that students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, a report or capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Computational Mechanics, engineering technology, electrical engineering, Advanced Engineering Design, and also Digital Human Modeling.

9. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is home to a great affordable online Engineering degree that will be of great service to in-service professionals who are looking for a two-year degree. This program has a stated focus on PLM, or Product Lifecycle Management solutions. This is an online-only exclusive program with coursework available through the school’s learning management system.

The school offers courses asynchronously or synchronously during 16-week terms. Students who take three courses every term will graduate in two years or less. This online engineering degree requires that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral defense of that thesis. Students who want to learn more about this program and its course offerings should contact a graduate admissions advisor.

8. The University of Idaho

Students will find the accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree that is available from the University of Idaho to be a great choice for a two-year degree. This is a non-thesis course of study that is available fully online and without residency requirements. Students who have experience in the field will benefit the most from this degree. All courses for the program are available as live or on-demand sessions through the school’s virtual portal.

Engineering degrees run in 16-week academic term format, meaning that students who take two courses every term, including one summer term, will graduate in two years. This online engineering degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics, engineering technology, electrical engineering, Engineering Acoustics, and also Advanced Mechanics of Materials.

7. North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University confers an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree to students who already have an undergraduate degree in the field. This program is entirely online, so there are no residency requirements. Students will find that all courses are identical to those taught on campus. The only difference is that online students will complete their program online through the use of the school’s learning management system.

Engineering degrees are offered as live or on-demand sessions and run in 16-week terms. Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years. This program requires that students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework. But there are no culminating experience or exam requirements. Students are encouraged to have a bachelor’s degree and to speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about the program and course offerings.

6. The University of Florida

Students at the University of Florida can complete an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in two years or less. This engineering technology degree is entirely online with no residency requirements. Students who study full-time will graduate within two years, provided they take summer courses during their first year.

This online engineering degree programs all of its coursework online through live and on-demand sessions through the school’s virtual portal. Sessions last for 16 weeks and follow the traditional academic schedule, and requires a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include Analytical Dynamics, Robot Geometry, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and also Control System Theory.

5. The University of Houston

The University of Houston confers an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree. This 2 year program is for in-service professionals and features online coursework to ensure that the curriculum accommodates professionals. Students will find that there are no residency requirements. All courses are instead completed on the school’s online learning management system and are offered in live or on-demand sessions.

Courses run in 16-week sessions and it’s possible to complete this degree in two years or less when students study full-time. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam and requires a bachelor’s degree. Students should contact the graduate admissions office to learn more about this degree and to view a list of sample course offerings.

4. Mississippi State University

The affordable online Engineering degree from Mississippi State University is for in-service professionals. This degree comes with several concentrations, including Energy Systems, Solid Mechanics, and also Mechanical Design. Coursework for this engineering technology degree is 100 percent online through the school’s virtual portal.

Sessions are asynchronous or synchronous and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. All students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a seminar or thesis, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Sample course offerings include Electrical Engineering and Engineering Technology.

3. New Mexico Tech University

New Mexico Tech University is home to an exceptional accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree. This program has four areas of specialization: Explosives Engineering, Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Solid Mechanics, and Mechatronics Systems Engineering. All four specializations are online and students can complete a program in two years or less.

This industrial engineering technology program is online through the use of live and on-demand courses that follow the standard 16-week academic term format. This program requires that all students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis or capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Advanced Finite Element Method, Theory of Elasticity, engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and also Advanced Mechanics of Materials.

2. The University of Michigan at Dearborn

Students at the University of Michigan at Dearborn are honored to complete the accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree in two years or less. This program is one of the oldest in the school and was recently revamped as a wholly online course of study. This degree was built for in-service professionals and utilizes the school’s virtual portal to dispense courses.

All engineering degrees are delivered either asynchronously or synchronously and in a 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and an oral defense of that thesis. Sample courses include Advanced Stress Analysis, Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, and also Theory of Gearing and Applications.

1. The University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers students an accelerated online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering degree. This program has two tracks: Mechanical Systems and also Thermofluids. Both tracks are online through the school’s learning management system. Courses are available asynchronously or synchronously and are in 16-week terms.

Students who take three courses every term will graduate within two years with strong project management skills. Mechanical engineering majors require that students complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a thesis, and also comprehensive written and oral exit exams. Students interested in this degree should speak to an admissions advisor about sample course offerings.

What is a Mechanical Engineering Degree?

A Mechanical Engineering degree is an undergraduate or graduate degree program that focuses on the study of the principles and techniques of engineering as they apply to the design, development, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems and machinery. This includes areas such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, materials science, and mechanical design.

Graduates of this program may choose to work in diverse industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and manufacturing. The curriculum typically includes a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and hands-on projects to develop a deep understanding of the fundamental theories and practical applications of mechanical engineering.

Can Professionals Earn a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?

Professionals in the field need to find programs that fit their needs, while they work in various engineering occupations. That means accessible programs that enable students to study anywhere, including at home or on the road. It also means programs that have a window to completion that is two years or less. And if these programs come with the option to become professionally certified or specialize in a cognate area, so much the better for these professionals.

What are the Career Options for an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree?

There are several engineering occupations for those interested in this degree. Engineering jobs for mechanical engineers with affordable online engineering degrees are available in many sectors. We have listed several choices below to consider.

  • Senior Mechanical Engineer / Mechanical Engineers
  • Civil Engineers / Contracting Civil Engineer
  • Senior Systems Engineer / Systems Engineering
  • Water Engineer
  • Control and Instrumentation Engineer
  • Mining Engineer
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Processing Engineering Manager
  • Technical Sales Engineer
  • Maintenance Engineer
  • Industrial Technology / Industrial Engineering
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Materials Engineers / Quality Assurance
  • Design Engineering and Technology

Additionally some related careers include:

  • Electrical Engineers / Senior Electrical Engineer
  • Aeronautical Science
  • Senior Chemical Engineer / Chemical Engineering
  • Chemical Process Engineer
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Electronics Engineers / Computer Engineering

How Much Do Mechanical Engineering Majors Make?

The starting salary for a mechanical engineer with an online degree is around $61,000. With experience and a master’s degree this number can go up to $100,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports Mechanical Engineers earn around $96,000 a year.

Some with an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree may make less. This is dependent on whether they are working in the private or public sector and what industry they work in. Senior-level executives tend to make much more than practitioners, but with a projected growth rate of nine percent through the next decade, there will be no shortage of jobs available. Below are the median annual wages for mechanical engineers in the top industries in which they work.

Top Industries for Mechanical EngineersAnnual Salary
Scientific research and development services$125,850
Computer and electronic product manufacturing$101,100
Transportation equipment manufacturing$98,360
Architectural, engineering, and related services$98,280
Machinery manufacturing$82,280
BLS Top Industries for Mechanical Engineer salaries.

What are the Various Disciplines of Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineering is the oldest and broadest field of engineering. It is one in which students will learn about engineering, physics, mathematics, materials science, technology, and manufacturing. The field encompasses a variety of research areas as well, including biomechanics, composites, and finite element analysis, project management, systems engineering, chemical engineering.

Like other branches of engineering, mechanical engineering has its own disciplines. The most well-known are robotics, mechanics, and thermodynamics. However, other disciplines also exist, including Design and Drafting, Structural Analysis, and Thermo-Science. Students will generally pick one sub-discipline for the duration of their careers.

Is an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Worth It?

Mechanical engineering is one of the most important branches of engineering. Society needs things such as weapons, aircraft, and watercraft designed and built. Since the Industrial Revolution, when mechanical engineering became a known field, it has informed much of America’s infrastructure.

Students in the field understand the necessity of earning an affordable online Engineering degree in the field. To Start with a bachelor’s degree and then move up from there is smart. It is the only way to keep evolving the technology that is at the disposal of society. So, many colleges and universities now have online programs to meet the needs of today’s students.

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