Guide to earning an associate degree in mechanical engineering

A degree in mechanical engineering can open many different opportunities in the engineering industry. Mechanical engineers are responsible for the design and development of mechanical devices and often work in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to agriculture.

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Education For Mechanical Engineering Careers

In order to work in the mechanical engineering industry, workers generally must have a mechanical engineering degree. Students can obtain an associate degree in mechanical engineering, which typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. You can expect to complete coursework in the following areas:

Engineering
Design
Mechanical technology
Mathematics
Physics

If you're looking for more flexibility in your degree, you can pursue an online associate degree in mechanical engineering, which can provide you with the same education as in-house institutions, but allows you to take courses on your own time. Online degree programs can provide you with more flexibility to complete your degree. If you have to work full-time or part-time, an online program may be a good choice for you.

An online associate degree in mechanical engineering can provide you with education in basic engineering principles, perfect for many engineering technician jobs. Engineering technicians assist licensed engineers with research and development. Many technicians go on to earn a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and become licensed engineers.

All states require that engineers who offer their services to the public be licensed professional engineers. The licensing program for professional engineers requires that students have met the following requirements:

A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited engineering program
4 years of relevant work experience
Completion of state exam which tests your engineering knowledge

Students who obtain an associate degree are not eligible to register as professional engineers under the same terms as students who have a bachelor's degree. However, engineering technician jobs are popular for those with an associate degree.

Mechanical Engineering Outlook

Job opportunities in mechanical engineering are projected to grow by 6 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Job growth is expected to remain good because of industry growth and the replacement of retiring engineers. The skills that are learned from a mechanical engineering degree program can also be applied to other engineering fields as well because of the well-rounded education you can receive.

Some of the top careers in mechanical engineering can include but are not limited to:

Mechanical engineering technicians, who help engineers design, develop, test and manufacture industrial products. They assist the engineer with sketches, calculations, analyze data and report their findings. The BLS reports that the mean annual salary for engineering technicians was $48,130 in May 2009.
Scientific research and development engineering technicians, who work with engineers with the creation and production of the newest technologies. The BLS reported that the mean annual salary was $56,300 in May 2009.
Mechanical engineers, who design, develop, test and manufacture engines, machines and other mechanical devices. A bachelor's degree plus license is typically required for engineering jobs. The BLS reports the mean annual salary was $94,400 in May 2009.

With the right education, you can have a competitive salary in an industry where educated professionals with experience are in demand.