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Online Education Guide - What is a College Major? View College Majors - Aerospace Engineering - Bioengineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Engineering Management - Environmental Engineering - Industrial Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering - Materials Science - Mechanical Engineering - Petroleum Engineering - Software Engineering - Systems Engineering |
Home | Career Pathways | Online Education Guide | Engineering Majors | Mechanical Engineering Online Education GuideGuide to College Majors in Mechanical EngineeringWhat is Mechanical Engineering?The mechanical engineer has been called the general practitioner and the jack-of-all trades among engineering professions because of the education and skills that span a broad range of technical, social, environmental, and economic problems. In general, however, the mechanical engineer is concerned with controlling the principles of motion, energy, and force through mechanical solutions. A mechanical engineer designs the tools and processes to used for satisfying the needs of society through a combination of material, human, and economic resources. They might work on electric generators, internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and other power-generating machines. They might also develop machines such as refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, power tools, and other power-using machines. "The scientist explores what is; the engineer creates what has not been." What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?The diverse mechanical engineering field can be divided in a variety of ways in terms of job functions. Some of the most common functions relate to these areas of technology, but not all do. Among these fields are:
In most of these fields the mechanical engineer is concerned with heat utilization or machine design. In other words, harnessing or creating energy. Heat utilization techniques are applied in boilers, air conditioners, and refrigeration units. Machine design is more involved with hardware, including automobile engines, computers, and washing machines. Mechanical engineers are constantly being asked to make decisions. The size, shape, and material for every part of every mechanical product purchased must be decided by a mechanical engineer. They also have to determine the best and most efficient ways to manufacture the products. Often those decisions are made in conjunction with other types of engineers. Some of the decisions they make can mean the difference between life and death. The safety features of an automobile, such as the braking system or the airbag deployment, are the responsibility of mechanical engineers. Trends in Mechanical Engineering CareersAccording to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, mechanical engineers hold nearly 220,000 jobs, with more than half in manufacturing: machinery, transportation equipment, computer and electronic products, and fabricated metal products manufacturing industries. Biotechnology, materials science, and nano-technology are emerging fields that are expected create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers. Additional opportunities for mechanical engineers will arise because a degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied in other engineering specialties. In addition to those increased job opportunities, many openings will result from the natural replacement of workers who transfer to other occupations or retire. Medical biotechnology is gaining more attention from mechanical engineers who specialize in design mechanics. This area involves the design of artificial limbs and organs. Mechanical engineers must work along with medical doctors to develop these products that will withstand stress and yet be compatible with the human body. Career Education in Mechanical EngineeringPlanning for your career as a mechanical engineerEngineers must combine a good understanding of science, mathematics, and computers with a good knowledge of current technology. At the high school level, the emphasis is on mathematics. Two years of algebra plus courses in geometry and trigonometry generally are required. Other helpful classes include:
In addition to the sciences and math, engineers need good communication skills. Therefore, consider four years of English and some background in the humanities and social science. Don't forget that many of the large industrial firms that employ mechanical engineers are global. That means a foreign language is highly recommended. At the university level, mechanical engineering major students can expect to learn advanced mathematics, calculus, chemistry, and physics. After some of these core courses, mechanical engineering majors take specialized courses:
They will also take advanced computer classes that deal with design. A typical bachelor of science in mechanical engineering will require communication skill classes (i.e., composition, technical writing), humanities (history language, political science), basic science (chemistry, physics), business (accounting, marketing), mathematics, and basic engineering and computer skills. Usually the core mechanical engineering classes (fluid mechanics, engineering design, heat transfer) begin in the sophomore year. Evaluate your potential future as a mechanical engineering major by asking yourself these questions:
Planning for a Career in Mechanical EngineeringLook for a university that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. While it is possible to work as a mechanical engineer with other engineering degrees, the accreditation is helpful. After starting coursework in mechanical engineering, it is beneficial to have an internship or summer engineering job. These help learn the "real world" of engineering and offer an opportunity to apply all the theories and principles taught in class. An internship can also help you decide your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses. Internship programs are a required part of some curricula, but for many others it is optional. Don't waste this valuable opportunity. Take advantage of a chance to learn outside the classroom, even if it is for low -- or no -- pay. Many corporations have semester-length programs posted with the university's mechanical engineering department or with the school's career program. Sometimes students can approach potential future employers with original internship proposals. Is an Advanced Degree Needed to be a Mechanical Engineer?A college degree at the bachelor level is enough to earn a quality, well-paid job in mechanical engineering, but many enter master or doctoral programs to study laboratory research and computational analysis. Mechanical engineers often continue their education beyond college graduation because technology changes rapidly. Many of the skills and methodologies a student learned in college will become obsolete after only a few years. It is not necessary to earn an advanced degree, however. Many skills can be refined on the job, through online university credit, or with involvement in professional groups such as the Association of Mechanical Engineers. Applicant eligibility requirements for master's programs Applicants whose native language is not English generally are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Many online and distance learning programs have different TOEFL requirements, so be sure to check. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) may also be required. Again, this exam might be waived for some online and distance education programs. Applicant eligibility requirements for Ph.D. programs Universities Offering Online Degrees in Mechanical Engineering Universities offering online mechanical engineering degree programs: University of Delaware - Master's in Mechanical Engineering What can you do with a Major in Mechanical Engineering?Career options for aspiring mechanical engineersPractically every company that designs and produces a product employs a mechanical engineer. But mechanical engineers can also be found in research labs, the military, government, and preparing for other professions such as medicine, law or teaching. Most mechanical engineering jobs require design experience. When a need comes about for a new or improved product, companies call upon mechanical engineers to do the job. Engineers have to push beyond the limits of their previous work and use innovative technology to meet project requirements successfully. A second major area of employment for mechanical engineers is in manufacturing. Manufacturing positions are concerned with everything involved in producing a product, from selecting the appropriate materials to developing the correct machinery to manufacture the product. Most mechanical engineers are employed in industry at equipment manufacturers, aerospace companies, utilities, material processing plants, transportation companies, and petroleum companies. They also work with small firms, consulting practices, universities, and government research. Specific assignments might involve research and development, design of equipment or systems, supervision of production, plant engineering, administration, sales engineering, the testing and evaluation of machines and entire plants. Some mechanical engineering titles and their functions include:
Other mechanical engineering job titles:
Did You Know? Salary Expectations for Mechanical EngineersThe average annual starting salary offer for a mechanical engineering graduate is about $49,000 a year, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Labor Department statistics list the median annual earnings of mechanical engineers at about $63,000. The median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of mechanical engineers in were:
Certification and LicensureThe Fundamentals of Engineering exam, also known as the FE exam, measures the minimum competency required to enter an engineering profession. Many engineering schools allow students to take the exam after completing their coursework. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying administers the test, which must be passed for certification. Employers use the test to determine whether recent engineering graduates meet the minimum competency. Passing the exam also demonstrates how serious you are about an engineering career. Many exam jurisdictions use a student's education and experience as a prerequisite to apply for the FE exam. Enrolled students should contact their state board to determine exact qualifications. After passing the FE exam, you are considered an engineer in training. You must then serve an apprenticeship to qualify for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. Certification comes once the PE exam is successfully completed. Engineers must be licensed in each state they practice. The use of uniform exam standards generally ensures that licenses can be obtained without taking an exam for each state. However, fees likely will be charged for each license. It is best to check with each state's licensing board to determine exact requirements. For additional information
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