Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Key Takeaways
- A bachelor of science in mechanical engineering prepares you to pursue careers in mechanical engineering across a wide array of industries.
- Mechanical engineering majors typically take courses in mathematics, physics and engineering theory and can specialize in areas such as energy, robotics, mechatronics and manufacturing.
- ABET accreditation indicates high quality in a mechanical engineering degree program and is usually required for graduates pursuing licensure as professional engineers.
- Careers for bachelor’s in mechanical engineering graduates include mechanical engineer, industrial engineer and materials engineer.
If you have a knack for finding out how something works and envisioning ways to improve it, a mechanical engineering career might be a good fit for you. Careers in this field often appeal to creative thinkers who enjoy designing and building things.
Many mechanical engineering jobs require a mechanical engineering degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering can help you qualify for a wide selection of high-paying, challenging careers.
This article explores how to earn a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Find out everything you need to know about undergraduate mechanical engineering degrees—from admission requirements and accreditation information to courses and specializations.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education
Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.
- 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
- 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
- All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
- Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
- Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded
What is Mechanical Engineering?
A mechanical engineering degree can prepare you to pursue various careers in the field, but what do mechanical engineers do?
One of the broadest and most diverse engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering focuses on physical machines that exert and respond to force and movement.
Working in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, energy, computing and biotechnology, professionals in this field design, develop and test a wide array of mechanical and thermal devices.
In all these sectors, mechanical engineers use the principles of physics, mathematics and materials science to create products and processes that meet user and industry needs.
What Is a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering?
A bachelor of science in mechanical engineering equips you to research and analyze problems and apply engineering skills to design solutions. This degree builds the critical thinking, decision making, technical and communication skills needed in the many industries where mechanical engineers work.
This degree is a strong choice for students seeking stimulating career opportunities and excellent salary potential in a high-demand engineering field. The 2024 salary survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers places mechanical engineering among the top 10 most in-demand bachelor’s degrees and reports a median starting salary of $76,740 for graduates.
A bachelor’s in mechanical engineering explores computer-aided design, engineering design processes, prototyping, testing and validating, finite-element analysis, mechanical design, energy transfer, and sensors and control devices. It delivers the skills you need to design and build mechanical components, systems and devices.
Earning a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering typically requires about 120 to 128 credits and takes around four years to complete. If you plan to earn your master’s in mechanical engineering, some universities offer blended bachelor’s and master’s programs, allowing students to earn both degrees simultaneously on an accelerated timeline.
Admission Requirements for a Mechanical Engineering Degree
While admission requirements vary by program, you should expect to submit the following when you apply for a mechanical engineering bachelor’s degree program:
- A completed application
- A high school diploma, GED certificate or the equivalent
- Prerequisite high school coursework in math and science
- Minimum GPA (typically 2.5 to 3.0)
- SAT or ACT scores
- English language proficiency
Concentrations for a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
Most mechanical engineering majors choose a specialization or concentration as part of their degree requirements. While concentration offerings vary by program, below are a few popular options:
Energy
An energy concentration explores the role of mechanical systems in energy production and use. Subjects covered include advanced energy solutions, aircraft and spacecraft propulsion, internal combustion engines, powertrain control, environmental law and environmental values in public policy.
Manufacturing
This concentration builds students’ leadership and research skills for positions in the manufacturing industry. It explores advanced mechatronics for manufacturing, metals manufacturing, production and inventory control, material handling systems and global manufacturing.
HVAC and Refrigeration
Students concentrating in HVAC and refrigeration prepare for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration. This concentration covers advanced control systems, fundamentals of HVAC systems, refrigeration principles and design, building heating and cooling loads, and HVAC air and water distribution system design.
Mechatronics
A mechatronics concentration explores the design and manufacturing processes for smart machines with electronic and mechanical components. Students explore mechatronics, intermediate dynamics, manufacturing automation, robotics, automation of industrial systems and advanced control systems.
Robotics
This concentration prepares learners to work in the robotics field, exploring the ideation, design, development and control of robots. It covers computational linear algebra, dynamics and vibrations, mechatronic systems design, analytical and computational dynamics, robot kinematics and dynamics, autonomous vehicles and neural engineering.
Common Courses in a Mechanical Engineering Degree Program
Below we list several courses you might encounter as a mechanical engineering major. Since each degree program determines its own curriculum, you should check with your school for detailed information about required coursework.
Advanced Machine Design
This course covers the analysis and design of machine components, force analysis, rotor dynamics, kinematic synthesis, statistical issues, energy methods, gyrodynamics, and stresses in flywheels and thick cylinders.
Introduction to Robotics
A robotics introductory course takes a systems engineering perspective on robotics. It covers manipulators, actuators, sensors, end effectors, programming of manipulators, pattern recognition, dynamics and computer vision.
Nuclear Energy Power Generation
This course teaches concepts related to operating a nuclear electric generation station. The curriculum explores electrical science, mechanical science, digital process control systems, reactor water chemistry and civil engineering for power plant engineers.
Introduction to Mechatronics
This course introduces assembly language programming and microcontrollers. Students learn about interfacing techniques for microcontroller components and applications, such as timers, A/D conversion, D/A conversion, pulse-width modulation and interrupts.
Accreditation for Mechanical Engineering Degrees
ABET, previously known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is a nonprofit organization that provides accreditation for engineering, engineering technology, and applied and natural science degree programs.
ABET has accredited around 560 mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology bachelor’s degree programs worldwide, about 450 of which are located in the United States. ABET also accredits bachelor’s programs in related disciplines such as materials, manufacturing, mechatronics, aerospace and nuclear engineering.
Before conferring accreditation, ABET thoroughly evaluates a program to ensure it meets the rigorous academic standards necessary to set up students for success as mechanical engineers. Accreditation depends on several criteria, including a program’s educational objectives, student performance and outcomes, curriculum requirements and faculty qualifications.
When you choose an ABET-accredited program, you know you are choosing a high-quality, well-respected program that employers and graduate schools will recognize. You can verify a program’s accreditation status through ABET’s accredited program search tool.
Pro Tip
If you plan to become a licensed professional engineer, your state may require you to hold a degree from an ABET-accredited program.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering?
You can qualify for many jobs with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, including the popular options we explore below. If you have a particular career path in mind, choose a degree program offering a relevant concentration to ensure your coursework aligns with your goals.
We sourced salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Mechanical Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $99,510
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Mechanical engineers research, design and build mechanical and thermal devices, such as sensors, engines, tools and machines. They diagnose and analyze problems and create solutions by developing or updating designs or systems. Mechanical engineers also test prototypes and monitor manufacturing processes.
Industrial Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $99,380
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Industrial engineers create systems to address inefficiency and wastefulness and increase production in industrial environments. They examine engineering specifications, production schedules, process flows and other data to identify problems and develop plans, procedures and systems that integrate personnel, machines, energy and materials in the manufacturing process.
Mechanical Engineering Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $64,020
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or related postsecondary training, bachelor’s degree may be preferred
Job Overview: Mechanical engineering technologists work alongside mechanical engineers to design, create and test tools, machines, engines and other devices. They may analyze design drawings and specifications, recommend design changes, assemble industrial equipment and mechanical parts, or create business estimates.
Materials Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $104,100
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Materials engineers develop and test materials used in various products and devices. This role involves analyzing the properties of composites, metals, plastics, nanomaterials and other materials to ensure they meet the chemical, mechanical and electrical requirements to develop products. Materials engineers also monitor materials and identify and solve problems related to product failure.
Nuclear Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $125,460
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s degree
Job Overview: Nuclear engineers research and identify problems related to nuclear energy and waste disposal. They design and create nuclear batteries, reactor cores, radiation shielding and related instruments. Nuclear engineers may work in the medical field, military defense, space exploration, utility power generation, or research and regulation.
Electromechanical or Mechatronic Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $65,080
Minimum Required Education: Associate degree or related postsecondary training, bachelor’s degree may be preferred
Job Overview: Electromechanical and mechatronic technologists operate and test unmanned, robotic, automated and electromechanical equipment by incorporating principles of electrical, electronic and mechanical technology. They read blueprints and schematics, operate metalworking machinery, repair hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies, analyze test results, and use soldering and precision-measuring equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Which degree is best for mechanical engineering?
If you want to work in the mechanical engineering field, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering qualifies you for many relevant career paths. If you plan to become a licensed professional engineer, ensure your degree is accredited by ABET.
What is a mechanical engineer’s salary?
Mechanical engineers have the potential to earn high salaries. The median annual salary for mechanical engineers is $99,510, according to the BLS.
What skills do mechanical engineers need?
Above all, mechanical engineers need top-notch problem solving skills, combined with technical competencies related to their chosen industries. These engineers also need strong abilities in critical thinking, communication, teamwork and project management.
Is mechanical engineering a difficult major?
Mechanical engineering involves significant coursework in subjects that some students find difficult, such as mathematics, physics and engineering theory. However, if you have a strong work ethic and enjoy exploring these topics, you may find a mechanical engineering degree as stimulating and rewarding as it is challenging.
Is mechanical engineering a B.A. or B.S.?
Due to its heavy math and science components, a mechanical engineering degree is usually a B.S. However, some schools also offer a B.A. option for students seeking a more flexible program with fewer technical requirements.
