Are you looking to pursue a mechanical engineering degree and don’t know where to start? Considering a mechanical engineering degree can be intimidating: there are a myriad of options and a vast range of specialized programs available. But don’t worry – figuring out the best Mechanical Engineering degree for you can be easy and even fun. Whether you’re a high school student considering college or a professional looking to continue your education, some critical components of an effective Mechanical Engineering degree program should be present. In this post, we’ll discuss the attributes of the best Mechanical Engineering degrees, the component features of a quality mechanical engineering program, and how to find the perfect programs for you. Let’s get started!
The best mechanical engineering degree program will depend on your individual academic and career goals. Consider researching different academic institutions, carefully evaluating their curricula, and speaking with faculty or current students to find the program that is right for you.
What is Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering is a multi-disciplinary field that combines mathematics and physical sciences, such as physics and chemistry, with engineering principles to design, create, and operate mechanical systems. Depending on the environment in which mechanical engineers are working – for example, in a manufacturing plant or research lab – they may be responsible for designing engines, medical technologies, robots, prosthetic devices, complex heating, cooling and ventilation systems, industrial machinery and equipment, materials handling systems, and energy management systems. With a degree in mechanical engineering and the right combination of skills and experience, graduates can find thriving careers in almost any industry.
When it comes to the debate around mechanical engineering degrees, there are proponents of the subject who argue that its broad scope enables it to provide more job opportunities than more specialized engineering fields like electrical or civil engineering. On the other hand, opponents argue that having too wide an area of expertise makes mechanical engineers less equipped to tackle more complex challenges within their field when compared to those with specialized degrees.
That said, a recent survey by Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) found that there was little difference between the level of job satisfaction among graduates from different disciplines; regardless of specialization, all had high levels of job satisfaction. So while it might be argued that specialization can give engineers an edge in certain industries or scenarios requiring highly specific knowledge, the argument holds less weight when looking at wider trends in the profession.
Considering these points together only goes to emphasize just how valuable and versatile a degree in mechanical engineering can be for those looking to pursue a successful career. It provides an opportunity for students to develop both general abilities as well as specialist expertise that can be applied across multiple industries. As you search for degree programs suited to your interests and goals let’s explore what options might best suit your needs.
Best Mechanical Engineering Degree Program Options
Mechanical engineering is a broad and in-demand field with a wide range of career paths. With that comes many choices for educational opportunities. For those looking to enter the profession, there are two basic options for degree programs: associate’s and bachelor’s. Although both offer professional advantages, it may be worth considering the differences between them more closely when making an informed decision.
The first option is an associate degree program in mechanical engineering. These programs are generally 2-3 year long and provide a good foundation in the basics of mechanical engineering technology and techniques. Though common prerequisites vary by institution, most curriculums include coursework in topics such as manufacturing processes, engineering drawing, conceptual design, materials selection and quality assurance. Ultimately, however, an associate degree in mechanical engineering may limit advancement potential since it is not a full 4-year bachelor’s degree; this could mean job opportunities are limited to more mundane positions.
On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering offers more career options than an associate degree program. Individuals who pursue a mechanical engineering baccalaureate will usually take courses more focused on theoretical principles such as mathematics and physics along with their core classes on applied aspects of the profession. A 4-year program also opens up technical leadership roles and potential research pathways that would have been unavailable otherwise. What’s more, those with a complete baccalaureate have access to better job security since employers tend to prefer candidates with a comprehensive background in this field over those without one.
These are just some pros and cons of either educational path that prospective mechanical engineers should consider before deciding which one is right for them. To learn even more about what different types of bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering can provide, however, readers should look ahead to the next section for additional information.
Licensed Professionals in the Field of Mechanical Engineering
For aspiring mechanical engineers, formal licensing is an important part of being successful in the profession. It will be invaluable both professionally and personally. However, getting licensed as a professional is not necessarily mandatory for all mechanical engineers. Depending on the career path they choose and the country they live in, licensing requirements can differ widely.
For those working in the United States, becoming licensed can provide them with credibility in the industry and create a greater opportunity for job advancement. Studies have shown that licensees earn a significantly higher salary than their non-licensed counterparts. Salaries can range from 10% to 40% higher for those with proven credentials. The license also helps protect public welfare by ensuring teams of qualified personnel are enacting safe practices; when combined with their knowledge base, this facilitates improved performance standards across the board.
In countries such as Canada, having licensure is typically necessary in order to practice engineering under the law. Depending on individual needs, mechanical engineering students may want to consider enrolling themselves in professional organizations or educational programs which can provide information about obtaining a license. Being up-to-date with new laws or restrictions may also be beneficial when navigating legal status within the profession.
Aspiring mechanical engineers should think carefully about pursuing a license since it has crucial benefits for both them and their employers. Having such a status will not only enhance their earning potential but also open avenues to better job prospects and career advancement opportunities down the line. With this considered, transitioning into the next section provides insight into what kinds of jobs are available with a mechanical engineering degree—offering those interested in such jobs an in-depth look into their potential options going forward.
What Jobs are Available with a Mechanical Engineering Degree?
The job market for those with a Mechanical Engineering degree is plentiful. Depending on the field and specific areas of concentration for graduates, there are many different roles that can be filled. For instance, those who have chosen to focus their undergraduate studies inauto repair may find positions such as automotive engineers; while those with an aerospace emphasis may be hired as spacecraft or plane designers. In addition, many other roles in the industry require some level of knowledge in mechanical engineering; these include product design engineers, service technicians, and project managers.
Whether a graduate chooses to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer or go into another field is up to them, but considering the breadth of opportunities available, it’s difficult to deny the prospects associated with having a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On one side of the debate, there are those who argue that job security is high and wages are commensurate with the level of education required to attain a degree in Mechanical Engineering. On the other hand, advocates for more professional development contend that without proper experience and certifications, success can still elude those who possess a degree in the subject matter.
Regardless of which side of the argument one takes, it cannot be denied that having a degree in Mechanical Engineering offers its bearer many opportunities for employment. The majority of such positions tend to require advanced degrees beyond entry-level positions; however, graduates from accredited programs typically find themselves at an advantage when it comes to gaining access to these opportunities. By leveraging their educational background, they can position themselves better suited in terms of understanding and experience when competing for their desired jobs.
In terms of career trajectory, having a degree in Mechanical Engineering opens up multiple pathways depending on the individual’s goals and interests; some may decide to go into research engineering while others choose more operational roles like operations manager. Regardless of which path they choose, however, they will always have their foundational knowledge in mechanical engineering to lean on when navigating within their chosen field. As such, continuing one’s education with relevant courses and certifications should not be discounted as it can give graduates an edge over the competition when trying to secure meaningful employment opportunities within their respective industries.
In spite of the vast number of possibilities that come with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, the practical success of graduates is ultimately predicated upon their drive and ambition to reach their professional goals no matter what field or position they decide to pursue. With that being said, understanding the current job market trends is paramount if one hopes to maximize new career opportunities – and this begins with attaining an appreciation for what type of job market are engineers up against.
Job Market for Engineers
The job market for engineers is robust and ever-evolving. With an increasing demand for talented, highly skilled engineers in the fields of automotive, aerospace, and energy, there are tremendous opportunities available to mechanical engineering degree holders. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineering jobs are expected to grow by 5% from 2020 – 2029, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This means that those who have obtained a degree in mechanical engineering will be able to have plenty of job opportunities available.
Additionally, engineers who possess higher level degrees such as master’s or doctorate, will be even more attractive to employers and specialized fields due to their experience and expertise. There are many subfields within mechanical engineering that range from robotics to biomedical engineering and many more. Jobs such as research engineer or project manager usually require at least a master’s degree, so when looking for a career path in the field of mechanical engineering, it is good to know which specific area is desired and what kind of advanced education may be required.
Further, salaries are another attractive point of interest when considering a career in mechanical engineering. The median wage across all occupations in 2019 was $39,810 per year according to the BLS, while mechanical engineers made a median salary of $87,370 per year. While those with bachelor’s degrees typically earn on the lower end with an average salary of $68,000 per year according to PayScale. The highest paid 10 percent of mechanical engineers make over $121k each year while the lowest paid 10 percent make around $54k annually.
In conclusion, job opportunities within the field of mechanical engineering are plentiful with lucrative salaries depending on what level of education has been acquired and experience held. The job market looks promising for those with a bachelor’s or higher degree in this field as advancement potential is available through continuing education opportunities within specialized areas for even greater earning potential.
