Mechanical Engineering Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Mechanical Engineering major designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields.

A Mechanical Engineering major includes coursework in calculus and physics, statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science and more. You build skills such as engineering analysis, CAD and simulation, problem solving, and technical writing. Typical degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Typical courses include calculus and physics, statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine design and CAD. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Mechanical Engineering is offered as certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study, a master’s degree usually takes one to two years after a bachelor’s, and a doctoral or professional degree takes several more years beyond that. Part-time study takes longer.

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. In the latest federal data, 22 colleges reported certificate awards, 35 colleges reported associate awards, 384 colleges reported bachelor’s awards, 232 colleges reported master’s awards, and 152 colleges reported doctoral awards.

Career paths connected to mechanical engineering include mechanical engineer, mechanical engineering technician, mechanical drafter, industrial engineer, aerospace engineer, engineering manager, CAD drafter, and mechatronics technician. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include mechanical engineer (typical training: 4 years), mechanical engineering technician (typical training: 2 years), mechanical drafter (typical training: 2-year degree), industrial engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree), aerospace engineer (typical training: 4-year engineering degree), and engineering manager (typical training: 5+ years of engineering experience).

Mechanical Engineering majors build skills such as engineering analysis, CAD and simulation, problem solving, technical writing, and teamwork.

Good pairings include Business (prepares you for engineering management roles), Mathematics (supports advanced analysis and simulation), Computer Science (adds programming for automation and simulation), and Sustainability (applies engineering to energy efficiency and clean technology).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as mechanical engineer, mechanical engineering technician, and mechanical drafter, and enjoy subjects like calculus and physics and statics and dynamics. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes calculus and physics, statics and dynamics, and thermodynamics; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

422 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

Texas (37), California (29), Pennsylvania (29), New York (25), and Washington (25), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

381 of the colleges that offer mechanical engineering also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Mechanical Engineering designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems. Electrical Engineering designs electrical systems, electronics, power and communications equipment. Mechanical Engineering leads to careers such as mechanical engineer and mechanical engineering technician, while Electrical Engineering leads to careers such as electrical engineer and electronics engineer.

Mechanical Engineering designs machines, engines, tools and mechanical systems. Civil Engineering designs roads, bridges, buildings, water systems and other infrastructure. Mechanical Engineering leads to careers such as mechanical engineer and mechanical engineering technician, while Civil Engineering leads to careers such as civil engineer and civil engineering technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to mechanical engineering, such as Mechanical Engineer Training.