Mechanical Engineering: Innovation in Product Design

Mechanical engineering professionals use physics to help companies innovate the design of their products. By leveraging their fascination with the transfer of energy, mechanical engineers can often find jobs designing engines, improving climate control systems, or enhancing the operation of manufacturing facilities.

Online Education Options for Mechanical Engineering Students

New technology has replaced expensive lab equipment with affordable, computer-based simulations for many experiments. Therefore, participants in online degree programs enjoy a tremendous amount of flexibility when training for careers in mechanical engineering. Many colleges and universities supplement bulletin boards and live chat discussions from their online education programs with real-time lab projects hosted at partner career training centers or at prospective employers' facilities. As employers seek to innovate in the areas of product design and durability, mechanical engineers with specialized training can expect to develop strong careers.

Typical Mechanical Engineering Coursework

Like many engineering professionals, mechanical engineers must pass a rigorous certification exam before they can start earning a paycheck. Online degree programs can prepare mechanical engineering students for industry certification by immersing them in mathematics, physics, engineering design, drafting, computer-assisted-drawing, and more. Online degrees can be earned at various levels, such as a bachelor's or master's degree.

Career & Salary Options for Mechanical Engineering Professionals

According to government statistics, many mechanical engineers earn annual salaries of $50,000 or more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers earned a median annual salary of $72,300 in 2007. Mechanical engineers can find work in a variety of industries including computer equipment manufacturing, scientific research, architectural services, and more.
Mechanical engineers with training in today's most cutting edge technology should enjoy stronger job prospects than some industry veterans. Over the next decade, government analysts expect employers to recruit graduates of mechanical engineering degree programs with specific skills related to materials science, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Experienced mechanical engineers who invest in continual career training can prepare themselves for even more lucrative positions.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Engineers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical Engineering Magazine

Joe Taylor Jr. is an internal business consultant for a Fortune 500 company, who writes about finance, culture, and design. He holds a bachelor's of science in communications from Ithaca College.