Best Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs

Stanford is a renowned private research institution that has offered distance education since 1995. Today, its degree options include a master of science in mechanical engineering that can be completed partially online. Part-time students can graduate in 3-5 years. Through a 45-credit curriculum, candidates gain the advanced skills needed to occupy leadership and research positions in automotive, biomedical, industrial, and HVAC engineering fields.

Required coursework covers topics like design and manufacturing, experimental stress analysis, and mechanics of biological tissues. Master's in mechanical engineering candidates also explore smart product design with an emphasis on computer-aided creation methods. They fill out remaining credit requirements with electives and can engage in independent research and practicum experiences.

Applicants need a bachelor of science in engineering, physics, or a related scientific field. Admission materials include a statement of purpose, GRE scores, a resume/CV, and three recommendation letters.

Based in Gainesville, UF serves over 52,000 students each year, many of whom earn their credentials remotely. The school's graduate catalog includes an online master of science in mechanical engineering. This highly flexible, 30-credit program allows students to pick the majority of their coursework, aligning classes with their research interests and professional goals.

Master's in mechanical engineering candidates choose a thesis or non-thesis track. Course topics include mechanics of composite materials, data measurement and analysis, and computational fluid dynamics. Students can use up to six credits for thesis research and project completion.

UF requires applicants to hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and adequate standardized test scores. The university provides a variety of financial aid opportunities, like graduate assistantships and research funding.

Georgia Tech maintains its flagship campus in Atlanta, educating about 33,000 students annually. Distance learners can enroll in the school's online master of science in mechanical engineering program. The 30-credit curriculum teaches candidates the advanced analytical skills needed to engage in complex problem-solving and research development.

Similar to other master's in mechanical engineering programs, Georgia Tech's degree lets students choose from thesis and non-thesis tracks. The degree plan covers topics like computer-aided design, nonlinear control systems, and wind engineering. Candidates can use electives to complete a complementary minor or pursue specialized topics in the major.

Georgia Tech offers fall, spring, and summer entry dates. Applicants must submit GRE/GMAT scores and a professional resume or CV. They also need to submit a personal statement that explains their career goals and why they want to attend a graduate engineering program.

As one of the top private research institutions in the world, Johns Hopkins provides comprehensive academics across its 10 schools. Its graduate programs include an online master's in mechanical engineering that offers four focus areas. Distance learners may complete a fully remote curriculum or create a hybrid experience by taking some classes at one of the university's four regional campuses.

Core coursework includes mathematical methods for engineers and topics in data analysis. Students take advanced courses in their chosen track, with options like biomechanics, fluid mechanics, and manufacturing. They can also pursue the robotics and control focus area, which covers mechanized assembly and spacecraft design.

This master's in mechanical engineering program operates a holistic evaluation process that considers an applicant's overall academic strength and professional achievements. However, successful candidates typically hold at least a 3.3 GPA.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, USC powers distance education with the Blackboard platform. Its degree offerings include an online master of science in mechanical engineering that prepares candidates for many careers, including those at automotive manufacturing plants, consulting firms, and warehouse distribution facilities. With flexible, blended course delivery, remote learners can earn their credentials in 18 months.

This master's in mechanical engineering program allows students to pursue one of three specialized tracks. Options include engineering design, thermal/fluid sciences, and mechanics and materials. Students who choose the mechanics and materials option take classes like applied elasticity, mechatronics systems engineering, and random vibrations.

USC offers fall and spring start dates. Applicants must submit GRE scores, a resume or CV, and a personal statement. They can also send in recommendation letters to bolster their application portfolio.

Founded in 1919 as a teacher training school, UCLA is now a comprehensive research institution. Graduate students can choose from over 150 degree options at UCLA, including an online master of science in mechanical engineering. Through a broad curriculum, candidates gain knowledge related to key technical and research areas.

Required courses include advanced strengths of materials, linear elasticity, and composites of manufacturing. Master's in mechanical engineering students individualize their degree plans by choosing at least six electives. These options include analytical fracture mechanics, computational aerodynamics, and digital control of physical systems.

UCLA requires prospective students to hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, or an engineering discipline. Applicants also need a minimum 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE scores.

As a preeminent public higher education institution, UW supports over 54,000 students every year. The school powers distance education with Blackboard Learn. One such online offering is a master of science in mechanical engineering. This program offers part-time and full-time schedule options, and students have the ability to begin degree work at the beginning of any quarter.

This option stands out from many other master's in mechanical engineering programs by letting candidates choose between all-coursework, project-based, and thesis tracks. Required courses include finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and applied parallel computing for numerical analysis and digital design.

Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and stellar GRE scores. They must also submit a one-page statement of purpose, a current resume, and three recommendation letters.

Based in Charlottesville, UVA educates more than 20,000 students each year. In addition to comprehensive campus-based academics, the institution offers online degrees, including a master of engineering in mechanical and aerospace engineering. This flexible program totals 30 credits and allows candidates to take half of their coursework at partnering schools, including Old Dominican University and Virginia Tech.

The curriculum contains classes like finite element analysis, multibody mechanical systems, and linear state space systems. Students also examine mathematical concepts for engineers and scientists. To earn their online master's degree in mechanical engineering, candidates must also complete and submit plan of study, engineering analysis, and technical writing assessment forms.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Application documents include GRE scores, a resume/CV, a personal statement, and three recommendation letters.

BU enrolls about 35,000 students in over 300 academic programs each year. Its graduate catalog contains a master of science in mechanical engineering that comes with eight concentration areas. Candidates can complete many of their classes online.

Totaling 32 credits, the master's in mechanical engineering curriculum includes required coursework like manufacturing processes and advanced product design. Students pursue specialized topics in their chosen concentration, with options like nanotechnology, aerospace engineering, and technology innovation. They can also enroll in an energy technologies track, learning how to develop and maintain wind systems and other forms of renewable power.

BU requires prospective learners to hold a relevant bachelor's degree and adequate GRE scores. Students can apply for federal aid and institutional merit-based scholarships.

NC State is a leader in distance education, providing more than 100 remote certificates and degrees. Graduate students can earn an online master of science in mechanical engineering. Designed for working professionals, this flexible, 30-credit program does not require candidates to attend campus or complete a thesis.

Students work with a personal advisor to pick coursework that supports their research interests and professional goals. Options include heat theory transfer and applications, advanced solid mechanics, and design of electromechanical systems. Master's in mechanical engineering candidates can also explore design optimization methods for single and multiobjective problems.

NC State prefers applicants with a relevant bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates with undergraduate credentials in an unrelated field can still enroll but will need to complete designated prerequisites.