Introduction
Is masters in mechanical engineering worth it? It’s a major decision to decide to pursue a graduate degree. There are several factors to consider, such as finances and professional objectives, before deciding on the best course of action. It may be, put it mildly, overwhelming. But was it worthwhile to put in the time and effort to earn a mechanical engineering master’s degree?
Throughout their careers, many working professionals ask themselves this question. Many ambitious engineers begin evaluating next-level career stages after a few or more years of employment, weighing the advantages, disadvantages, and overall benefits of a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Benefits Of A Master’s In Mechanical Engineering
The benefits of delving deeply into an area that is at the cutting edge are simple to point out. There are “got-haves” that are both concrete and intangible. The decision is influenced by factors like salary, employment options, and relevance.
- Salary
Why pursue a mechanical engineering master’s degree is a common question. Is there going to be a significant raise in my salary? is what a lot of individuals frequently inquire about.
The salaries associated with positions requiring a master’s are then visible. These should be compared to your existing or desired position. According to a Forbes article from a few years ago, a master’s degree adds another 20% to your compensation, so you should be able to see an improvement with your new mechanical engineering degree if salary growth is one of your key concerns.
- Job Options
People with a master’s degree addition have more employment alternatives than individuals with only a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in mechanical engineering provides additional choices, whether you’re seeking a more senior position or work that better fits your interests. There is no disadvantage when it comes to options because some positions can only be obtained with a master’s degree while others are simpler to obtain with one.
- Stay current
A mechanical engineering master’s degree is one of those that needs extensive study. With the ambitious professional in mind, this advanced program was created, giving them the knowledge they need to not only improve their resumes but also to brush up on their knowledge of their industry and learn about new developments or innovations.
To obtain even more specialized education, it can frequently be beneficial to concentrate on particular areas. Several possibilities are:
- Automotive
- Biomedical
- Automation
- Fluid mechanics
- Aerospace
But the majority of mechanical engineering master’s programs are not the best for recent undergraduate graduates. They are designed for professionals with some job experience because coursework calls for practical knowledge. The master’s experience is significantly more important because it comes with a firm grasp of the subject and some years of practical practice.
- Open Doors to Expand Career Possibilities
When estimating the return on investment of a mechanical engineering master’s degree, higher incomes are a significant factor. According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for mechanical engineers, the pay range for mechanical engineers includes a median salary of $88,430 and top earners will make closer to $140,000.
If you’ve been a mechanical engineer for a while and have been employed by the same company, you could be considering your options. It’s reasonable to ponder the ideal strategies to obtain promotions or pay increases. That is one reason many mechanical engineers in the middle of their careers think about getting a master’s.
What Is “Masters in Mechanical Engineering”?
A private research institution or public college can provide you with a mechanical engineering master’s degree, which is an advanced degree in the field. There are non-thesis class possibilities, however, it requires completing a thesis and at least 30 credits of coursework.
The program, which typically lasts two years to complete, covers topics like computational fluid dynamics and engineering design. In comparison to a straightforward Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a closely related topic, it is an excellent degree to have as it increases your employability.
What Can You Learn in a Master’s Program in Mechanical Engineering?
The coursework for a student enrolled in a master’s program in mechanical engineering consists of graduate applied math classes, mechanical engineering courses, and technical electives. The field of mechanical engineering is very vast. No matter if you want to specialize in fluid mechanics, nanotechnology, computational simulations, or system design, it’s critical to choose a specialty that matches your career objectives and interests.
A significant portion of the master’s degree in mechanical engineering involves conducting research, with an emphasis on the development of abilities that will allow you to innovate in any discipline, from solid rockets to soft robotics, carbon fiber to carbon nanotubes, and fuel pumps to heat pumps.
Mechanical Engineering Master’s Curriculum
Following is a list of some possible courses you might take, while course offerings vary greatly between schools and might reflect a variety of quickly emerging technologies:
- Modeling and Design: The course “Modeling and Design” provides an overview of the fundamental ideas, approaches, and cutting-edge tools that are used in modeling, prototyping, and design work.
- Digital Mechanics: Microelectronic systems, digital sensors, digital controllers, and digital signal processing are all topics covered in the course “Digital Mechanics.”
- Solid mechanics: This course examines the characteristics and dynamics of solid materials to various structural designs, physical forces, and other environmental factors.
- Materials and Constructions: You’ll discover how various materials’ qualities and dynamics affect their dependability and efficacy in a variety of structures, applications, and mechanical and industrial operations or processes.
- Fluid Mechanics: You will gain knowledge of fluid mechanics as it relates to a variety of mechanical or industrial processes and applications. Fluids include liquids, vapors, gasses, and plasmas.
- Power and Energy Systems: Systems for generating, transmitting, and storing electrical energy are among the power and energy systems that you will study. You will also learn about the components, theories, and designs relating to these systems.
- Biomechanics: In biomechanics, you’ll learn how biological processes and systems influence mechanical design.
- Introduction to Robotics: You will study mechanical engineering concepts and principles linked to design and development advances in the realm of robotics as part of your introduction to robotics course.
- Development Design and Production Planning: The ideas, techniques, and practices used to manage product development and production planning in a corporate environment are introduced in this course on developmental design and production planning.
- Advanced Testing and Analysis: A variety of mechanical and developmental testing applications, including structural analysis, materials testing, and component and systems testing, are covered in this course on advanced testing and analysis. It also covers the methodologies, principles, and instruments utilized in these applications.
Admissions Requirements For Master’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering
In addition to other application requirements, a BA or BS degree is needed for admission to an online mechanical engineering master’s program. Other materials normally include all college transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Many colleges have specific undergraduate majors and required courses as part of their admissions criteria. You may be able to make up some prerequisite courses while enrolled in certain online graduate programs.
The majority of reputable online mechanical engineering master’s programs demand:
- BA or BS in a related field of study
- Prerequisite courses
- Results of the GRE or GMAT, if necessary
You can inquire with the school’s admission office for more details if you are unsure of your preparation or admittance requirements. You can also search for courses offered by authorized universities that will aid you in overcoming these challenges as soon as possible.
How to Obtain a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree
By fulfilling the entrance requirements for the mechanical engineering program and the subsequent graduation requirements, you can earn a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Graduate school students must complete a predetermined amount of credits and, if applicable, submit a thesis to graduate.
Institutions That Offers A Master’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering
Students studying mechanical engineering at these institutions can participate in cutting-edge research to advance a variety of professional objectives. some of the top institutions to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering are:
- Arizona State University
- Vanderbilt University
- Purdue University Northwest
- Stanford University
- North Carolina State University
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan
- University of California Berkeley
- John Hopkins University
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
What Job Can You Do With A Master’s In Mechanical Engineering
It should go without saying that a graduate degree in mechanical engineering will provide more access to higher-level and better-paying job prospects; master’s in mechanical engineering holders make an average of $100,000 per year. A master’s degree in mechanical engineering, however, takes more effort and money to complete.
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering can help you get the following employment, to name a few:
- Lead mechanical principal engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Robotics systems engineer
- Mechanical design engineer
- Senior mechanical prototyping engineer
- Director of data and connectivity innovation
- Mechanical engineers for biotech
- Structural analysis engineer
How Much Does a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Cost?
A master’s degree in mechanical engineering from a US university will cost approximately $19,792 in 2020, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, the exact sum you’ll pay varies according to the institution and the amount of financial aid you’re eligible for.
According to NCES, earning a degree from a private research institution costs roughly $26,000 per year, although it may only cost $12,000 in a public research university.
Mechanical Engineering vs Electrical Engineering
| Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering |
| The study and practical use of materials and motorized or static mechanical systems is the core of mechanical engineering. | Electrical components, their application, and their compatibility within various electrical systems are the main topics of electrical engineering. |
| Some mechanical engineers prefer to specialize in specific areas of electrical engineering. | For usage in various mechanical systems, electrical engineers can assist with the design of a variety of electrical and digital components as well as control systems. These systems and components, for instance, can be applied to robotic and computer electronics as well as to vehicles like cars and airplanes. |
| Some specialize in electrical ideas that may be relevant to creating digital controls and sensors, working alongside electrical engineers. | Currents and the design, development, and testing of electrical components are the focus of electrical engineers’ work. Power systems, monitors, consoles, audio systems, and digital or electronic display tools are a few examples of electrical components. |
Industrial Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering
| Industrial Engineering | Mechanical Engineering |
| The primary goal of industrial engineering is to enhance operational and production procedures. Industrial engineering specialists frequently collaborate with mechanical engineering specialists on projects that support production, product development, sales, and project management activities. | The design, development, integration, maintenance, and repair of mechanical parts and machinery are the key focuses of the mechanical engineering sector. |
| In general, internal organizational processes are covered by industrial engineering. For instance, industrial engineering may entail setting up and carrying out manufacturing procedures following a company’s intentions for product development. Streamlining an organization’s hiring, management, and budgeting processes are other applications of industrial engineering. | Projects in civil and structural engineering as well as mechanical engineering can be used to build real structures or items. The design and development of machinery and equipment required for usage in other sectors, such as the manufacturing of medical devices, can also be categorized under this engineering industry. |
| Industrial engineering may need people to hold certifications in fields like product design, production management, and business and data analysis. Professionals that specialize in a particular field of industrial engineering may receive associated certifications or degrees, much like the requirements for mechanical engineering. | Professionals in mechanical engineering might need training in mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, and machine parts. According to their areas of expertise, such as electrical engineering, software development, or automotive design, for instance, engineers in this industry often hold degrees in mechanical engineering. |
| A career in industrial engineering may lead to individuals working in sales, budget analysis, process management, supply chain management, and product engineering. | Electrical engineering, automotive engineering, aeronautical and aerospace development, and structural design are among the subfields of mechanical engineering that professionals frequently choose to work in. |
Although the employment options for mechanical and industrial engineers can vary, honing your technical and business abilities, as well as your understanding of fundamental engineering principles, can help you be prepared for a position in either industry.
Mechanical Engineering vs Civil Engineering
| Mechanical Engineering | Civil Engineering |
| Typically, mechanical engineers work on the development, testing, and production of both light and heavy machinery, including vehicles, industrial machinery, and heating and cooling systems. | On the other hand, civil engineers work on significant municipal infrastructure projects including erecting big buildings and designing and building roads, highways, bridges, and dams. |
| A mechanical engineer will likely create the equipment needed to raise and lower the moveable portion of the drawbridge. | A civil engineer is involved in the design and construction of a new drawbridge over a canal. |
How Would I Know If A Master’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering Is The Right Choice For Me?
For mechanical engineering majors to succeed in their studies and their careers after graduation, they must have several characteristics and abilities. Good interpersonal, technical, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are a few of the most crucial ones.
First things first: if you want to major in mechanical engineering, you must be an excellent and enthusiastic math student.
Mechanical engineering, a field in STEM, naturally incorporates a lot of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics.
However, just because you enjoy math does not automatically mean that mechanical engineering is the ideal major for you. You must also have specific qualities to effectively complete a mechanical engineering bachelor’s program and go on to succeed in the field.
Look at the following questions and respond “yes” or “no” to each one:
- Do you enjoy resolving issues?
- Are science and math among your top favorite subjects?
- You’ve probably heard that you’re a terrific communicator and team player.
- Are you willing to occasionally work at manufacturing, drilling, or construction site?
- Have you always had an innate sense of creativity, innovation, and curiosity?
- Do you have a positive, upbeat attitude?
If you answered “yes” to the majority or all of the aforementioned questions, mechanical engineering should be at the top of your choice of college majors.
That’s because you might have what it takes to succeed as a mechanical engineering student and work as a professional mechanical engineer after obtaining a license.
Conclusion
For many students, getting a master’s in mechanical engineering is worth it. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for mechanical engineers will increase by 4% over the following 10 years.
An intelligent strategy to swiftly finish an intensive professional learning program is to acquire a master’s degree from an approved university. Your employment opportunities and prospects can be improved with a master’s in mechanical engineering, especially when combined with relevant professional experience.
A master’s degree can help you advance more confidently in your current career or prepare you for new opportunities if you’re already employed in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is A Master’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering Worth It?
- The answer is a resounding yes when you take into account relevance, employment opportunities, and industry future. This moment is ideal. A mechanical engineering master’s degree is undoubtedly a tremendous commitment.
How Long Does It Take To Earn A Master’s Degree In Mechanical Engineering?
- A master’s degree can be earned in 12 to 24 months of full-time study. The length of time it takes to complete the program if you enroll part-time. If the school offers an accelerated option, you can choose to take it. You can take more credits every semester and complete the program more quickly with the accelerated program. You can choose the best course of action with the assistance of your academic counselor.
With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, What Can I Do?
- A mechanical engineering master’s degree can give you the knowledge and qualifications you need to pursue a variety of career or growth options. Your area of expertise might lead to new job opportunities. Graduates typically work as industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, sales engineers, materials engineers, and engineering managers.
Where Do Mechanical Engineers Work?
- In big industrial companies or industries, mechanical engineers are widely employed. Mechanical engineers are frequently employed in the automobile and aerospace industries. Professionals can also find employment in the rapidly developing fields of robotics and self-driving cars.
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