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UND Students Welding in Mechanical Engineering Class
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Mechanical Engineering Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Earn your Mechanical Engineering degree online or on campus at one of the best mechanical engineering schools in the nation.

Machines are at the core of our daily lives, and mechanical engineers are responsible for designing them. Mechanical Engineering students can specialize in four different areas: mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing and materials, and aerospace.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4+ years
Credit hours:
128
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Pursue Your Mechanical Engineering Degree Online or On Campus

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Gain hands-on experience from the first courses you take in the University of North Dakota's Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program. You'll take four science courses with labs during your first two years. You'll also build a component or design a system in at least one engineering class every year. All your classes will emphasize teamwork and collaborative problem solving, mandatory skills in today's engineering workplace. 

Customized Mechanical Engineering Degree

Focus on one of four optional concentrations:

  • Mechanical Design
  • Thermal Sciences
  • Manufacturing and Materials
  • Aerospace (133 credit hours required)

Our combined mechanical engineering degree program allows you to earn a master's in Mechanical Engineering in just one additional year. Both graduate programs are offered online or on-campus.

ABET EAC Logo

ABET Accredited Program

This bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accreditation is a critical factor to consider if you plan to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer.

On Campus or Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

  • Satisfy the eligibility requirement to sit for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, passing the FE exam is required as the first step to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer in all 50 states.

  • Work on wind-tunnel experiments, space hardware design, nanotechnology and other projects.

  • Solve real-world industrial problems in design projects sponsored by 3M, NASA, Arctic Cat and more.

  • Participate in research ranging from robotics to gas turbine engines to unmanned aerial vehicles.

  • Experience hands-on learning from the start when you build a design project and prototype during your first year on campus.

  • Get on-the-job experience as an entry-level engineer in our co-op program. Work for companies such as Honda, Energizer, Xcel Energy and more while still a student —and while being paid.

What can I do with a Mechanical Engineering degree?

102k

Median annual salary for mechanical engineers, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

11%

Projected job outlook for mechanical engineers through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Mechanical Engineering degree will provide you with many career options.

What do mechanical engineers do?

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

No two mechanical engineering jobs are exactly the same. They could be working on helping design and develop tiny semiconductor tools or large aircraft engines. Obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering is about learning how to solve complex problems that are not defined to a certain product or device. Mechanical engineers can expect to:

  • Solve problems using their expertise of mechanical devices
  • Design and redesign devices to improve performance
  • Develop and test prototypes of all kinds of products and devices
  • Oversee manufacturing processes

Specific job titles can vary, but a Mechanical Engineering degree can result in some of these roles:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Automotive Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineering
  • Production Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Robotics Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Thermal Systems Engineer

Careers with a Mechanical Engineering Degree

As one of the most versatile engineering disciplines, you'll find job opportunities in a broad spectrum of industries, including:

  • Aerospace
  • Consumer Products
  • Defense Industries
  • Manufacturing
  • Medical
  • Petroleum
  • Renewable Energy
  • Transportation

Mechanical Engineering Degree Skills

A B.S. in Mechanical Engineering gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Produce Design and Design Reviews
  • 3D CAD Design (CREO Parametric)
  • Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing
  • Robotics, Controls, and Measurements
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Simulation Software (ANSYS)
  • Fluid Flow Simulation (CFD)
  • Materials Analysis & Testing
  • Manufacturing Processes (Milling, Lathe, CNC, Casting)

Best Mechanical Engineering Schools

Be in demand. UND mechanical engineering graduates have gone to work at companies including:

  • 3M
  • American Crystal Sugar
  • AMETEK
  • Arctic Cat
  • BAE Systems
  • Blandin Paper
  • Boeing
  • Boise Cascade
  • Cargill
  • Case IH
  • Caterpillar
  • Central Boiler
  • Cirrus Aircraft
  • Comm Dell Industries
  • Daktronics
  • Dakota Gasification Company
  • Doosan Bobcat
  • Dow Chemical
  • Emerson Electric
  • Erskine Manufacturing
  • FCA North America
  • FedEx
  • Field of View
  • Fusion Automation
  • Goodyear Tire & Rubber
  • Harris Corporation
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Honda R&D Americas
  • IBM
  • John Deere
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Lund Boats
  • Marvin Windows
  • Mattracks
  • Minnkota Power
  • NASA
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Oakridge National Labs
  • Ottertail Power
  • PepsiCo
  • Philadelphia Macaroni
  • Polaris Industries
  • Sandia National Labs
  • Steffes
  • TAG
  • Team Industries
  • Tesla
  • UTC Aerospace Systems
  • Xcel Energy

Mechanical Engineering Degree Courses

ME 488. Engineering Design. 3 Credits.

Systematic study and practice essential to the optimal design of a complete machine or system, utilizing economic and social constraints together with current mechanical and thermal design techniques. The course is a continuation of ME 487 taken the preceding semester. Prerequisite: ME 487. S.

ME 323. Machine Component Design. 3 Credits.

Design of machine elements such as shafts, bearings, gears, clutches, springs, threaded components, and bolted, riveted, welded, and bonded joints. Stress and failure theory analyses of the implementation of machine components are covered. Prerequisite: ENGR 203 with a grade of C or better and ME 101 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: ME 323L. S.

ME 439. Introduction to Robotics. 3 Credits.

A systems engineering approach to robotics. Presents an introduction to manipulators, sensors, actuators, and end effectors for automation. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, control, programming of manipulators, pattern recognition, and computer vision. Prerequisite: ENGR 200 with a grade of C or better and MATH 166 with a grade of C or better. On demand.

ME 446. Gas Turbines. 3 Credits.

General principles, thermodynamics, and performance of gas turbine engines. Design consideration of engine components. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better. On demand.

ME 474. Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer. 3 Credits.

Convection, conduction, radiation, dimensional analysis and design of heat transfer equipment. Prerequisite: ME 341 with a grade of C or better, ME 306, and MATH 266. S.

ME 418. Manufacturing Processes. 3 Credits.

Descriptive and analytical study of manufacturing methods and economics as they pertain to machining, metrology and automation. Prerequisite: ENGR 203 with a grade of C or better and ME 301. S.

Best Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Program

#2 Accredited Schools Online
#3 College Cliffs
#4 Best College Reviews
#4 College Choice
#4 Bachelors Degree Center
#6 SmartyPal
#15 Best Degree Programs

Several college ranking sites put UND’s Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree in the Top 15 online programs in nation. We’re well regarded for our educational quality, affordability and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND was one of the first online Mechanical Engineering programs in nation. In fact, we offer the only online Mechanical Engineering degree in the Upper Midwest.

Compare the cost of UND’s online Mechanical Engineering degree. You’ll find it’s the most affordable accredited online Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree in the nation. All online students pay affordable online tuition regardless of their residency. Additionally, more than two-thirds of students in the Mechanical Engineering program receive financial support.

Flexible Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Classes

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Engineering Club for Online Students

The Society of Distance Engineering Students is a club for online engineering students. You'll have the chance to meet and work with students who study online and those who attend classes on UND's campus. Even though you might be far apart, you can still study and work together easily.

What to expect in UND's Mechanical Engineering degree online?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Gold

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
  • Spouse Support: UND is ranked in the Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Schools, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

FAQs

Obtaining an online Mechanical Engineering degree from an accredited institution can be just as valuable as a traditional degree, as it ensures the same academic standards, curriculum, and career readiness as the on-campus programs.

Generally, an online Mechanical Engineering degree is structured to be completed in four years. However, the actual time to graduation can differ depending on various factors, including a student's enrollment status and the pacing of their coursework.

An online Mechanical Engineering degree opens up diverse career opportunities, including roles in mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing, materials and aerospace. Graduates may work in industries like automotive, aerospace, energy and manufacturing.

Yes, students can focus on specific areas such as mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing and materials or aerospace, tailoring their education to align with their career goals.

Leaders in Engineering

No stranger to hard work. In fact, Carrie even enjoys it. 

READ Carrie's STORY

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