Guide to College Majors in Mechanical

Engineering
It must be admitted that the inventors of the mechanical arts have been much more useful
to men that the inventors of syllogisms. He who imagined a ship towers considerably
above him who imagined innate ideas. --Voltaire

What is Mechanical Engineering?

The mechanical engineer has been called the general practitioner and the jack-of-all
trades among engineering professions. This is because he requires education and skills
that span a broad range of technical, social, environmental, and economic problems. In
general, however, the mechanical engineer is concerned with controlling the principles of
motion, energy, and force through mechanical solutions.

A mechanical engineer designs the tools and processes used for satisfying the needs of
society through a combination of material, human, and economic resources. She might
work on electric generators, internal combustion engines, steam and gas turbines, and
other power-generating machines. She might also develop machines such as refrigeration
and air-conditioning equipment, power tools, and other power-using machines.

What Do Mechanical Engineers Do?

The diverse mechanical engineering field can be divided in a variety of ways in terms of
job functions. Some of the most common functions relate to these areas of technology,
but not all do. Among these fields are:

• Product Design -- developing products ranging from biomedical devices to

gasoline-powered engines. A mechanical engineer designs anything that uses
mechanical motion.
• Research and Development -- discovering new solutions to human needs or
improving older methods.
• Manufacturing -- developing the machines that process materials into products.
Designing and building machines and systems of machines that improve operating
efficiency is of prime importance.
• Systems management -- overseeing operations of a large system, such as a
power plant, as well as supervising the people who work there.
• Energy -- planning how energy is generated, stored, and moved. Industries that
produce and deliver electrical power, such as natural gas, oil and alternative
energy, employ mechanical engineers to develop more fuel-efficient cars, motors,
and appliances.
• Marketing -- determining the need for a new or modified product, and
calculating product availability, market size, cost structure, profitability,
specifications, and distribution channels.
In most of these fields, the mechanical engineer is concerned with heat utilization or
machine design--in other words, harnessing or creating energy. Heat utilization
techniques are applied in boilers, air conditioners, and refrigeration units. Machine design
is more focused on hardware, including automobile engines, computers, and washing
machines.

Mechanical engineers are constantly being asked to make decisions. The size, shape, and
material of every part of every mechanical product created must be decided by a
mechanical engineer. They also have to determine the best and most efficient ways to
manufacture the products. Often those decisions are made in conjunction with other types
of engineers. Some of the decisions they make can mean the difference between life and
death: the safety features of automobiles, for example, are the responsibility of
mechanical engineers.

Trends in Mechanical Engineering Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical engineers hold over
226,000 jobs, more than half of which are in manufacturing: machinery, transportation
equipment, computer and electronic products, and fabricated metal products
manufacturing industries. Emerging fields like biotechnology, materials science, and
nano-technology are expected to create new job opportunities for mechanical engineers;
the BLS predicts an increase of nearly 10,000 mechanical engineering jobs by 2016.

In particular, medical biotechnology is gaining more attention from mechanical engineers

who specialize in design mechanics. This area involves the design of artificial limbs and
organs. Mechanical engineers must work along with medical doctors to develop these
products that will withstand stress and yet be compatible with the human body.

A degree in mechanical engineering often can be applied to other engineering specialties,

such as manufacturing engineering or aerospace engineering. In addition to those
increased job opportunities, many openings will result from the natural replacement of
workers who transfer to other occupations or retire.

Career Education in Mechanical

Engineering
Planning for your career as a mechanical engineer

Engineers must combine a good understanding of science, mathematics, and computers

with a good knowledge of current technology. At the high school level, the emphasis is
on mathematics. Two years of algebra plus courses in geometry and trigonometry
generally are required.

In addition to the sciences and math, engineers need good communication skills, so don't
neglect the liberal arts and humanities. In addition, remember that many of the large
industrial firms that employ mechanical engineers are multinational. That means a second
language can be extremely valuable.

At the university level, mechanical engineering majors can expect to learn advanced
mathematics, calculus, chemistry, and physics. After some of these core courses,
mechanical engineering majors take specialized courses in:

• Fluid dynamics
• Materials science
• Robotics
• Manufacturing processes
• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Environmental science

They will also take advanced computer classes that deal with design.

A typical Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering will require communications

classes (composition, technical writing), humanities (history language, political science),
basic science (chemistry, physics), business (accounting, marketing), mathematics, and
basic engineering and computer skills. Usually the core mechanical engineering classes
(fluid mechanics, engineering design, heat transfer) begin in the sophomore year.

Evaluate your potential future as a mechanical engineering major by asking yourself

these questions:

• How are your grades in math and science? If you struggle, choose another
specialty. If you do well and ask for more, mechanical engineering might be the
right choice.
• Do you have a curiosity about how things work? Have you found yourself taking
things apart and putting them back together? This is a natural attribute of the
mechanical engineer.
• If you live to discover new or better ways to do things, you are definitely on the
right track.
• Are computer games, mazes, and jigsaw puzzles fun for you? What could be
better than doing work you enjoy?
• Do people turn to you for advice or trust your decisions? That means you think
clearly and have demonstrated decision-making abilities in the past. It is an
important requirement for a mechanical engineer.

Planning for a Career in Mechanical Engineering

Look for a university that has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering
and Technology. While it is possible to work as a mechanical engineer with other
engineering degrees, the accreditation is strongly recommended.
After starting coursework in mechanical engineering, it is beneficial to have an internship
or summer engineering job. These help you learn the "real world" of engineering and
offer an opportunity to apply all the theories and principles taught in class. An internship
can also help you determine your professional likes and dislikes, your strengths and
weaknesses.

Internship programs are a required part of some curricula, but for many others it is
optional. Don't waste this valuable opportunity. Take advantage of a chance to learn
outside the classroom, even if it is for low -- or no -- pay. Many corporations have
semester-length programs posted with the university's mechanical engineering
department or with the school's career center. Sometimes students can approach potential
future employers with original internship proposals.

Do You Need an Advanced Degree to Be a Mechanical Engineer?

A college degree at the bachelor level is enough to earn a quality, well-paid job in
mechanical engineering, but many students enter master's or doctoral programs to study
laboratory research and computational analysis. Online degree programs in mechanical
engineering have become more common in the industry, as working professionals seek to
improve their skills without stepping off the career track by leaving the workforce for two
years.

Mechanical engineers often continue their education throughout their careers, because
technology changes rapidly. Many of the skills and methodologies a student learned in
college will become obsolete after only a few years. It is not necessary to earn an
advanced degree, however. Continuing education for engineers, online or on the job, is an
increasingly popular way to stay abreast of the latest trends and technological advances.

Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degrees in mechanical engineering typically last two years, and provide the
opportunity for more in-depth study in a particular specialty. Most master's degree
programs require that an applicant hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university
or be in their final year of a bachelor's degree program. Minimum grade point averages
may vary, but typically an acceptable GPA is between 3.0 and 3.25 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants whose native language is not English generally are required to submit the
results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Many online and distance
learning programs have different TOEFL requirements, so be sure to check. Graduate
Record Examination (GRE) may also be required. Again, this exam might be waived for
some online and distance education programs.

PhD Programs in Mechanical Engineering

Doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering are designed for advanced professionals who
want to contribute to the field at the highest levels of research, theory and policy.
Students who plan to pursue a doctorate in mechanical engineering should determine if
their school of choice has a qualifying examination requirement to be admitted into the
program. The qualifying examination is used to determine the strengths or weaknesses of
a student, as well as the student's ability to assimilate graduate-level subject matter.

Online Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

When selecting an online degree in mechanical engineering, make sure your college of
choice is accredited. Many professionals use college accreditation as a standard for hiring
employees. Also determine the method of delivery for distance classes. Some may use
video, CD or DVD; others may be strictly online. Finally, look at the residency
requirement. Many colleges waive the residency requirement, but, if not, tuition and fees
could be more expensive.

What can you do with a Major in

Mechanical Engineering?
Career options for aspiring mechanical engineers

Practically every company that designs and produces a product employs a mechanical
engineer. But mechanical engineers can also be found in research labs, the military,
government, and in other professions such as medicine, law or teaching.

Most mechanical engineering jobs require design experience. When a need comes about
for a new or improved product, companies call upon mechanical engineers to do the job.
Engineers have to push beyond the limits of their previous work and use innovative
technology to meet project requirements successfully.

A second major area of employment for mechanical engineers is manufacturing.

Manufacturing jobs cover nearly everything involved in developing a product, from
selecting the appropriate materials to choosing the correct machinery to manufacture the
product. Most mechanical engineers in this industry work for equipment manufacturers,
aerospace companies, utilities, material processing plants, transportation companies, and
petroleum companies. They also work with small firms, consulting practices, universities,
and government research labs.

Specific assignments might involve research and development, design of equipment or

systems, supervision of production, plant engineering, administration, sales engineering,
the testing and evaluation of machines and entire plants. Some mechanical engineering
titles and their functions include:

• Automotive engineer: Mechanical engineers design many car parts for the
automobile industry. As an automotive engineer, you could solve transportation
and safety problems by creating better and more efficient engines or by
developing improved safety features
• Biomedical engineer: Mechanical engineers work with a variety of medical
professionals to design mobility aids, prosthetics, and artificial organs.
 • Consulting: Once mechanical engineers have gained significant on-the-job
experience and developed a high level of expertise, they might choose to work for
themselves as consultants or independent contractors. Here they can work on
projects of their choosing for clients they respect. The consulting field offers
opportunities in large and small engineering service firms and in private practice.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) engineer: In this field,
engineers design refrigeration systems for making frozen foods, or air-
conditioning and heating systems for businesses and industrial buildings,
residential homes, autos, hospitals, and schools.
• Nuclear engineer: The design of nuclear power plants requires the services of a
mechanical engineer. The engineer must understand the fundamentals of nuclear
design, know how to operate the plant efficiently, and evaluate the environmental
factors associated with nuclear plants.
• Robotics engineer: A mechanical engineer may design machines that build other
machines. For instance, a robotics engineer may be involved with creating the
devices that are used in assembling automobiles. Engineers are concerned with
the robot's structure, its joint mechanisms, bearings, and heat transfer
characteristics.
• Teaching: A desire to help mold the next generation of engineers motivates some
mechanical engineers to move into academic careers. Engineers in colleges
oversee research activities, manage laboratories, and mentor students. They also
write and publish books and technical papers about mechanical engineering.

Other mechanical engineering job titles include:

• Acoustics engineer
• Design engineer
• Energy conservation engineer
• Engineer, power generation
• Fluid mechanics engineer
• Mechanical maintenance engineer
• Piping engineer
• Thermal design engineer
• Tool engineer

Salary Expectations for Mechanical Engineers

The median annual salary for a mechanical engineer is just under $70,000, according to
the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Starting salaries average about $49,000 per year, and
top-tier engineers can earn over $100,000 annually.

Certification and Licensure

The Fundamentals of Engineering exam, also known as the FE exam, measures the
minimum competency required to enter an engineering profession. Many engineering
schools allow students to take the exam after graduation. The National Council of
Examiners for Engineering and Surveying administers the test. Many jurisdictions use a
student's education and experience as a prerequisite to apply for the FE exam. Enrolled
students should contact their state board to determine exact qualifications.

After passing the FE exam, you are considered an engineer in training. You must then
serve an apprenticeship to qualify for the Professional Engineer (PE) exam. Certification
comes once the PE exam is successfully completed.

Engineers must be licensed in each state in which they practice. The use of uniform exam
standards generally ensures that licenses can be obtained without taking an exam for each
state. However, fees likely will be charged for each license. It is best to check with each
state's licensing board to determine exact requirements.

For additional information

For general information about mechanical engineers or information about careers,
training, and education, check these sites.

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
• Society of Automotive Engineering