Mechanical Engineering Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Nov 8, 2024

Getting ahead in the field of mechanical engineering requires making the effort to learn on the job and in the classroom. However, it’s easier to learn on the job as opposed to halting a career in order to go back to school. The problem with neglecting ongoing education is the fact that employers tend to prize education over experience. The valuing of education over experience oftentimes results in promotions for people with education and those with experience are overlooked. An aspiring mechanical engineer can help their career by enrolling in online graduate certificate programs that refine their knowledge in a specific area of mechanical engineering and increase their value to an employer. Here’s a look at online graduate certificates in mechanical engineering.

What Are the Online Mechanical Engineering Graduate Certificate Requirements?

The graduate certificate programs at most colleges and universities require application for admission the same as any other degree program. Graduate certificates are intended for students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to mechanical engineering. The GRE is usually not a requirement for admission into a mechanical engineering certificate program, but you should always check the requirements to be absolutely sure. Admissions typically require an applicant to possess:

Proficiency in mathematics related to the mechanical engineering program
Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
Working experience as a mechanical engineer

A mechanical engineering certificate requires anywhere from 10 to 16 credit hours to complete. Program requirements include a combination of core courses and elective courses that are relevant to the online mechanical engineering certificate program.

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Mechanical Engineering Certificate Curriculum?

Mechanical engineering is a broad branch of engineering that applies to anything that uses machinery in its operation. The talents of a mechanical engineer are needed in everything from manufacturing facilities to medical devices and automotive engines. However, mechanical engineering grad certificate curricula and classes tend to have similar concentration areas that include:

Manufacturing processes
Computer aided mechanical design
Vibration analysis
Computer-aided analysis
Systems engineering

A curriculum for mechanical engineering will feature classes that are found in most mechanical engineering graduate certificate programs, then build upon the core classes with courses relevant to the focus of the program.

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Mechanical Engineering?

Online mechanical engineering grad certificates give a mechanical engineer the opportunity to learn more about a specific subcategory and subsequently find employment in a role that seeks mechanical engineers with relevant skills and education in the subcategory. Following are some of the careers available to a mechanical engineer:

Aerospace Engineering: Good for engineers who want to work on designing aircraft and spacecraft. The field offers the opportunity to innovate and improve upon existing aerospace vehicles.
Civil Engineer: The field of civil engineering involves making the means and methods of transportation safer for the public. Civil engineers work in a variety of environments and locations to determine the scope of the work that needs design and execution.
Biomechanical Engineering: This particular field involves the invention of and improvement of medical devices. It’s a career that’s a good choice for someone who wants to help people live better and healthy lives.
Automotive Engineer: The role of an automotive engineer consists of improving engine design, working on the next technology in automotive transportation, and designing the inner workings of an automobile.