Is 35 Too Old To Become a Mechanical Engineer?
Many students might worry that 35 is too old for mechanical engineering. However, that is not the case. Check out our article on why it's not too late to pursue mechanical engineering with some program options and potential entry-level positions.
Mechanical engineers are responsible for the many stages in the process of designing and constructing various kinds of mechanical devices.
It is a field with a high median pay and fast projected growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Mechanical engineers usually need to have a bachelor's degree, and students can also continue to the graduate level of study in the field.
Those hoping to study mechanical engineering should have strong math and problem-solving skills.
Despite being a field with many education opportunities and a strong job market, some might worry they are too old to study in and enter the field.
The answer is, of course not.
Is 35 Too Old to Become a Mechanical Engineer?
Age is not a factor when it comes to studying and working in mechanical engineering.
If you have a passion for it and are willing to work hard to complete a degree and enter the job market, you can become a mechanical engineer.
In this article, we will cover some good online schools for older students to study mechanical engineering, and potential entry-level positions in the field, as well as the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
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Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Online Mechanical Engineering Programs
For adult college students, online programs are a great option. The flexibility and convenience they allow is unmatched.
Students can work when and where they are able, accommodating their busy schedules of work, family, etc.
Here are some great online programs in mechanical engineering.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public institution that has been in operation for well over a century, having been founded in 1885.
The school now also offers high-quality education nationwide through ASU Online.
One of the school's online programs is a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering degree.
The program includes courses like:
- Structural Mechanics
- System Dynamics and Control
- Engineering Profession
- Principals of Mechanical Design
- Experimental Mechanical Engineering
Full-time tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students at ASU Online is $8,277 for an academic year.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University has over 200 academic programs, and it is one of the largest engineering schools in the United States, making it a great choice for an online mechanical engineering degree.
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Oregon State University, which can be completed entirely online, is a roughly 180-credit hour program.
Oregon State University also does not have higher tuition for out-of-state students. Tuition is $409 regardless of the state of residency.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota is older than the state itself. The school has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that can be completed both on-campus and online.
Students enrolled in this program can choose from one of four areas of concentration to customize their experience:
- Mechanical Design
- Thermal Sciences
- Manufacturing and Materials
- Aerospace
The online tuition rate at the University of North Dakota is the same for both residents and non-residents; it is $612 per credit hour.
Entry-Level Engineering Positions
Here are some entry-level positions in the field of engineering.
Engineering Assistant
This is a common entry-level position. As an engineering assistant, tasks will mostly consist of providing support to other members on various projects.
Common duties include administrative tasks, research, testing, assisting with design work, etc.
Quality Engineer
Certified quality engineers play a vital role in the manufacturing process.
These engineers are responsible for overseeing the production process and ensuring the quality of every stage, including the final product.
Certified quality engineers will also be responsible for correcting issues when they arise.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers are responsible for many stages of the manufacturing process, including research, design, development, testing, production, and more.
At an entry-level position, it may involve more supervision than higher-level positions, but ultimately, mechanical engineers have a lot of responsibility and must be able to manage of these important tasks.
FAQs About a Career as a Mechanical Engineer
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding pursuing a career as a mechanical engineer.
What is the Average Age of a Mechanical Engineer?
The average age for mechanical engineers is between 36 and 42, according to ASME, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Is It Hard to Get a Job as a Mechanical Engineer?
Getting a job as a mechanical engineer can be challenging, as it typically requires the completion of a bachelor's degree to even be considered for a position.
However, the field has strong job growth as projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and many fields employ mechanical engineers.
There are also many things one can do to make themselves more marketable, such as internships, networking, completing additional certifications, and more.
What is the Long Term Outlook for Mechanical Engineers?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the long-term outlook for mechanical engineers is strong.
It estimates a ten percent growth over the next decade, which is faster than the average.
It also estimates nearly 20,000 job openings in the field per year for the next decade.
Start Your Mechanical Engineering Degree Today
35 is not too old to become a mechanical engineer.
Age is not something that should hold prospective students back from pursuing a degree and career.
Start your degree in mechanical engineering today.
