Mechanical Engineering Associate Degree
In the mechanical engineering field, associate's degree programs are offered in the topic of mechanical engineering technology. This program can prepare to you assist engineers or transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Read on to learn more about programs and job options.
<h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfAssociateSDegreeProgramsAreAvailableInMechanicalEngineering">What Kinds of Associate's Degree Programs Are Available in Mechanical Engineering?</h3>
<p>If you're interested in an associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology, you can earn various degree titles, including an Associate of Science, an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Engineering. Specializations are also available in nanotechnology. Online options, however, are not typically offered due to the need for supervised laboratory work with mechanical tools.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Types</b></td><td> Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Engineering</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Prerequisites</b></td><td> High school diploma or GED, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Rotational dynamics, AC networking, computer-aided design (CAD), thermodynamics, graphics for engineering</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Engineering lab assistant, research assistant, biotechnology laboratory technician, CAD operator, sales engineer</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$90,160* (<i>for mechanical engineer</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth* (<i>for all mechanical engineers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---WhatDoINeedToApply">What Do I Need To Apply?</h3>
<p>The minimum requirement to be considered for an associate's degree program in mechanical engineering technology is a high school diploma or GED. You may also need to submit standardized test scores and letters of recommendation. Before beginning the program, you might want to take classes like statistics, physics and calculus to prepare yourself for the mechanical engineering coursework.
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<h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3>
<p>An associate's degree program in mechanical engineering technology can train you in mechanical engineering concepts, as well as industry-current engineering equipment and software. Many programs also incorporate general education requirements. Areas of study could include mechanical production processes, engineering materials, manufacturing planning, mechanical design or electricity. You might also take classes in:
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<ul><li>Physics
</li><li>Computer-aided design (CAD)
</li><li>Graphics for engineering
</li><li>Rotational dynamics
</li><li>Thermodynamics
</li><li>AC networking
</li><li>DC networking
</li><li>Static equilibrium
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoAfterIGraduate">What Can I Do After I Graduate?</h3>
<p>If you hold an associate's degree in mechanical engineering technology, some of your classes might be applied toward a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. You may also be prepared to study alternative but related fields, including computer hardware engineering, physics, electrical engineering or computer science.
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<p>Another option may be to enter the workforce. With your associate's degree, you might assist mechanical engineers in the private, nonprofit or government sectors. For example, you might be qualified for jobs such as:
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<ul><li>CAD operator
</li><li>Engineering lab assistant
</li><li>Sales engineer
</li><li>Research assistant
</li><li>Biotechnology laboratory technician
</li><li>Electron microscope technician</li></ul>