What Are the Math Requirements for Mechanical Engineering?
There are many mechanical engineering math requirements, as the field of mechanical engineering requires a strong math foundation. We break down everything you need to know.
Mechanical engineering is a broad field of engineering that studies physical machines, often those that involve force and movement.
It often combines physics, math, and materials science.
With so much of mechanical engineering relying on math, it's important to understand the math requirements for studying mechanical engineering.
Keep reading as we break down the mechanical engineering math requirements.
What Are the Mechanical Engineering Math Requirements?
Mechanical engineering, like many other types of engineering, requires students to have a strong foundation in mathematics.
Most colleges and universities require students to take at least one math course as part of their general education course curriculum.
However, many programs, including mechanical engineering, require more than that.
Some math courses may be prerequisite courses, meaning that students must complete those courses before they can move on to the courses in their major.
Other math courses may be done alongside the mechanical engineering courses.
While every college and university has a different curriculum, there are some general math classes that you can expect to take as a mechanical engineering student.
Calculus
Calculus is a very common type of mathematics needed for mechanical engineering.
It's the study of continuous change and deals with derivatives and integrals of function.
Mechanical engineering students are often required to take multiple calculus courses, including multivariable calculus, which deals with the functions of two or more variables.
Differential Equations
Differential equations are another common type of course required by mechanical engineering programs.
This field deals with equations that relate to one or more unknown functions and their derivatives.
Differential equations can be tied to calculus, meaning students will often need a grasp of basic calculus before moving on to differential equations.
Linear Algebra
Another frequently required math field for mechanical engineering majors is linear algebra.
This is the branch of mathematics focused on linear equations, vectors, and matrices.
Linear algebra is used in nearly all areas of mathematics, including in calculus.
Students may discuss some linear algebra in their calculus classes, but depending on the program, may still need courses specifically focused on linear algebra.
Probability and Statistics
Probability and statistics are types of applied mathematics that center around the collection, analysis, and development of conclusions from quantitative data.
Mathematical statistics often uses techniques like differential equations and linear algebra, meaning these different disciplines of math often overlap.
Why Is Math Required for Mechanical Engineering?
There are many reasons that math is required in mechanical engineering programs and for a career in mechanical engineering, but the short answer is that math provides a foundation for multiple facets of mechanics and engineering.
Calculus, for example, is used in almost every branch of physical science whenever there's a problem that can be mathematically modeled and an optimal solution is desired.
Differential equations are especially key for mechanical engineering, as they play an important role in modeling motion and other physical processes.
Similarly, linear algebra is used widely in mechanical engineering and nearly all types of science that use math.
One example is its use in rigid body dynamics, the study of the movement of systems of interconnected bodies under the action of external forces.
Probability and statistics are important when it comes to analyzing data and making interpretations based on that data.
This is important for experimentation as well as for things like machine learning.
Overall, there are many situations in which mechanical engineers may be required to use math.
While the specific situation may vary depending on the job you hold, math can be used to determine the amount of energy and force produced by a machine, design systems and algorithms, and more.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Mechanical Engineering?
The length of time it takes to earn a degree in mechanical engineering depends on the level of degree you're earning and how many credits you take each semester.
Bachelor's degree programs are usually about 120 credit hours and take full-time students four years to complete.
Associate degrees are about 60 credit hours and take about half the time of a bachelor's program.
Master's programs often range from 30-40 credits, which can take anywhere from one to three years for full-time students to complete.
Full-time is often considered 12 or more credits a semester. Some students prefer a part-time schedule, which takes longer to complete but reduces the credit load each semester.
Find a Mechanical Engineering Program Today
Mechanical engineering requires a strong foundation in math, including calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and probability and statistics.
For more information on mechanical engineering requirements, reach out to Learn.org today.