Students interested in math, science, design and engineering should look into pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical technology, also known as mechanical engineering technology. The courses in these programs mainly examine how machines and products operate.
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Technology
A bachelor's degree program in mechanical technology or mechanical engineering technology prepares students for careers in utilities operation, HVAC design, plant operations, field service engineering and technical sales. Some of the colleges that provide a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Technology include:
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Ferris State University
- Purdue Global - Calumet
- Eastern Michigan University
The following information looks at some general information for mechanical technology programs and highlights common courses in these programs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutBachelorSDegreesInMechanicalTechnology">Important Facts About Bachelor's Degrees in Mechanical Technology</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Coursework in algebra II, trigonometry, physics, CAD/drafting, high school diploma</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Some courses offered online, but full degrees are unavailable</td></tr>
<tr><td>Specializations</td><td> Product design, machine design, alternative energy, air conditioning, thermal power, plastics processing, manufacturing</td></tr>
<tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Master's and doctoral degrees are available; licensure for engineering occupations is optional</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)*</td><td>$95,300 <i>(Mechanical Engineers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)*</td><td>2% <i>(Mechanical Engineers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---Courses">Courses</h3><p>Typical courses in a bachelor's degree in mechanical technology program help students develop skills in machine and product design as well as manufacturing design. Some specific courses are outlined below.
</p><h4 id="section---EngineeringDrawingWithAutoComputerAidedDesignCAD">Engineering Drawing with Auto Computer-Aided Design (CAD)</h4><p>Engineering drawing courses provide students with an introduction in computer-aided design (CAD), the basics of engineering drawing and manual drawing techniques. The course also covers free-hand sketching, pictorials, principles of applied geometry and conventional drawing practices.
</p><h4 id="section---MachineOperationsAndTheory">Machine Operations and Theory</h4><p>Machine operations and theory is taught as a lecture and lab. Students learn how to use basic chip-producing machines, such as grinders, saws and milling machines.
</p><h4 id="section---Automation">Automation</h4><p>Students learn about a variety of automation systems, such as flexible and fixed automation systems. Lecture topics also include material-handling systems, robots, controls, assembly techniques and sensors.
</p><h4 id="section---FiniteElementAnalysis">Finite Element Analysis</h4><p>Students learn how to conduct and interpret sensitivity analysis and estimate accuracy. Frames, software, machine elements and aerospace structures employing finite element analysis are also covered.
</p><h4 id="section---SolidModeling">Solid Modeling</h4><p>Solid modeling courses teach students how to use 2-D and 3-D wire frame systems with Auto CAD. Students can learn how to create chamfers, fillets, dimensions and splines and learn how to use applications with Solid Works. The course also teaches students to sketch parametric and geometry solids.</p>
