An Advanced Mechanical Engineering Degree Could Enhance Your Job Prospects

A Career in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers work with mechanical devices such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, air-conditioning equipment, elevators, and even robots. They research, design, develop, and manufacture them. Some also design tools for other engineers to use.

Online and College Degrees in Mechanical Engineering
You usually need at least a bachelor's degree for an entry-level position, although many employers prefer to hire applicants with a graduate degree. If you are trained in one branch of engineering, you may also be able to work in a related branch. For instance, numerous aerospace engineers studied mechanical engineering. This flexibility allows you to switch fields should you find better job prospects or a career path that interests you more.

Mechanical engineering is a slow growing field; however, the BLS expects only 4 percent job growth from 2006-2016. A mechanical engineering technician should have slightly better employment prospects; this career requires only a bachelor's degree.

In 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers earned a median annual salary of $74,290.