Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)

Earn an Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering From One of the Nation's Top STEM Schools.

Mechanical engineering is a massive, important field with many sub-disciplines, several of which must brace for technological transformations. For instance, as the world moves towards more sustainable solutions, mechanical engineers, too, must keep pace by perfecting electric vehicles and designing cleaner, more efficient power and energy systems.

Michigan Tech’s Online MS in Mechanical Engineering delivers future‑forward skills in robotics, automation, electric vehicle systems, renewable energy, and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Our customizable, STEM‑focused graduate program is designed for working engineers and professional development.

You'll learn from highly regarded, industry-connected faculty who have both practical and theoretical knowledge in several mechanical engineering areas, such as active noise-control systems, internal combustion engines, power electronics systems, polymers and polymer composites, and more.

Dive Into the Details of This Program.

Preview image for Michigan Tech's Online Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Programs (Full Recording) video

Stack Online Graduate Certificates to Develop a Focus Area and Customize Your Online Master's Degree.

Personalize your online master's in mechanical engineering curriculum so that it builds on your undergraduate degree and aligns with your unique interests, passions, and expertise. Choose a focused area of study to get the most out of your master's degree in mechanical engineering.

Consult with your employer to design a program that helps you develop knowledge, skills, and competencies for progressing in your current career or for preparing for a new one.

Explore these examples of possible focus areas and their associated curriculum pathways.

Automotive Systems and Controls

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and automotive systems and controls engineers are required wherever manufacturers are electrifying platforms and making vehicles smarter, safer, and more efficient. For instance, automotive OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and Tier-1 suppliers rely on engineers with these skills for powertrain electrification, battery and energy management, motor control, charging integration, thermal strategy, and vehicle-level calibration.

The same expertise is also critical in industries that produce commercial vehicles, off-highway equipment, e-buses, and delivery fleets.

In short, engineers who design, model, and validate control strategies are central to how modern vehicles meet both performance targets and regulatory requirements.

You could develop the expertise for various HEV and control-related engineering roles by stacking the 15-credit graduate certificate in Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering with the Automotive Systems and Controls certificate (9 credits). Choose 6 credits of electives to complete your degree.

Dynamics and Controls

Dynamics and controls engineers are needed anywhere complex machines must move smoothly, stay stable, and respond intelligently to real-world disturbances. Engineers working in automotive, aerospace, robotics, industrial automation, and precision equipment use dynamics and controls skills to design motion control, vibration mitigation, stability systems, and high-performance feedback loops.

In short, the work of these engineers appears in everything from active suspension and flight control to robotic arms, automated production lines, and smart mechanisms. Engineers who can model dynamic behavior and translate it into robust control strategies are key to helping products perform reliably, safely, and efficiently.

Develop these skills by combining the 9-credit graduate certificates in Control Systems and Dynamic Systems. Complete your master's in mechanical engineering with either another graduate certificate or 12 credits of electives.

Fluid Dynamics

Aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) skills are in demand far beyond airplanes. They power performance improvements across modern manufacturing. Teams in automotive, motorsports, drones, wind energy, HVAC, turbines, and industrial equipment rely on CFD to reduce drag, manage heat, cut noise, and boost efficiency. These capabilities translate directly into better product durability, faster development cycles, and fewer costly prototypes.

Engineers, then, who can model and optimize flow behavior are crucial to building quieter, cleaner, and higher-performing machines.

To gain this in-demand expertise, stack these two online graduate certificates: Aerodynamics (9 credits) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (9 credits). Then, complete your master's degree with our 9-credit Quality Engineering certificate and a 3-credit elective or 12 credits of courses.

Program Website

Why Study Mechanical Engineering Online at MTU?

When you earn your online master's from Michigan Tech, you'll get a quality, accredited education. In fact, Michigan Tech was ranked No.3 best accredited online college in Michigan (EDsmart, 2024).

And you can rest assured that Michigan Tech's distance-learning master's degree maintains the same high standards as those of our in-person graduate program. There are other benefits, too, of earning your mechanical MS from MTU.

Learn From Industry-Aligned Experts.

Mechanical engineer looking at a diagram of pipes while working on their laptop.

MAE's Faculty includes renowned experts in several areas:

Design and Dynamic Systems
Autonomous Systems
Intelligent Systems
Noise, Vibration, Harshness
Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy
Advanced Power Systems
Fluid Dynamics including CFD
Fuel Cells

Learn While on the Job.

Earning your online master’s in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech isn’t just an investment in your future; it’s a strategic opportunity to bring immediate value to your organization. Many of our students work closely with their employers to align coursework with real-world projects, apply new skills on the job, and even receive tuition support.

Join One of MTU's Strongest Departments.

By earning this online mechanical engineering degree, you will be joining the largest department and the biggest academic community at Michigan Tech: the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

What Can You Do With an MS in Mechanical Engineering?

Graduates gain access to leadership and project management roles in fields like aerospace, automotive design, robotics engineering, test engineering, and manufacturing engineering—with a median salary of around $99,500 as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Possible Career Paths

Two engineers in a lab studying on a huge engine. With MTU's online mechanical engineering master's, you can conduct on-the-job projects.

Aerospace Engineer
Automation Engineer
Automotive Engineer
Design Engineer
Engineering Manager
Manufacturing Engineer
Robotics Engineer
Test Engineer

Take the Next Step Toward Advancing Your Engineering Career.

Ready to move forward with a top-ranked, flexible, and industry-connected online master's in mechanical engineering?

Join a network of driven professionals and expert faculty committed to innovation, leadership, and real-world impact. At Michigan Tech, we’re here to support your success.

Reach out to our Graduate Admissions Manager, Amanda, if you have questions or need help navigating the application process. Email here at globalcampus@mtu.edu or click one of the buttons below.

Let's build your future. Starting today.