Mechanical systems engineer education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a mechanical systems engineer. Mechanical systems engineers usually study mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or mechanical engineering technology. 78% of mechanical systems engineers hold a bachelor's degree, and 12% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 769 real mechanical systems engineer resumes to see exactly what mechanical systems engineer education sections show.

The most common colleges for mechanical systems engineers are the Northeastern University and the Northeastern University.

There are also many online mechanical systems engineer courses to help get the education required to be a mechanical systems engineer.

There are certain mechanical systems engineer certifications that you should consider. These mechanical systems engineer certifications include Engineer In Training Certification (EIT) and Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP).

What education do you need to become a mechanical systems engineer?

What degree do you need to be a mechanical systems engineer?

The most common degree for mechanical systems engineers is bachelor's degree, with 78% of mechanical systems engineers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 12% and master's degree degree at 6%.

Bachelor's, 78%

Master's, 12%

Associate, 6%

Diploma, 1%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a mechanical systems engineer?

You should major in mechanical engineering to become a mechanical systems engineer. 66% of mechanical systems engineers major in mechanical engineering. Other common majors for a mechanical systems engineer include aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering technology.

Mechanical Engineering, 66%

Aerospace Engineering, 6%

Mechanical Engineering Technology, 5%

Engineering, 3%

Other Majors, 20%

Most common colleges for mechanical systems engineers

Mechanical systems engineers often get their degrees at Northeastern University, University of Maryland - College Park, and Clarkson University. Here are the most common colleges for mechanical systems engineers in the US based on their resumes.

Mechanical systems engineer common college	Percentages
Northeastern University	8.28%
University of Maryland - College Park	7.59%
Clarkson University	6.90%
Purdue University	6.90%
Washington State University	6.21%

Show more common mechanical systems engineer colleges

Best majors for mechanical systems engineers

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Mechanical Engineering	65.5%
2	Aerospace Engineering	6.4%
3	Mechanical Engineering Technology	5.2%
4	Engineering	3.4%
5	Business	2.5%

Show more common mechanical systems engineer majors

Best colleges for mechanical systems engineers

The best colleges for mechanical systems engineers are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

A mechanical systems engineer with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for mechanical systems engineers. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become mechanical systems engineers.

1. Michigan Technological University

Houghton, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$15,646

Enrollment

5,736

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$12,424

Enrollment

15,201

3. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$55,188

Enrollment

15,105

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

5. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

6. Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Ames, IA • Private

In-state tuition

$8,988

Enrollment

29,248

7. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

8. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,465

Enrollment

6,483

9. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

10. University of Wisconsin - Madison

Madison, WI • Private

In-state tuition

$10,555

Enrollment

30,360

20 best online courses for mechanical systems engineers

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1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems

The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...

2. Quantum Mechanics for Engineers

This Specialization is intended for engineers seeking to acquire fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics which are the basis of modern electrical, mechanical and quantum engineering. Through 3 courses, you will learn (1) basic concepts such as superposition and entanglement of quantum states, measurement in quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle, (2) mathematical tools needed to describe and manipulate quantum states, (3) advanced theory of angular momentum and (4) approximation...

3. Mechanical design and Product development process

4.2

(604)

Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...

4. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers

4.4

(542)

Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...

5. Introduction to Systems Engineering

Introduction to Systems Engineering introduces you to the holistic and interdisciplinary systems engineering approach to designing, realizing, and managing complex systems. In this three-course specialization, you will learn how to evolve a project from idea to fielded hardware customized to meet customer requirements while effectively managing costs, timescales, and limiting risks. You will identify and define a system and its components, model a system life cycle, and apply systems...

6. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering

4.5

(263)

Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...

7. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)

4.6

(374)

Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...

8. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course

4.5

(311)

Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...

9. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

4.4

(798)

Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

10. Software Architecture & System Design Practical Case Studies

4.7

(250)

Design Real-life Large Scale Systems, Practice Modern Software Architecture & Prepare for a System Design Interview...

11. Basics of Sheet metal design for Mechanical design engineers

4.3

(793)

Learn Sheet metal design, processes and practical design considerations along with Design projects...

12. Data Center Essentials: Mechanical & Cooling

4.5

(892)

The mechanical cooling systems that support data centers and the internet...

13. Python for Mechanical Engineers

4.3

(444)

Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...

14. Engineering Mechanics: Statics

4.8

(611)

The Study of Objects in Equilibrium...

15. Product Development & Systems Engineering

4.6

(3,086)

The complete Product Development & Systems Engineering course! Earn 25 contact hours AND prepare to take the INCOSE Exam...

16. Pragmatic System Design

4.5

(3,283)

Master System Design Interviews: Learn Practical Approaches and Boost Your Career...

17. Internal Combustion Engine Basics (Mechanical Engineering)

4.5

(723)

Learn how internal combustion engines work! Learn all of a combustion engine's main components and how they work!...

18. Rocking System Design

4.6

(1,627)

Learn system design, from building blocks to complex architectures for interviews and real world projects...

19. Unreal Engine: Character Skill System

4.3

(513)

Master the tools used to build Fortnite as we craft our very own character skill system using the Unreal Engine!...

20. Control Systems: From Mathematical Modelling to PID Control

4.2

(791)

Learn the mathematics that will allow you to model and control any engineering system. Make machines do what you want!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for mechanical systems engineers

The most affordable schools for mechanical systems engineers are Brigham Young University, inter american university of puerto rico arecibo, and inter american university of puerto rico bayamon.

If the best universities for mechanical systems engineers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for mechanical systems engineers.

1. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

2. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Arecibo

Arecibo, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,872

Cost of attendance

13,476

3. Inter American University of Puerto Rico Bayamon

Bayamon, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Cost of attendance

13,508

4. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

5. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

6. Inter American University of Puerto Rico San German

San German, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$5,940

Cost of attendance

14,322

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

In-state tuition

$12,424

Cost of attendance

28,501

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for mechanical systems engineers

The hardest universities for mechanical systems engineers to get into are California Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, and Columbia University in the City of New York.

Some great schools for mechanical systems engineers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for mechanical systems engineers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,566

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,512

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

6. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

7. Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,471

8. Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,465

9. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

10. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for mechanical systems engineers

The easiest schools for mechanical systems engineers to get into are Oregon Institute of Technology, saint martin's university, and cleveland state university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a mechanical systems engineer without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for mechanical systems engineers.

1. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

2. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

3. Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,111

4. Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

957

5. University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,050

6. Purdue University Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne, IN • Private

Admissions rate

97%

SAT average

1,080

7. Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA • Private

Admissions rate

87%

SAT average

1,093

8. Alcorn State University

Alcorn State, MS • Private

Admissions rate

89%

SAT average

1,026

9. Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

1,086

10. Midwestern State University

Wichita Falls, TX • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,033

Average mechanical systems engineer salary by education level

Mechanical systems engineers with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $102,867 annually. With a Master's degree, mechanical systems engineers earn a median annual income of $95,220 compared to $84,539 for mechanical systems engineers with an Bachelor's degree.

Mechanical systems engineer education level	Mechanical systems engineer salary
Master's Degree	$95,220
Bachelor's Degree	$84,539
Doctorate Degree	$102,867

Mechanical systems engineer education FAQs

What is the best college for Mechanical Systems Engineers?

Have more questions? See all answers to common architecture and engineering questions.

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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