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Systems mechanic education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a systems mechanic. Systems mechanics usually study automotive technology, electrical engineering, or business. 38% of systems mechanics hold a associate degree, and 26% hold an high school diploma. We analyzed 1,788 real systems mechanic resumes to see exactly what systems mechanic education sections show.

The most common colleges for systems mechanics are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

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

What education do you need to become a systems mechanic?

What degree do you need to be a systems mechanic?

The most common degree for systems mechanics is associate degree, with 38% of systems mechanics earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 26% and high school diploma degree at 25%.
  • Associate, 38%
  • High School Diploma, 26%
  • Bachelor's, 25%
  • Diploma, 5%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a systems mechanic?

You should major in automotive technology to become a systems mechanic. 15% of systems mechanics major in automotive technology. Other common majors for a systems mechanic include electrical engineering and business.

Most common colleges for systems mechanics

Systems mechanics often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, Texas A&M; University - Central Texas, and DeVry University. Here are the most common colleges for systems mechanics in the US based on their resumes.
Systems mechanic common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix16.25%
Texas A&M University - Central Texas13.75%
DeVry University10.00%
El Paso5.00%
Western Washington University5.00%

Best majors for systems mechanics

Best colleges for systems mechanics

The best colleges for systems mechanics are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A systems mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for systems mechanics. 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 systems mechanics.

1. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Enrollment

33,495

2. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

3. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

4. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Enrollment

9,394

5. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • Private

In-state tuition

$9,242

Enrollment

20,592

6. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

7. Baker College

Owosso, MI • Private

In-state tuition

$9,800

Enrollment

8,319

8. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

9. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$3,926

Enrollment

9,835

10. SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology at Morrisville

Morrisville, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,670

Enrollment

2,758

20 best online courses for systems mechanics

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1. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems

coursera

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. Electric Power Systems

coursera

This course familiarizes you with standards and policies of the electric utility industry, and provides you with basic vocabulary used in the business. It introduces the electric power system, from generation of the electricity all the way to the wall plug. You will learn about the segments of the system, and common components like power cables and transformers. This course is for individuals considering a career in the energy field (who have a high school diploma, at minimum, and basic...

3. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

udemy
4.6
(1,763)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

4. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics

udemy
4.6
(960)

Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...

5. Photovoltaic Systems

coursera

This course offers you advanced knowledge within the field of photovoltaic system technology. We'll learn about the solar resource and how photovoltaic energy conversion is used to produce electric power. From this fundamental starting point we'll cover the design and fabrication of different solar cell and module technologies, the various photovoltaic system components, how to design a photovoltaic plant and carry out energy yield simulations, essentials in energy economics, O&M and...

6. Introduction to Systems Engineering

coursera

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...

7. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

udemy
4.4
(798)

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

8. Systems Innovation

udemy
4.5
(1,720)

Learn systems innovation - the new systems-based approach to enabling transformative change within complex organizations...

9. Product Development & Systems Engineering

udemy
4.6
(3,086)

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

10. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

udemy
4.7
(718)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

11. Railway Systems Engineering (Equivalent to Micro MSc )

udemy
4.3
(377)

A Journey in the World of Railway Systems Operation Rolling Stock Traction System Engineering Infrastructure...

12. BMS - Building management system

udemy
4.1
(295)

BMS, building management system & building automation systems study , design and calculations...

13. Essential Tools for Windows System Administrators

udemy
4.2
(325)

[Windows] [System Administration] Learn Windows Builtin Tools & Open Source Tools for Efficient System Administration...

14. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

udemy
4.6
(518)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

15. Mastering the System Design Interview

udemy
4.6
(6,886)

Insider tips for your system design interview from a former Amazon hiring manager – plus 6 mock interviews for practice!...

16. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System

udemy
4.4
(976)

Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...

17. Pragmatic System Design

udemy
4.5
(3,283)

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

18. Software Architecture & System Design Practical Case Studies

udemy
4.7
(250)

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

19. Systems Thinking: Essential Concepts

udemy
4.6
(336)

Foundational Concepts In Systems Thinking & Theory...

20. Technology Systems Auditing (Part 1 of 2)

udemy
4.6
(1,262)

Technology Systems Auditing Training Course...

Top 10 most affordable universities for systems mechanics

The most affordable schools for systems mechanics are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for systems mechanics 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 systems mechanics.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

5. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

10. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for systems mechanics

The hardest universities for systems mechanics to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for systems mechanics 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 systems mechanics 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. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

10. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for systems mechanics

The easiest schools for systems mechanics to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, oregon institute of technology, and capitol technology university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a systems mechanic 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 systems mechanics.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

3. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

4. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

5. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

6. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

9. Pennsylvania State University - Fayette (The Eberly Campus)

Lemont Furnace, PA • Private

Admissions rate

80%

SAT average

1,067

10. Pennsylvania State University - DuBois

DuBois, PA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,079

Average systems mechanic salary by education level

Systems mechanics with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $73,467 annually. With a Associate degree, systems mechanics earn a median annual income of $73,433 compared to $66,983 for systems mechanics with an High School Diploma degree.
Systems mechanic education levelSystems mechanic salary
High School Diploma or Less$66,983
Bachelor's Degree$73,467
Some College/ Associate Degree$73,433

Systems mechanic education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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