The University of Illinois, which was ranked as having the sixth-best mechanical engineering school in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report magazine, offers a fully online master of science in mechanical engineering degree. This program delivers online courses via a centralized online management system, and courses are scheduled asynchronously, giving students the freedom to view archived lectures at their convenience. The program requires 32 credit hours of coursework, with eight of those hours dedicated to the completion of a thesis. However, students have the option of selecting a nonthesis degree, in which case students are responsible for 36 credit hours of coursework in conjunction with the completion of an independent project.
University of Illinois
College of Engineering
400 Engineering Hall, MC 268
1308 West Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-6634
online.engineering.illinois.edu/degrees/mechanical.htm
Purdue University, which was ranked in 2009 as having the eighth-best mechanical engineering school by U.S. News & World Report, offers a master of science in mechanical engineering program that is fully online. Students must complete 30 hours of coursework, with nine hours dedicated to the completion of a thesis. However, students can choose a nonthesis option that includes more coursework requirements. The online courses at Purdue University are streamed online on an asynchronous schedule, allowing students to log in and learn when it is most convenient for them. Purdue University does not distinguish between its on-campus and online programs, and students who graduate from the distance learning option have the same credentials as those who learn on-campus.
Purdue University
College of Engineering
Potter Engineering Center, Room 364
500 Central Drive
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2022
(877) 598-4233
engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/credit/msme
The University of North Dakota offers a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, which is accredited by ABET, the independent organization responsible for granting accreditation to undergraduate programs in the technology and engineering fields. The online learning system delivers archived lectures and learning materials, which allow students the flexibility to attend class whenever and wherever they choose. Students are required to complete 129 credit hours, and also must travel each summer to the UND campus for week-long intensive lab sessions.
University of North Dakota
Online & Distance Education
Gustafson Hall, Room 103
3264 Campus Road
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9021
(800) 342-8230
distance.und.edu/engineering/