Most undergraduate engineering programs, whether mechanical or electrical, will have a similar curriculum in the first few years. Students will take mathematics, physics, and basic engineering principles classes before moving on to more specialized coursework. Many online engineering programs offer mechanical engineering and electrical engineering degrees, so students can choose which field they want to study as they progress through their coursework.
Both mechanical and electrical engineers need to have a bachelor’s degree accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). There are many ABET-accredited online degree programs available in both disciplines which are featured in the side-by-side chart below.
There are some key differences between mechanical and electrical engineering programs. Electrical engineers typically take more courses in electronic devices and circuits, while mechanical engineers learn more about mechanical systems and materials science. However, both majors will take courses in thermodynamics, mechanics, manufacturing processes, control systems, and fluid dynamics.
Many students choose to specialize in a particular mechanical or electrical engineering area. Common mechanical engineering specializations include aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and materials science and engineering. Popular electrical engineering specializations include computer engineering, electronics engineering, and power systems engineering.
Both mechanical and electrical engineers are in high demand across various industries. Automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing companies are some of the biggest employers of mechanical engineers. Electrical engineers often work in the computer industry, telecommunications, or utilities. There are many different specializations within each field, so it is essential to do your research to find the right fit for you. Both mechanical and electrical engineering offers a variety of specializations that can lead to exciting and lucrative careers.
Keep reading for a side-by-side comparison of these two careers, including online mechanical and electrical engineering programs.
Mechanical engineering tends to focus more on the physical components of machines, while electrical engineering focuses more on electronic components. For example, a mechanical engineer might design the engine of a car, while an electrical engineer might design the electrical system.
Here is a side-by-side comparison detailing the similarities and differences between mechanical and electrical engineering.
| Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions |
The design and development of automated systems, such as engines, robotics, and manufacturing equipment. |
The design and development of electrical systems, such as electrical power grids, computer networks, and consumer electronics. |
| Types of Degrees |
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| Common Courses |
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| Degree Specializations & Concentrations |
Mechanical design, thermal engineering, manufacturing engineering, aerospace, and automotive engineering. |
Power systems, signal processing, and telecommunications. |
| Top-Employing Industries |
Source: BLS 2024 |
Source: BLS 2024 |
| Post-Graduation Careers |
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| ABET-Accredited Hybrid and Online Engineering Degree Programs |
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Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science in engineering (BSE) in mechanical engineering program that allows students to explore computer-aided design, manufacturing, robotics, and renewable energy. Upon graduation, graduates will be prepared for careers in heating and cooling systems, robotics, automotive research, and more.
Made up of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as system dynamics and control; engineering profession; applied experimental statistics; advanced mathematical methods for engineers; structural mechanics; principles of mechanical design; heat transfer; and mechanical engineering design.
Notably, this bachelor’s degree can also be completed as part of an accelerated master’s program which can be completed in just one year after completing the bachelor’s degree.
University of North Dakota offers an online bachelor of science program in mechanical engineering that allows students to focus on one of four optional concentrations in aerospace; manufacturing and materials; thermal sciences; and mechanical design. While the majority of the courses in this program are offered online, students will be required to come to campus to complete certain portions of the program where they will be able to extend and apply the knowledge they have learned online through hands-on activities.
Comprising 128 credits, the program includes courses such as engineering design; manufacturing processes; gas turbines; introduction to robotics; machine component design and lab; and fundamentals of heat and mass transfer.
Florida International University
Florida International University’s College of Engineering and Computing offers a fully online ABET-accredited bachelor of science program in electrical engineering that offers students training in the areas of electromagnetism and electronics, power and energy systems, nanotechnology, controls, communications, computers, and bio-engineering. Helping graduates become creative problem solvers, life-long learners, and critical thinkers, this program provides them with a strong foundation necessary for pursuing advanced studies in the electrical engineering field.
Encompassing the practical application of electronics, electromagnetism, and electricity, the program’s curriculum offers the opportunity to specialize in more than a dozen concentrations. Concentrations are available in bioengineering; communications; autonomous systems, control, and robotics; integrated nano-technology; computer architecture and microprocessor design; data system software; embedded system software; networking and security; cybersecurity; digital forensics; internet of things; entrepreneurship; artificial intelligence and big data; and cyber defense.
The program requires 128 credits to complete.
Arizona State University offers an online bachelor of science in engineering (BSE) in electrical engineering program where students will be able to develop engineering skills with a focus on the design of electronics, electric power systems, antennas, semiconductor devices, and signal processing algorithms. Students in this program will also have the option to pursue a concentration in electric power and energy systems. This concentration offers specialized training and coursework to prepare them for careers in the energy and power industry, focusing on the distribution, management, and generation of electric power.
Consisting of 120 credits, the program includes courses such as introduction to engineering; digital design fundamentals; circuits; signals and systems; computer organization and assembly language programming; fundamentals of electromagnetics; and random signal analysis, among others.
Graduates will be ready to take up positions such as electrical engineers, computer hardware engineers, aerospace engineers, electronics engineers, energy engineers, nuclear engineers, wind energy engineers, and many other such roles.
Mechanical and electrical engineering are both vital fields that play a major role in the design and construction of machines and systems. Both disciplines require a strong knowledge of math and science and offer a wide range of degree specializations.
There are many similarities and key differences between mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Both disciplines involve the design and construction of machines and systems, and both require a strong foundation in math and science. Students interested in either engineering field should consider their career goals and interests carefully before choosing a program of study.
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As with other engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is complex, and the success of a mechanical engineering project can often be mission-critical. Given that, it is essential to learn from the best, and these professors represent the most accomplished and involved in the field, ready to inspire and impart their knowledge to a new generation of engineers.
Electrical engineers bring a range of electronic equipment to life. Through research, design, development, testing, and manufacturing supervision, electrical engineers are the humans behind all the systems and devices that produce, use, or conduct electricity. Specializations in electrical engineering tend to be incredibly multidisciplinary.
Electrical engineering is a field where professionals research, develop, and design various electrical components and systems. An online master’s degree can be valuable to students who wish to take up advanced positions in their career.
Mechanical engineering coursework explores manufacturing systems analysis, manufacturing design, manufacturing systems and analysis, metals and alloys, data analysis, and biofluid mechanics, among other topics.
