Mechanical Engineering Diploma and Certificate Program Overviews

Mechanical engineers use advanced mathematics and technology to design and implement the systems that make machines and new products function. The most common degree programs for mechanical engineers are offered on the bachelor's and master's levels, and there are no diploma programs in the field. However, there some universities that offer graduate certificate programs for aspiring mechanical engineers and those already working in the field.

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Mechanical Engineering Graduate Certificate

Mechanical engineering certificate programs are designed for individuals who have already earned a baccalaureate degree and possibly a graduate degree as well. These 12- to 15-credit programs are meant to provide individuals with a way to focus on a particular technical aspect of the mechanical engineering field. They are ideal for both recent graduates and working mechanical engineers who are looking to expand their knowledge and move ahead in their careers.

Education Prerequisites

Certificate programs in mechanical engineering are offered at the graduate level and therefore require that students have a bachelor's or master's degree before applying. Some might also require that applicants have some real-world experience in the field of mechanical engineering.

Program Coursework

Most mechanical engineering certificate programs cover advanced topics, such as applied mechanics, design of thermal systems, computer-aided manufacturing and control system design. Students generally choose to specialize in just one of these subjects. Some other concentration areas common to graduate certificate programs in mechanical engineering are listed below:

  • Advanced mechanics of materials
  • Stress analysis
  • Finite element analysis
  • Integrated manufacturing systems
  • Computer-aided design
  • Convection heat transfer
  • Advanced vibrations
  • Dynamic systems
  • Advanced control systems design

Popular Career Options

Mechanical engineers are employed throughout several fields and industries. Those who have completed a graduate certificate program can find careers in the following areas:

  • Product design and development
  • Research and development
  • Power plant management
  • Large systems management
  • Alternative energy consulting
  • Electrical power management
  • Manufacturing
  • Product marketing

Continuing Education Information

For those looking to further their education in mechanical engineering, there is one step beyond the graduate certificate program. Ph.D. programs in mechanical engineering are designed for men and women seeking research careers in either industry or academics. Like graduate certificate programs, doctoral offerings often focus on a particular aspect of mechanical engineering, such as robotics or optimization.

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2 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

  • School locations:
    • Iowa (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      • Biological and Agricultural Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Engineering Mechanics
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Materials Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Systems Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Michigan (2 campuses)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
      • Graduate: Master
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Rhode Island (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
      • Non-Degree: Coursework
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Engineering - Architectural
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
        • Mechanical Engineering Technologies
  • School locations:
    • Florida (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Texas (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Engineering - Architectural
      • Engineering Physics
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
        • Mechanical Engineering Technologies
      • Petroleum Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Arizona (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, Master
      • Non-Degree: Certificate
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Washington (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at University of Washington include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Civil Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Industrial Engineering
      • Materials Engineering
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgical Engineering
  • School locations:
    • Virginia (1 campus)
    Areas of study you may find at Virginia Commonwealth University include:
      • Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
      • Non-Degree: Diploma
      • Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
      • Undergraduate: Bachelor
    • Engineering
      • Biomedical and Medical Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
      • Computer Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering and Electronics
      • Math
      • Mechanical Engineering

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