The 6 Types of Online Engineering Degrees You Can Get at UA

Choosing the right online engineering degree can be a pivotal decision that shapes your career path in the rewarding world of STEM. 

The University of Alabama (UA) Online offers six distinct engineering degrees that cater to various interests and career goals, from bachelor degrees to PhD programs. 

Below, we break down each online degree, highlighting its curriculum, ideal candidates, and potential career paths.

Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering prepares students for successful careers in the manufacturing industry. This program focuses on practical applications such as cyber-physical systems and manufacturing processes.

Curriculum and Skills

This degree requires 125 credit hours, delivered primarily online, with some face-to-face interactions during weekend visits to the main campus. 

Key courses include General Chemistry, Calculus, Engineering Materials, Thermodynamics, and Modern Manufacturing Processes. 

Unique to this program is the Alabama Initiative on Manufacturing Development and Education (Alabama IMaDE), which emphasizes advanced manufacturing systems and processes.

Ideal Candidates

This degree is ideal for individuals interested in manufacturing, design, productivity, and quality control.

 It suits those who enjoy working with technology and systems to improve industrial operations.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers as manufacturing engineers, process engineers, quality control engineers, and industrial engineers in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, offering versatility in various industries.

Curriculum and Skills

The BSME program requires 126 credit hours and includes courses like Engineering Analysis, Dynamic Systems, Fluid Mechanics, and Heat Transfer. 

The program combines online lectures with three lab courses requiring occasional campus visits.

Ideal Candidates

This degree is perfect for individuals with a strong interest in designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. 

It also appeals to those who enjoy solving complex problems and have a keen interest in how things work.

Career Opportunities

BSME graduates are trained to work in industries such as automotive, power generation, bioengineering, robotics, and aerospace. 

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

The online Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (MSAEM) is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in aerospace engineering.

Curriculum and Skills

This 30-credit hour program offers both Thesis and Non-Thesis options. 

Core courses include Intermediate Fluid Mechanics, Intermediate Solid Mechanics, and Partial Differential Equations. 

Electives allow for specialization in various aerospace and mechanical topics.

Ideal Candidates

This program suits engineers who are already working in the aerospace industry or those who aspire to enter this field.

 It’s ideal for those who need flexibility to balance work and study.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles in aircraft and missile design, defense systems, and aerospace research and development. 

They can also become project managers, consultants, or pursue doctoral studies.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) focuses on advanced topics in mechanical engineering and prepares students for advanced roles in the industry.

Curriculum and Skills

This non-thesis program requires 30 credit hours and includes courses such as Acoustics, Biomechanics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Renewable Energy. Students must also pass a comprehensive exam.

Ideal Candidates

This degree is ideal for mechanical engineers seeking to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers. It is also suitable for those interested in specialized fields like biomechanics, energy management, or robotics.

Career Opportunities

MSME graduates can work as senior engineers, research and development engineers, project managers, and consultants in various sectors, including manufacturing, energy, and healthcare.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

The online PhD in Mechanical Engineering offers an opportunity to conduct significant research while continuing to work in the field.

Curriculum and Skills

This program requires 48 credit hours of coursework, plus 24 hours of dissertation research followed by a committee-approved dissertation and dissertation defense. 

It includes advanced courses in areas like Computational Fluid Dynamics, Structural Mechanics, and Smart Manufacturing.

Ideal Candidates

This degree is suited for engineering professionals who wish to pursue research and academia. It is ideal for those who aim to contribute original research to the field of mechanical engineering.

Career Opportunities

PhD graduates can become university professors, lead research projects, or hold senior engineering positions in industry. They can also work as consultants or in executive roles within engineering firms.

Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

The online PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics is designed for experienced engineering professionals who want to contribute to cutting-edge research in aerospace.

Curriculum and Skills

This program involves advanced math courses and dissertation research and defense.

Available math courses include Matrix and Vector Analysis, Nonlinear PDE, and Stochastic Mechanics.

Ideal Candidates

This degree is for aerospace professionals with significant industry experience who wish to pursue advanced research.

 It’s ideal for those looking to become a thought leader in the field. 

Career Opportunities

PhD graduates can work as researchers, university faculty, or senior engineers in aerospace companies. They can also lead innovation in national defense and aerospace industries.

Getting An Online Engineering Degree

By offering these diverse online engineering degrees, UA Online caters to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. 

Each program is designed to provide flexibility and practical knowledge, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to excel in their chosen field.