Drive Innovation in Your Career
Earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering or Manufacturing Systems Engineering from The University of Alabama.
UA Online offers convenient, affordable bachelor's, master's and PhD programs in Mechanical Engineering that can really make a difference in your career path. Our distance learning formats are 100% online for the master’s and PhD programs or primarily online for the bachelor’s programs, so you can continue to work full-time while earning your degree.
Where Legends Log In
The department of mechanical engineering in the Styslinger College of Engineering offers four degrees through The University of Alabama Online: bachelor of science (BS), bachelor of science in manufacturing systems (BS), master of science (MS) and doctor of philosophy (PhD).
Lead the Way
Please complete this form so that we can provide what you need to take your next step with UA Online. Or you can apply right now.
Earn Your Degree or Certificate From a Name You Know and Rise With the Tide!
Select the program names below to learn more about each degree option. Please note that international students must be residing in the U.S. with appropriate visas to be eligible for the Engineering distance programs.
Bachelor's Degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (Primarily Online)
The online bachelor's in Manufacturing Systems Engineering prepares students for a successful career in manufacturing systems with practical applications ranging from cyber-physical systems to manufacturing processes. Manufacturing roles have become a major staple in our economy, and graduates of this program will have the skills to make substantial contributions in areas including design, productivity and quality control in a wide range of industrial entities.
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Primarily Online)
Engineering is an exciting, expanding field, and a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering is considered one of the broadest and most versatile engineering degrees available.
BSME students pursue careers in many industries, such as automotive, power generation, bioengineering, textiles, robotics, manufacturing, research and development, pulp and paper, steel and materials, petrochemical and aerospace. Also, BSME graduates may pursue post-graduate learning in business, law, advanced engineering, medicine, dentistry and other areas.
Most of the major coursework is available online with the exception of lab courses, which are conducted face-to-face on weekends in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Other courses not currently available online can be completed at a community college or university near you.
Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (100% Online)
Develop your research skills, design a specialty and maximize your career opportunities by earning your MSME. The master's degree is a 30-credit-hour program offered entirely online. One of our newest programs, it features highly flexible course options that allow you to focus your education on the areas of mechanical engineering that interest you most. This program does not require a thesis or campus visits.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering (100% Online)
The online PhD in Mechanical Engineering gives you the opportunity to earn an accredited, premier doctoral degree in your field while continuing to build your engineering career. You can enhance your knowledge of mechanical engineering and contribute to research in the field through this innovative online option.
The program is primarily designed for engineering professionals who want to pursue doctoral study while working full-time. Through this affordable online program, you can earn a research-based degree that allows you to propose, complete and defend an approved dissertation on a research topic that contributes to the field of mechanical engineering.
Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams. The University of Alabama covers the cost of online proctored exams for students in online classes. In-person testing fees will be covered up to $20 per scheduled session.
ME department standards are higher than graduate school minimums, and the following application materials are carefully considered: statement of purpose, transcripts, optional test scores (GRE) and letters of recommendation. Meeting minimum graduate school requirements does not guarantee admission into the PhD program. It is essential to contact faculty with similar research interests and arrange an on-campus visit prior to applying to the program. Gaining faculty interest and support is essential in the application review.
UA Online Is Affordable
We believe a quality education should be available at an accessible cost. Our students all benefit from the same distance learning tuition rate, regardless of their state of residency. Financial aid and scholarships are also available for those who qualify.
First Class Free Tuition Grants
We offer multiple tuition grants that cover the tuition cost of your first class. Find out if you qualify for one, and let us show you why UA Online is your best choice in higher education.
Designed for UA alumni returning to earn their next degree with UA Online.
Benefitting prospective students referred by a UA Online student or alum.
Supporting faculty and staff members from Alabama or partner community colleges enrolling in a UA Online degree program.
Available to community college graduates who are newly admitted to a UA Online degree program as first-time transfer students.
Assists former UA students returning to UA to complete their bachelor’s degree online.
Covers tuition costs beyond military tuition assistance for active-duty service members.
You must meet the grant’s specific requirements, apply by the deadline and be in your first semester in one of our online programs.
UA Online and other departments also offer scholarships exclusively for distance students. For more information, visit our scholarships and grants page.
The UA Online Advantage
The Same Degree
A degree earned online from UA is identical to one earned on our main campus! The online format allows you the flexibility to meet life's other demands while you complete your degree. Graduates of our online programs are invited to participate in the same commencement ceremonies as main campus students.
A Respected University
Join a community of legends when you earn a degree from The University of Alabama. With graduates around the globe, the University has a robust alumni network who will greet you with that familiar "Roll Tide" when they find out you're part of the family.
Military Friendly
Our Military Tuition Grant covers tuition costs not paid by military tuition assistance for active-duty military, National Guard and reserve service members pursuing a degree through UA Online. The University of Alabama is a gold-level Tier 1 Research Institution Military Friendly® School, an unlimited Yellow Ribbon School and a top Veteran-Friendly School.
Student Support Services
Your success is why UA Online exists. We provide student success coaches, 24/7 tech support, access to all libraries, mental health services, trainings, workshops and more to keep you on track to achieve your goals.
Take Your Next Step
Our admissions team is ready to provide more information or review your application.