2026 Can You Get Licensed With an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree? Requirements, Rules, and What to Know

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Many prospective engineers wonder if an online mechanical engineering degree can lead to professional licensure. This concern is significant, as 57% of accredited engineering graduates in the U. S. eventually pursue licensure to advance their careers. However, licensure requirements vary by state and often include specific educational standards, exam passage, and work experience. Understanding how an online degree aligns with these criteria is crucial for students and professionals navigating this path. This article examines the rules governing licensure eligibility for online mechanical engineering graduates and clarifies how state boards evaluate online education for professional credentialing.

Key Benefits of Getting Licensed with an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

Licensure with an online mechanical engineering degree validates professional credibility and meets eligibility for roles requiring PE certification across many states.
Licensed engineers gain access to broader employment opportunities and greater job mobility within government, private, and consulting sectors.
Holding a license often correlates with higher long-term earning potential and enhances prospects for leadership or advanced technical positions.

Can You Get Licensed With an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Obtaining a professional engineering license with an online mechanical engineering degree is achievable when the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. These accredited programs ensure students complete essential coursework in subjects like thermodynamics, materials science, and fluid mechanics, which are fundamental for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Beyond academic preparation, licensure requires passing this exam, gaining practical work experience-typically four years under a licensed engineer-and then succeeding in the

Professional Engineering (PE) exam. Programs aligned with licensure requirements effectively equip graduates with the technical knowledge and skills necessary for professional engineering practice.

Earning a license through an online mechanical engineering degree provides notable advantages, including eligibility for regulated career paths that require Professional Engineer status. License holders often find increased opportunities for leadership roles, greater responsibilities, and higher salary potential, enhancing their professional credibility. Prospective students should verify their chosen program's ABET accreditation and confirm their state licensing board accepts online degrees. Complementing online coursework with internships or cooperative education can improve job readiness.

For those exploring further education options, resources about MSW online programs may also be of interest within the broader context of professional degrees.

Do Licensing Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Vary by State?

Licensing rules for mechanical engineering are in place to ensure professional competence and public safety, but specific requirements vary by state. For instance, the length of supervised engineering experience required before licensure ranges from 2 to 5 years depending on state regulations. These variations affect those pursuing state-specific professional engineering licensing rules.

The main areas where licensing requirements differ include:

Examinations: While all states require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the number and content of additional exams such as the Professional Engineering (PE) exam can differ. This impacts the preparation needed for licensure in various states.
Supervised Experience: States set different durations and types of supervised engineering experience before granting licensure, ranging from 2 to 5 years. The nature of this experience can influence eligibility and timing for licensure.
Continuing Education: Some states require ongoing education to maintain licensure, while others have less stringent or no mandates. This affects career planning for licensed mechanical engineers, especially if relocating.
Scope of Practice: Regulations may impose restrictions or allowances on what licensed engineers are permitted to do within that state. Awareness of these rules is essential for professional compliance.
Renewal Policies: License renewal intervals and associated fees vary state by state, influencing long-term career maintenance and costs.

Those considering online mechanical engineering degrees should verify how their chosen program aligns with state licensing requirements. For example, prospective students interested in social work might explore MSW accelerated programs as a model of how specialized online education pathways tailor to licensure standards.

Are Online Mechanical Engineering Programs Different From Campus Programs for Licensure?

Online and campus mechanical engineering programs do not differ in their impact on licensure eligibility; both formats lead to comparable opportunities for sitting the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and advancing toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. In fact, the number of ABET-accredited online engineering programs has increased substantially in recent years, reflecting broader recognition of online degrees in professional licensing pathways.

Curriculum standards: Accreditation ensures that online and in-person programs cover the same essential engineering topics, so graduates acquire equivalent foundational knowledge regardless of delivery mode.
Hands-on experience: While in-person labs may be substituted with virtual simulations or coordinated local partnerships in online programs, these practical components must still satisfy accreditation requirements to support licensure eligibility.
Competency evaluation: Both program types use similar assessments, including exams and design projects, to confirm students have mastered the core skills necessary for professional practice.
Industry acceptance: Although some employers historically favored traditional degrees, acceptance of accredited online mechanical engineering degrees is growing, with variations depending on company culture and region.

Breakdown of All Fully Online Title IV Institutions

Source: U.S. Department of Education, 2023

Does an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Require Clinical or Practicum Hours?

Online mechanical engineering degree programs do not include traditional clinical hours like those in health-related fields, but they incorporate practicum-like experiences essential for professional practice and licensure. These practical components help students bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world engineering tasks through supervised, hands-on work. Understanding how online mechanical engineering degree clinical requirements translate into licensure eligibility is crucial for prospective students.

Practical experience develops skills needed to pass licensure examinations and meet state board mandates.

Typical Hours: Prerequisite hours for practicum-like work range widely, often from several hundred to over 1,000, depending on the state licensure rules and specific program requirements, reflecting the intensity needed to build engineering competence.
Placement Settings: Students complete placements in engineering firms, manufacturing companies, or research labs where they engage in design, testing, and problem-solving activities, reflecting workplace realities.
Supervision: Licensed engineers or qualified supervisors oversee these experiences to ensure students apply engineering principles properly and develop sound professional judgment critical for licensure.
Skills Gained: Participants enhance abilities in design evaluation, project management, technical communication, and ethical decision-making, all vital for competent engineering practice.
Online Program Support: Since online formats lack inherent hands-on components, many programs partner with local companies to organize in-person internships or lab projects, ensuring students meet practicum standards.

States generally necessitate these documented practical hours alongside academic credentials for engineering licensure. Students pursuing online mechanical engineering degrees should confirm how their chosen program supports the practicum requirements and prepares them for professional licensure in their state.

For comparison, individuals interested in fields requiring hands-on practice may also explore online marriage and family therapy programs, which have distinct clinical requirements.

What Licensing Exam Is Required After Earning an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Licensing exams confirm a candidate's qualifications to practice engineering safely and effectively, playing a crucial role in professional recognition and career advancement. Approximately 70% of first-time takers pass the initial exam, indicating a realistic but challenging goal. Below are the main elements of the required licensing exams for mechanical engineers.

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: This is the initial licensing exam for engineers, designed to assess understanding of core engineering principles such as mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, and ethics. It's a computer-based test lasting about six hours and passing grants the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) status.
Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam: Taken after the FE exam and gaining requisite work experience, this exam focuses on mechanical engineering expertise, including mechanical design, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and dynamic systems. The test typically runs for eight hours and demands extensive preparation.
Exam Format and Preparation: Both exams are rigorous and require disciplined study, often supplemented by review courses and reference materials. The FE exam's reasonable pass rate contrasts with the PE exam's greater difficulty, emphasizing in-depth mastery.
State Retake Policies: Policies vary by jurisdiction, but generally candidates can retake exams multiple times with minimal waiting periods, allowing flexibility in preparation and timing.
Accreditation Importance for Online Graduates: Holding a degree accredited by ABET or an equivalent organization is essential to eligibility. This ensures the education meets industry standards, which is crucial for licensure.

Is Supervised Work Experience Required After an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree?

Supervised work experience is generally required after earning an online mechanical engineering degree to qualify for professional licensure. This practical training period helps develop essential skills and ensures candidates are prepared to handle real-world engineering challenges confidently. More than 90% of licensed engineers report completing this hands-on experience after graduation.

Below are key details about what this experience typically involves.

Duration: Most states require four to eight years of supervised engineering work, allowing graduates enough time to apply academic knowledge in professional settings.
Mentorship: Work must be overseen by a licensed engineer who provides guidance, assesses competence, and verifies that ethical and technical standards are upheld.
Skill development: This period focuses on enhancing technical abilities, project management, problem-solving, and professional communication beyond what coursework offers.
Settings: Candidates gain experience in diverse environments such as engineering consultancies, manufacturing plants, or government agencies that mirror real industry demands.
Career readiness and licensure: Supervised experience bridges education and independent practice, boosting confidence and meeting the prerequisites for the Professional Engineer exam.

Does Licensure Reciprocity Apply to Online Mechanical Engineering Graduates?

Licensure reciprocity allows engineers licensed in one state to obtain a license in another state without repeating the entire licensing process. This flexibility is essential for professionals who plan to practice mechanical engineering across various states or regions, enabling smoother career transitions.

Several key factors influence how reciprocity applies to online mechanical engineering graduates, as outlined below.

Eligibility Criteria: Reciprocity often depends on whether graduates meet standardized requirements, including holding a degree from an accredited program and having passed essential exams. For online mechanical engineering graduates, eligibility can hinge on whether their degree aligns with state guidelines, impacting their ability to secure a professional engineering license transfer for online graduates.
Program Requirements: Many states require degrees to be accredited by ABET or a similar authority to ensure consistent educational quality regardless of delivery format. Online degrees must typically demonstrate comparable curriculum rigor and coverage to traditional programs to qualify for reciprocity.
State Agreements: Organizations like the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) provide frameworks for reciprocity, but state-to-state variations exist. Some states may have differing stances on accepting online degrees, so graduates should verify local rules before assuming automatic transferability of credentials.
Application Process: Graduates must generally submit transcripts, exam results, work experience verification, and other credentials to apply for licensure in a new state. This process ensures that applicants meet the specific requirements despite their online education pathway.
Potential Limitations: Certain states may impose additional documentation or scrutiny for online program graduates, especially concerning hands-on training components. These additional steps can affect timelines and ease of license transfer for online mechanical engineers.

This nuanced landscape means graduates should carefully research each state's expectations related to licensure reciprocity for online mechanical engineers. For those considering further education to enhance credentials, exploring options such as an online doctorate in organizational leadership may provide additional career benefits and flexibility.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Mechanical Engineering Programs for Licensure?

Online mechanical engineering programs have surged in popularity, with enrollment rising by more than 30% over the last five years as learners seek adaptable study options. Many candidates prioritize licensure outcomes because becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) requires fulfilling specific education and experience standards.

Exploring the benefits and drawbacks of these programs helps clarify their impact on licensure.

Pros

Flexibility: Students can balance work and study with self-paced courses, aiding timely progression toward licensure requirements.
Accessibility: Programs remove location barriers, allowing those unable to relocate to pursue accredited degrees necessary for PE eligibility.
Accreditation: Many online curricula meet standards crucial for satisfying state licensure educational prerequisites.

Cons

Limited hands-on experience: Reduced lab and practical opportunities may hinder skill development valued by licensure boards and employers.
Networking challenges: Fewer in-person interactions can restrict mentoring and professional connections important for career growth.
Perception concerns: Some employers and licensing authorities may view online degrees skeptically, possibly complicating licensure or job placement.

Does Getting Licensed With an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Affect Salary?

Obtaining a professional engineering (PE) license after earning an online mechanical engineering degree can significantly enhance earning potential. Industry data shows that licensed mechanical engineers in the U.S. generally earn 10-20% more annually than those without a PE license. This salary difference reflects the added responsibilities and professional recognition that licensure confers. The impact of licensure on career opportunities and compensation is multifaceted and important to consider.

Key ways licensure affects salary and advancement include:

Access to higher-paying roles: Licensed engineers qualify for senior and supervisory positions that typically offer increased salaries. The responsibility associated with a PE license often results in compensation premiums compared to non-licensed peers.
Eligibility for leadership positions: Many employers require or prefer licensed engineers for leadership and project management roles, especially in areas involving public safety and regulatory compliance. This demand can lead to faster career advancement and higher wages.
Specialized responsibilities: Licensure enables engineers to sign off on official designs and take legal accountability for engineering projects. These tasks carry greater accountability and generally come with better pay and enhanced job security.
Improved marketability: For graduates with an online mechanical engineering degree, obtaining a license helps demonstrate that their education meets rigorous standards. This validation alleviates employer concerns about online degrees, helping to level the playing field for competitive salaries and senior roles.

Those pursuing career growth may also explore related certificate programs online to supplement their skills and increase their market value. Considering all factors, the career benefits of licensed mechanical engineer degree holders include higher earning potential, expanded job roles, and greater professional stability.

What Jobs Can You Get With or Without a License as an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree Holder?

Obtaining a professional engineering license broadens job prospects for online mechanical engineering degree holders by enabling them to take legal responsibility for projects and lead critical initiatives. Many graduates work successfully in both licensed and non-licensed positions, depending on their career goals and industry requirements. Data shows licensed engineers earn approximately 20% more on average than those without licensure, highlighting its value in advancing professional opportunities.

Below are key roles typically associated with either holding or not holding an engineering license.

Jobs With a License

Licensed Professional Engineer: Manages construction projects and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, often required for public-facing responsibilities.
Engineering Manager: Oversees technical teams and has authority on regulatory adherence and project approvals, positioning them for leadership roles within organizations.
Consultant: Provides certified engineering analyses and legal expertise, frequently called upon for specialized assessments and official reports.

Jobs Without a License

Mechanical Design Engineer: Focuses on creating new products and prototypes, applying engineering principles without the need for state certification.
Manufacturing Engineer: Works to optimize production processes and improve efficiency, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.
Test Engineer: Conducts performance evaluations and reliability testing on mechanical systems, playing a vital role in product quality assurance.

What Graduates Say About Getting Licensed with an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

Marley: "Enrolling in the online mechanical engineering program was one of the best decisions I've made. The cost was surprisingly reasonable compared to on-campus options, which made pursuing licensure much more accessible for me. The flexible online format allowed me to balance work and study effectively, and now, as a licensed professional, I'm confidently advancing in my engineering career with skills that truly matter."

Cael: "Reflecting on my journey through the online mechanical engineering degree, I appreciate how the program's cost aligned well with my budget, avoiding heavy debt. The coursework was rigorous but well-structured for remote learning, preparing me thoroughly for the licensure exams. This degree has opened doors to challenging projects and leadership roles in my firm, proving that quality education and professional growth can happen outside traditional classrooms."

Perrin: "I approached the online mechanical engineering program pragmatically, especially considering the average tuition was significantly lower than I expected. The digital format required discipline, but the instructors were supportive, and the curriculum emphasized practical skills essential for passing the licensure exam. Earning my license has not only validated my expertise but also elevated my professional credibility among peers and clients alike."

Other Things You Should Know About Mechanical Engineering Degrees

How long does it typically take to become licensed with an online mechanical engineering degree?

After earning an online mechanical engineering degree, the path to licensure generally takes about four to eight years. This timeframe includes gaining the required supervised engineering experience, usually four years, before qualifying to take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The exact duration depends on how quickly candidates complete each step and meet their state's specific requirements.

Can employers verify the accreditation of an online mechanical engineering degree for licensing purposes?

Yes, employers and licensing boards verify that mechanical engineering degrees come from programs accredited by ABET or equivalent agencies. Accreditation is essential because non-accredited degrees may not satisfy educational requirements for licensure. Prospective licensees with online degrees should ensure their programs have proper regional and programmatic accreditation to avoid issues during the licensure process.

Are there continuing education requirements after obtaining professional licensure in mechanical engineering?

Many states require licensed mechanical engineers to complete continuing education to maintain their license. This typically involves earning professional development hours (PDHs) or credits in relevant technical topics or ethics. These requirements help ensure engineers stay current with evolving industry standards and technological advances.

How long does it take to become licensed with an online mechanical engineering degree?

In 2026, becoming licensed with an online mechanical engineering degree typically takes several years. Graduates often enter an engineering training program and accumulate experience, commonly around four years, before passing exams like the FE and PE to get licensed.