Engineers who are looking to begin new careers in mechanical engineering, aerospace, automobile, marine, pipeline or other related mechanical engineer jobs may want to consider this kind of a program. With the increasing demand for qualified mechanical engineers, many colleges now offer associate degrees in Engineering Technology or Engineering Mechanics. Students who earn these degrees can find employment in a wide range of engineering disciplines. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that within the next ten years there will be an enormous increase in the number of engineers.
When applying to one of the accredited associate degree programs you should consider your career goals. If you are interested in designing and building products such as airplanes and ships, you will likely need to take a course in material engineering before you enroll in a program in mechanics. If you want to be a structural engineer, you may want to take a course in mechanical engineering before you decide on a program in mechanics.
All of the programs require some type of computer aided design. For example, students will have to write a report that will serve as their engineering design project report. The report will be based on their previous engineering design project, as well as the knowledge that they have gained through their training. After the report is written, students will have to submit their report to their professor for review and correction prior to submission to the test. The instructor will use the information in the report to determine the appropriate type of engineering design that will give the best solution for a particular problem.
The Mechanical Engineering Associate program will teach students how to use Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Students can apply the design skills that they learned through their engineering design project to the design of mechanical components that will be used in the manufacture of products. In the process, the student will create drawings, designs and prototypes of mechanical systems and products. that will be used in the creation of mechanical devices.
Students should also be concerned about the amount of time and effort that will be required to complete their Mechanical Engineering course work. The overall curriculum will last from approximately six semesters over the length of four years. It is important to ensure that all courses, which involve SolidWorks design software, are included in the program. At the end of the program, students will have completed the necessary project reports and their course work for their degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In addition to mechanical engineering program, students who are planning to enter a career in aerospace or automobile manufacturing can also take a course in aerospace or automotive engineering. These types of engineering majors will need to complete a program in aerospace or automotive technology.
All of the programs in Mechanical Engineering will require that the students complete coursework in aerospace, automotive or automobile industry related technologies. They will also need to pass a written test that evaluates their knowledge of the material handling systems and processes. They will have to prepare a report that includes information about their study as well as the results of their testing.