10 Free Online Courses With Certificates For Mechanical Engineering Students 2023

Over the years, online courses with mechanical engineering certificates have helped many students build their skills and serve as a better alternative for on-campus learning challenges such as transportation, accommodation, and course shortages.

Today, it is in demand, so finding schools that offer these courses for free is very difficult, mainly because most programs feature pay options.

Nonetheless, we have highlighted some helpful tips that will enable you to secure these free courses with a mouse click. In addition, we will provide you with 10 Free Online Courses With Certificates For Mechanical Engineering Students in 2023.

Carefully follow the contents outlined below and apply for the option that best suits your needs.

Why Choose Free Online Courses With Certificates In Mechanical Engineering?

Online or Distant learning is a mode of study that allows students to study most or all of a course without attending a campus-based institution.

It is a type of education that provides access to learning when the teacher and the learners are separated by time and distance or both.

During this type of education, students communicate with the faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, social media chat rooms, and other forms of computer-based interaction.

The programs often include an online training system and tools to produce a virtual classroom. The tuition fees for distance learning vary from institution to program to country.

You will be making a great decision if you choose Mechanical Engineering as an option for your online study.

I say this because, with the recent advancement in technology, mechanical engineers are creating incredibly complex machines to do work across a diverse range of fields and industries, such as automotive and emerging high-tech areas like aeronautics, biotechnology, and robotics.

Why Should I Study Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers are professionals who apply fundamental maths and physics laws to create and build mechanical devices we use daily.

One of the reasons you should study this course is that most mechanical engineers end up in professional-level employment or postgraduate study within six months of graduating. Other reasons include the following;

  • Mechanical engineers are responsible for many of the emerging technologies that are shaping the future.
  • As a mechanical engineer, there is a place for you in almost every industry.
  • Mechanical Engineering is one of the highly demanded and highest-ranked courses in the engineering sector.

There are a variety of opportunities in the mechanical sector, which is why there are a lot of courses options for both online learning and traditional students.

It starts from the basics of engineering drawings to define images of an object to designing scientific robots and different applications of automated or non-automated mechanisms to fasten the production of a particular product.

Read also; 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges and Online Education.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Online Classes In Mechanical Engineering?

Online courses with certificates are becoming very popular among students around the world. It is as dynamic and interactive as on-campus learning.

Although many people consider these programs a lesser form of education, they would be surprised at the realization that technological advancement has made remote learning a greater part of a standard academic curriculum.

Study shows that over 6 million students in the United States are doing at least one online program. Over 2 million students are studying for a fully online degree. Similar statistics exist in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia.

The above statistics indicate that the online certification program is here to stay. Nevertheless, remote learning is not for everyone, especially in Mechanical Engineering.

That is why you need to balance the advantages versus disadvantages before you make up your mind about whether to embrace online education or not.

What Are The Advantages of Free Online Courses With Certificates In Mechanical Engineering?

  • The biggest advantage of online certification in Mechanical engineering is that you obtain it in the comfort of your home.
  • You spend less when obtaining online certification compared to on-campus learning.
  • Obtaining the certificate with the Mechanical Engineering course after completion could be a good consolation if you are yet to travel Abroad.
  • You can leverage online certifications in Mechanical Engineering and improve your CV.
  • Online education will expose you to New Learning Technologies

Below are the disadvantages of online learning.

  • Many firms and institutions do not value online certification in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Online studies lack social interaction, which is a significant disadvantage.
  • Most Mechanical Engineering courses require hands-on experience. Sadly, online learning cannot take care of that.
  • Students enrolled in online programs are more likely to drop out of school due to a lack of self-motivation
  • Online Courses are Less Structured; therefore, you need a high amount of Self-Discipline to scale through.
  • A laptop crash, modem malfunction, and many other Technology issues will arise during your online study.

From the above points, you can see clearly that the pros of online education outweigh the cons, so if you consider taking an online course, you need to learn how it works.

How Do Online Classes In With Certificates For Mechanical Engineering Work?

Online education uses the Learning Management System LMS method, which includes using Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle, which provides an accessible exchange of information between Lecturers and students.

During online classes, your study materials, lectures, and assignments are sent to you via email or some file transfer system. You submit course assignments through LMS by posting on discussion forums and submitting tasks through applicable links.

Another option for online classes involves the use of an online proctoring service. This helps to monitor students as they work.

It also permits degree candidates to take assessments away from campus and provides schools with confidence that students honestly earned their grades. If you exhibit any form of cheating or malpractice, the service may alert the school.

How do I Apply For Online Courses In Mechanical Engineering?

Applying for a free online certification course in Mechanical Engineering is like applying for on-campus learning.

There is not much difference. You will follow the same steps and provide similar documents.

First, you need to utilize google search and social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin, or discuss with people already taking free online certification courses.

Next is to follow the enrollment steps and considerations as outlined below.

Select the school that offers Mechanical Engineering Programs

The first step you need to take is to choose a school that provides an online program in mechanical engineering.

After that, you obtain a form and complete the registration process. See the list of schools and details below.

Complete the online application.

During the registration process, you’ll be required to set up an account that includes some personal information. This will also involve uploading the electronic versions of your Passport photograph, Curriculum Vitae, Personal Statement, and any other relevant documents.

Next will be to remit payment of all tuition and fees. However, If it is tuition-free, it will be indicated.

Interview

Most online courses with Certificates in Mechanical Engineering may require an interview, which can be conducted over the phone or online on Skype.

An interview on Skype is just like a traditional interview. In this case, ensure your computer camera works well, and you have a good internet connection. Also, ensure you dress formally like you would for an offline interview.

Start Lectures

Once you’ve completed the online registration and interview, you will be granted access to select your degree level and course of study then you can start enrolling in any classes.

What Is The Duration For Online Courses In Mechanical Engineering?

The length of online classes in Mechanical Engineering varies according to school. However, some schools offer coursework that can be completed in as little as five weeks, while others don’t have to be finished within a year.

A typical free online course with certificates in mechanical engineering lasts 8 weeks. Some may take up to 10 weeks, depending on the type of program.

You must understand that your online courses’ duration lies in your power. For instance, most instructors post assignments at the beginning of the program, so if a course lasts eight to nine weeks, you can complete the work and submit it as you choose.

How Much Does It Cost To Take Online Courses In Mechanical Engineering?

A few online courses with mechanical engineering certificates are free, While others require tuition. You can access free video lectures, discussion forums, and course readings.

The cost of Individual courses and Specializations varies. The prices usually appear when you click the Enroll button on the left of the course information page.

Many online courses with certificates in Mechanical Engineering run on a subscription basis costing between $39-79 per month. Most offer a 7-day free trial, after which you will be billed. You will not be charged if you cancel within the free trial time.

List of Free Online Mechanical Engineering Courses With Certificates

Real schools offer free online courses with Certificates in mechanical engineering. We have compiled a list of 10 free online programs for interested students.

Our selection criteria for these programs are focused on the duration and nature of the coursework offered. We also considered the quality of education, average earnings of graduates, accreditation, and several other relevant factors.

As you read further, you will get detailed information on the programs offered by the free online schools listed below.

  • Mechanical Devices for Industry
  • Advanced Machining Processes
  • Statics
  • Basic Thermodynamics
  • Biomicroelectromechanical systems
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Mechanical Vibrations
  • Micro and Smart Systems
  • Robotics
  • Fluid Mechanics

Check out 2023 Best Mechanical Engineering Schools in the World

#1 Mechanical Devices for Industry

Mechanical Devices for Industry is a free online course with certificates in mechanical engineering provided by the Polytechnic University of Madrid.

It features the foundational training needed to analyze and synthesize mechanisms.

You will download a reading list and lecture notes. If you want to utilize the exercises, you must download the mechanism design software SAM, which can be accessed from the course page.

The course covers the synthesis of functions, multi-link mechanisms, velocity and acceleration, and trajectories.

Apply

#2 Advanced Machining Processes

Advanced Machining Processes is an online mechanical engineering course by the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.

This course deals with the latest “Advanced Machining Processes.” Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Mechanical type advanced machining processes such as ultrasonic, water jet, and abrasive water jet. It also includes micro-/nano-finishing processes viz, abrasive flow finishing, magnetic abrasive finishing, etc.
  • Thermal machining processes; for example, electric discharge machining, laser beam machining, electron beam machining, etc.
  • Chemical and electrochemical machining processes; include some hybrid machining processes, namely, electrochemical grinding, electric discharge grinding, and others.

If you take up this program, you will gain a basic knowledge of the Mechanical Advanced Machining Process, Ultrasonic Machining( USM ), Abrasive flow Fishing, and many more.

Apply

#3 Statics

This is a tuition-free online mechanical engineering course in collaboration with the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

Statics is an introduction to one of the foundational concepts of mechanics. It covers the statics of particles, rigid bodies, and distributed forces.

You will learn the diagrams and 2D designs. Each topic includes a downloadable lecture and course materials.

Apply

#4 Basic Thermodynamics

 Thermodynamics deals with the transfer of energy from one place to another and from one form to another.

It is a mechanical engineering online course option provided by the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur. Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Introduction and Fundamental Concepts
  • Zeroth Law and Fundamental Concepts
  • Different Kind of Energy and First Low
  • Law and Its Corollaries
  • Gas Power Cycle
  • Thermodynamics of Reacting System

Apply

#5 Biomicroelectromechanical systems

This is one of the best Free online mechanical engineering courses. It deals with physical systems at scales and dimensions similar to biological entities such as bacterial and mammalian cells, viruses, spores, etc. This has resulted in the development of various diagnostic and therapeutic applications, intelligent biochips, and sensors.

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur offers microelectromechanical systems. It is exclusively for mechanical engineering manufacturing science/ fluidic streams graduate students and some senior undergraduate students. 

Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Basic educational foundation in micro-systems engineering emphasizing Biomedical micro-devices. This would also include basic biological/ biochemical concepts and techniques necessary to understand diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Fundamental micro-fabrication/microelectronic processing technologies, and
  • Micro-system design issues, characterization schemes / biomedical/chemical testing practices and procedures.

In addition, you can obtain your WHMIS certification through the Managing Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment course.

Apply

#6 Computational Fluid Dynamics

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur provides computational Fluid Dynamics online courses with certificates in mechanical engineering.

It deals with Continuity Equations, Navier Stokes Equations, Energy Equations and General Structure of Conservation Equations, Classification of Partial Differential Equations, and Physical Behaviour.

Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics and Principles of Conservation
  • Conservation of Mass and Momentum: Continuity and Navier Stokes Equation
  • Energy Equation and General Structure of Conservation Equations
  • Classification of Partial Differential Equations and Physical Behaviour
  • Approximate Solutions of Differential Equations

Apply

#7 Mechanical Vibrations

This is another free online mechanical engineering course provided by the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

Mechanical vibrations measure a systematic process of oscillations concerning an equilibrium point.

In this course, you will learn about vibrating systems such as beams, strings, plates, and membranes, vibration isolation, critical speeds, and rotating and reciprocating machinery balancing.

Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Harmonic and periodic motions, vibration terminology
  • Generalized and Principal coordinates, derivation of equations of motion.
  • Lagrange’s equation.
  • Coordinate coupling.
  • Forced Harmonic vibration.
  • Multi-DOF
  • Derivation of equations of motion, influence coefficient method.
  • Calculation of natural frequencies
  • Rayleigh method.
  • Stodola method.
  • Simple systems with one or two rotor masses.
  • Multi-DOF systems-transfer matrix method.
  • Continuous systems: Approximate solutions
  • Rayleigh’s energy method. Rayleigh-Ritz method. Assumed modes and Galerkin’s method.
  • Finite element analysis

 You are not eligible to apply for this course if you are from Iran, Cuba, or the Crimea region of Ukraine.

Apply

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#8 Micro and Smart Systems

Micro and Smart System is an interdisciplinary course that gives an overview of micro and smart systems technologies and an in-depth understanding of the issues involved.

It is another free online course with certificates in mechanical engineering offered by the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore.

You will learn a variety of sensors, actuators, systems, and a comprehensive description of microfabrication, followed by a detailed discussion of the mechanics of solids as it pertains to micro and smart systems.

Coursework features the following topics;

  • Glimpses of Microsystems; scaling effects, Smart materials, and systems:
  • Microfabrication processes
  • Mechanics of Solids
  • Finite element method
  • Electronics and packaging, Semiconductor devices

Apply

#9 Robotics

One of the advanced free online courses with certificates in mechanical engineering is Robotics. The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay provides it.

Robotics as a course features lessons in parallel, and grippers manipulators and sensors also deal with velocity analysis, forward position control, and dynamic analysis of robotics.

Coursework covers the following topics;

  • Introduction to Robotics
  • Technologies in Robots
  • Industrial Robots
  • Industrial Manipulators and its Kinematics
  • Parallel Manipulators
  • Grippers manipulators
  • Electric Actuators
  • Actuators – Electric, Hydraulic, Pneumatic
  • Internal State Sensors
  • External State Sensors
  • Trajectory planning
  • Forward Position Control
  • Inverse Problem
  • Velocity Analysis
  • Dynamic Analysis
  • Image Processing
  • Robot Dynamics and Control
  • Futuristic Topics in Robotics
  • Robot Dynamic and Control-Case Studies
  • Futuristic Topics in Robotics

Apply

#10 Fluid Mechanics

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur offers Fluid Mechanics. It is mechanical engineering online course that covers the following topics;

  • Introduction and Fundamental Concepts
  • Fluid Statics
  • Kinematics of Fluid
  • Conservation Equations in Fluid Flow
  • Fluid Flow Applications
  • Incompressible Viscous Flows
  • Application of Viscous Flow through Pipes
  • Principles of Similarity
  • The flow of Ideal Fluids
  • Flows with a Free Surface
  • A Few unsteady Flow Phenomena
  • Introduction to Laminar Boundary Layer
  • Introduction to Turbulent Flow

At the end of this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Properties of fluids and fundamental concepts, Fluid statics and their applications, Kinematics of fluids, Conservation equations in fluid flow and its applications, Incompressible viscous flow with applications to pipe flow in practice, Principles of similarity, Flow of ideal fluids, Flow with a free surface, Few unsteady flow phenomena in practice, Introduction to the laminar boundary layer, Introduction to turbulent flow,

Apply

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List of Universities That Offer free online courses with certificates in mechanical engineering

The following Universities feature online Mechanical Engineering degrees for distant learners. These schools motivate their students by providing assignments via the Learning Management System method.

If you search for schools offering free online courses with certificates in mechanical engineering, these schools should be your starting point.

  • Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
  • Polytechnic University of Madrid
  • Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
  • Purdue University
  • Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Columbia University
  • Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Kansas State University
  • Colorado State University

What Are The Benefits Of Free Online Courses?

Online education has a lot of benefits which is why many students consider it more advantageous than on-campus learning. Some of these benefits are listed below.

  • First, online learning provides you with time and space to go deep and master a new skill.
  • The online program provides various programs and courses: As a student, you can earn every academic degree online, from a career certificate to a doctorate.
  • Online education proves a more affordable option than traditional schools; There are no commuting costs, and sometimes required course materials, such as textbooks, are available online at no cost.
  • Students can take online courses and even complete entire degrees while working while in-between jobs; This helps improve career advancement.

What Can I Do With a Mechanical Engineering Certificate?

Mechanical engineers have a variety of job options. Since their job deals with designing, developing, installing, operating, and maintaining mechanical systems, they find relevant opportunities in various sectors, including Google, Boeing, Apple, Microsoft, GE Aviation, the U.S. Department of Energy, and many others.

How Much Do Mechanical Engineers Engineers Earn?

The annual income of a mechanical engineer often depends on the nature of the job. Figures from 2018 released by the BLS show that mechanical engineers earned $87,370. For those working hourly, mechanical engineers earned $41.29 per hour. 

The lowest 10% earned less than $55,310, while the highest 10% earned more than $133,900. 

However, Industries with the highest average salaries were scientific research and development services – $98,530. Computer and electronic product manufacturing, $91,440, and architectural, engineering, and related services – $89,180.

What is Mechanical Engineering Job Prospect?

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the ”Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects may be best for those who stay abreast of recent technological advances”.

Conclusion

It’s possible to get a full education online. Enrolling in any of these free online courses with certificates is advisable as a student. These online courses don’t only serve as a career booster. They also offer a wonderful alternative to those with obligations.

If you’re taking online education in Mechanical Engineering, I recommend you choose from the 10 free online course options in this article. They will allow you to learn in a way that benefits you. 

Frequently Asked Questions On Free Online Courses With Certificates In Mechanical Engineering

How can I study remotely without distractions?

The following tips will help you to study remotely without distractions.
> Set aside time for online learning just as you would for attending on-campus classes.
> Identify the time of day you will devote to studying.
> Give yourself quality time to sit down and read through your materials so you understand everything clearly.
> Turn off your phone notifications.

Are mechanical engineering online programs accredited?

Yes! Most Mechanical Engineering Online programs are accredited and recognized, so their certifications are valued.

Is the mechanical engineering online program for everyone?

The free online program is open to anyone. All you need is a computer that has an internet connection.

Does Free Online Education have scholarships?

Free online education is just like getting a scholarship to study on-campus. 

References

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