Written By
GCE Editorial Team
Mechanical engineering involves using scientific and engineering principles to develop new designs. Its technology is more hands-on than theoretical, focusing on practical applications.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Mechanical and Applied Engineering Department Head of the College of Engineering and Technology on Sept. 24, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Mechanical engineering involves the application of scientific and engineering principles toward the development of new designs or improvements of existing designs of products and systems. A mechanical engineer needs to consider not only how an object should function but also the environmental forces it may encounter and the manufacturing processes that will create it. Essentially, mechanical engineers are problem-solvers who use the principles of motion, force and energy to create products or systems that are safe, efficient, functional and reliable.
Mechanical engineering touches a wide range of fields and specialty areas, including robotics, automation, space exploration, healthcare, energy, transportation and climate change. A mechanical engineer might work on designing new products or systems intended to improve food production, create more fuel-efficient planes or create more environmentally sustainable energy production systems.
There are many career possibilities within the mechanical engineering field. As a mechanical engineer, you will research, design, develop, build and test tools, engines and machines.
A mechanical engineer may choose to specialize in many different areas. These areas of specialization may include:1
If you enroll in a mechanical engineering degree, you will explore the full cycle of an engineering project, from the design to the manufacturing stage. You will be challenged to work through progressively more complex skills and competencies that are intended to help you create solutions to existing problems in order to advance society. You will also be taught professional skills, such as communication (verbal and written), team building and lifelong learning.
In addition, your mechanical engineering program will include an advanced and comprehensive curriculum that integrates chemistry, physics and computer programming with extensive coursework in engineering mathematics. With this STEM program, you will also examine subjects like thermodynamics (heat, energy and work), materials engineering (developing, processing and testing materials) and transport phenomena (fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer).
These subjects and others provide the foundation for a year-long design project, during which you will be challenged to demonstrate your abilities to perform as a future engineer. During this capstone project (taken in the capstone class by mechanical engineering technology students and mechanical engineering students), you’ll work in a team to develop a project proposal and feasibility study, culminating in your design project. You’ll have opportunities to work with a departmental mentor, who will provide feedback as you work on polishing your project.
Mechanical engineering technology is a field that supports mechanical engineering. It focuses on the application of mechanical engineering designs and principles, using tools such as CAD software to create designs, build prototypes, test designs and fine-tune as needed.
Is mechanical engineering technology an engineering degree? A mechanical engineering technology (MET) degree may lead you to be a potential contributor in the field of engineering. It’s closely aligned and plays a vital role in the engineering ecosystem. Mechanical engineering focuses on designing, building and testing systems using deep theoretical knowledge across engineering sciences. Mechanical engineering technology shares that foundation but emphasizes hands-on problem solving — applying concepts directly through tools, machinery and equipment. While both paths are rooted in engineering principles, one leans toward innovation and design, the other toward practical execution.
For example, a mechanical engineer may design a machine based on engineering principles. A graduate with a mechanical engineering technology degree will then analyze this design from the perspective of how the machine would be manufactured and provide feedback to the mechanical engineer. Next, they will solicit vendors to get the necessary parts, build a prototype and test it to ensure it meets the requirements. Over time, they may monitor the machine for quality control and make adjustments as needed.
Mechanical engineering technology can offer career paths for those drawn to hands-on problem solving and practical innovation. Graduates are equipped to contribute across various stages of engineering projects — translating concepts into actionable plans, developing technical layouts, analyzing performance data and collaborating closely with engineering teams to refine and implement solutions.
Some common tasks include the following:
A mechanical engineering technology degree is unlike a traditional engineering degree, as this program will provide you with opportunities for a more hands-on educational experience. In your courses, you will focus more on the application of the theoretical concepts. During this program, you will consider the key concepts in computer-aided engineering, troubleshooting, quality control and ethical system implementation.
You can expect to work through coursework in chemistry, physics, fluid and thermal transport and mathematics for engineering, including calculus as it applies to science and engineering fields. You will also explore topics in computerized design, materials science, machine shop tools and quality control principles.
Taking all this information into consideration, you may be wondering which degree is right for you. When it comes to choosing between mechanical engineering vs. mechanical engineering technology, it is important to consider your interests and what kind of learner you are. For example, if you are motivated by concepts and you dream of designing machines or systems, earning a degree in mechanical engineering may be the right choice.
On the other hand, if you enjoy implementing plans and seeing ideas come to life, consider majoring in mechanical engineering technology. This degree can also provide you with opportunities to show Christ-like character as you help others succeed.
Whether you're drawn to the theoretical depth of mechanical engineering or the hands-on, application-driven focus of mechanical engineering technology, the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University provides a path tailored to your goals. If you've ever asked yourself what is mechanical technology and how it differs from traditional engineering, exploring these programs can help you find the right fit for your future in design, manufacturing or innovation.
Pursue Your Passion for Engineering
Explore the fields of mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology at GCU. Apply online today.
Do you have a passion for engineering? You may be wondering what makes a mechanical engineering degree different from a mechanical engineering technology degree. The main difference between mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology is that the former emphasizes theoretical concepts and conceptual design, whereas the latter emphasizes hands-on applications of existing technologies.
