We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Education

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Go into Fluid Mechanics?

By Bobby R. Goldsmith
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,239
References
Share

To get into fluid mechanics, you will need to complete advanced college coursework in physics and fluid dynamics. Even entry level positions in fluid mechanics require extensive college coursework and, often, experience as an intern in a field such as engineering or hydraulics maintenance and repair. The coursework must be completed at an accredited institution, and it can be helpful to choose an institution with a reputation for fluid mechanics and dynamics in the physics program. Some programs only offer a basic overview of fluid mechanics in relation to fundamental principles in an introductory course. Basic coursework is not sufficient to acquire a professional position in fluid mechanics as an engineer or developer.

Your first step will be applying to a college or university with an accredited program in physics. Make sure that the physics department offers advanced courses in fluid dynamics beyond simple instruction in Bernoulli's Principle, which describes how fluid behaves when it is placed under pressure. The principle is the basis of hydraulics, but understanding it is only the beginning of an education in fluid dynamics. Most introductory courses in physics cover this principle, but your education must also include wave dynamics and harmonics.

You must obtain a bachelor of science degree in physics, which will require you to complete at least 120 total credit hours. About 40 of those credit hours must be in physics and math related courses while the remaining coursework will be in general education classes. You must successfully complete college calculus which is the mathematical language of physics. You will also need to take elective coursework in various physics disciplines with an engineering focus, such as electrical dynamics, light and optics, and sound dynamics.

To obtain a position as an engineer or research developer in fluid dynamics, you will need to acquire at least a master's degree with an emphasis on fluid dynamics. This will require at least an additional 30 credit hours of graduate level coursework and the completion of a research thesis or passing a graduate level exit exam. Upon completion of the master's degree, you can either work toward a doctoral degree or you can apply for entry level work as an engineering or research intern.

The application process to become an intern may require the successful completion of several steps, including one or more interviews, a review of your education and work experience, a thorough audit of your transcripts, and possibly several letters of recommendation from faculty at your university. Once you have secured an entry level position or internship, you will gain valuable experience that can serve as a stepping stone to other positions in fluid mechanics.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-go-into-fluid-mechanics.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.