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What is Automotive Engineering?

Automotive engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that prepares students with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to construct, repair, and modify systems & mechanical devices related to automobiles.  In a broad sense, automotive engineers blend the technical aspects of engineering with technological advancements to enhance vehicle safety, performance, design, and fabrication.  Automotive engineers work to implement new technologies, utilize more efficient designs, and ensure a motor vehicle is being designed are free of defects.  Engineering schools must teach students to be able to use CAD to draw diagrams, have a strong background in math and physics, understand automotive mechanics, and able to follow schematics as part of the engineering process.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$84,190

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

55.98%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

277,500

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Automotive Engineering Schools

The Art Center College of Design was founded in 1930 and Fred R. Archer founded the Photography Department in 1954.  By 2003, the UN Department of Public Information had granted the Art Center status as a Non-Governmental Organization. And now, the College of Design is accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges and the National Association of School of Art and Design. Over the years, the Art Center became the aid of companies delivering iconic cars for 7 decades. The contribution of the college of design has been shown in the 40's and 50’s. Further, they are offering Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Mechanics where students are taught to team up to build drivable vehicles. 

Acceptance Rate

70.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Farmingdale State College is a public technology college of the State University of New York which is commonly known as SUNY Farmingdale. It offers 45 plus academic programs under the authority of School of Engineering, Business, Art and Science, and Health Sciences. In 2009, the PayScale had reported that the college was ranked 88th among 200 public colleges. In Engineering, they are offering Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and Electrical, also Industrial Technology - Automotive Management Technology. Where, students are taught to be designed and develop the requisite skills for management positions in automotive or related automotive fields. Further, students can earn technical skills, knowledge and operational abilities to enter the industry of Automotive Technology. The Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering Technology is Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering accredited.  

Acceptance Rate

54.89

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The automotive systems and controls degree at Michigan Tech is offered in two tracks for qualified students.  In either case, the online certificate or in-class course can be taken at MTU as a joint effort between the school’s Mechanical Engineering – Engineering Mechanics department and the Electrical and Computer Engineering school.  The MEEM and ECE departments blend the mechanical know-how with the technical requirements needed to be successful in automotive engineering.   Learn more about the admissions requirements and courses involved in this highly rated certificate program from Michigan Technological University located in the city of Houghton.

Acceptance Rate

74.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Michigan-Dearborn is a public university established in 1959 offers various programs located in Dearborn, Michigan. The university is known for its community engagement and it emphasizes the free-standing unit as well as being the hope of the society. The faculty members guide the progression of the students to move forward by teaching them knowledge and skills they need that benefits them in their future endeavors. In their Engineering program, they offer a variety of Engineering including BSE in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and the Dual BSE Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. These courses are valuable to the industry of automotive engineering and manufacturing companies. 

Acceptance Rate

61.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Within the College of Engineering at NCAT, students will find a variety of highly competitive engineering programs that have earned national recognition.  Research emphasis is placed upon areas of study such as energy, complex systems, sustainability, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, machine learning, and multi-scale materials science.  Depending on the industry selected after a student graduates from NCAT State University, the science can be applied to create novel solutions to thorny industry problems from robotics to automotive engineering.  Learn more about the ten accredited engineering programs at NCAT in addition to the top rated graduate degree programs today.

Acceptance Rate

58.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Western Washington University was founded in 1886 and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and other high accreditation related programs. By 2003, the university ranked as the top public master’s granting university in Pacific Northwest; it also placed 21st in the West both private and public. Aside from that, in line to the topic of automotive engineering, they’re offering a program of Manufacturing Engineering where students can learn how to be responsible for creating the vast array products used in the world - in the automotive industry. It will be based on the four pillars of Engineering. Which is now the program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. 

Acceptance Rate

90.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Minnesota State University- Mankato offers 130 plus undergraduate programs and 85 graduate programs. It was established in 1866 and was officially opened in 1868. The university has been supporting the students to its needs to reach its goals. Supporting them financially, education and training them to acquire the skills they need. They believe that education of the students is with the investment. In their Automotive Engineering Technology, they opened 4 programs namely BS Automotive Engineering Technology, Minor in automotive Engineering Technology, and the Master of Automotive Engineering Technology. Where, students will learn a solid technical foundation to ensure their success in employment opportunities in the Automotive Industry. The program is Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission accredited. 

Acceptance Rate

62.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale offers a variety of programs for undergraduate, graduate, and now they’ve also online classes for chosen programs. The college of Engineering will ensure that the students will successfully gain the knowledge of the mathematics and natural sciences and experience the other tool to develop their skills that will benefit economically. Moreover, all students must achieve satisfactory math placement as they will be determined by engineering.  To learn more about SIU’s top ranked automotive engineering degree program, visit their website today.

Acceptance Rate

66.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Brigham Young University was founded in 1888, 132 years ago. It is a private university operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The private university offers a variety of courses including the Automotive coursework. Where, the students are taught to learn Automotive Ownership and Maintenance and lots of coursework learning that will benefit them. The university encourages all  students to take advantage of the education they offer to further their growth via affordable academic coursework and applicable automotive labs

Acceptance Rate

95.77

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Siena Height University was established in 1919 and it is a Roman Catholic University. It offers 40 academic programs and provides classes for high school students. This includes engineering programs, where students will learn the basis in different disciplines. Qualifying students are able to integrate liberal arts into the program that would mean students will know also about the world around them before leaving the school to design projects and solve problems. Aside from that, the engineering program in Siena seeks accreditation by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technologies Engineering Accreditation Commission. 

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Pittsburg State University was originally a branch of the Emporia State University and was founded in 1903. Over the decades, the university became a full-fledged four-year institution in1913. The university offers a variety of programs including Automotive Technology and Engineering Technology. In Engineering, they can choose Electronics Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology while in Automotive Technology students will be guided by the professors accomplished and exposed to the industry and laboratories related to Automotive. Students will learn the advanced vehicle system, automotive mechanical design and technical. Afterwards, they can earn certificates in Automotive Service Technology and Diesel and Heavy Equipment. Moreover, the program offers a master’s degree in automotive technology. 

Acceptance Rate

95.55

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Ferris State University offers various programs that students can free to choose which career path they will take. The university leads the way of the student for their betterment. It Helps the students to acquire  knowledge and skills through imparting them enough education. FSU’s College of Engineering technology prepares the students to meet the high academic standard of their programs. Automotive Engineering technology teaches the students engineering principles and technical skills to support them developing their manufacturing skills, instruction in vehicular systems and more. The preparation provided by the university's mentors will ensure the success of the student in the Automotive Industry. 

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The automotive engineering degree at the University of West Alabama has been rated as a top undergraduate degree yet again.  In this years study, our team has discerned the academic strength of the degree in addition to student feedback has placed it top in the country.  The courses you will find in this associate degree program from UWA include: automotive technology, electrical basics, transaxles, automotive braking, diagnostics, and industrial mechanics to name a few.  UWA students can complete the associate degree and jump into the workforce or continue on in technology, CIS or industrial maintenance major programs at the University of West Alabama.

Acceptance Rate

34.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Indiana State University offers a variety of programs up to 100 undergraduate and 75 graduate and professional programs. It is a public university established 1865, 155 years ago. Furthermore, as the institution inspires the students, they all also provide the most renowned teachers where they are mentoring them in their expert field. Subsequently, deep knowledge and experience imparted to the students that later will benefit them. ISU offers a major in Automotive Engineering Technology and Automation and Control Engineering Technology where they will learn and study Diesel Theory, Automotive electronics, and other fundamentals that soon they will apply once they are going to work in the Automotive Industry. Not just that, there are a lot of activities and organizations they can join including the SAE or the Society of Automotive Engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

89.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Colorado State University - Pueblo was established in 1933 and it is a public university that has offered various programs since then. They believe that education should not feel out of reach and therefore inspire the students to grab the opportunity to learn from them. Moreover, the Automotive Management program provides management skills and automotive skills that surely ensure they succeed in the Automotive Industry. Further, the program aims to 97% placement rate to assure that graduates will be in the top companies such as Ford, Mercedes Benz and more. 

Acceptance Rate

93.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Santa Fe Community College offers a number of technical and career-focused degree and certificate programs.  The degrees and certificates offered at SFCC can be taken as either full-time or part-time programs in addition to in-class or online.  The major in automotive engineering and technology come in several opportunities as do the certificate programs.  For example, you can earn a degree in automotive technology or a certificate in brake technology, steering and suspension, automotive engine repair, light truck repair, or automatic transmission transaxle. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Moraine Park Technical College is a trade school in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  The automotive technology degree at MPTC has earned several national awards for its programming excellence.  The top-rated automotive technology program helps students understand how to diagnose various vehicle issues related to engines, electric, transmission, engine performance, brakes, and climate control systems.  The advanced technology and faculty know-how have proven to be a powerful combination of learning and doing to help students level-up in this technical trade.   

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Clovis Community College offers qualified students access to an accredited ASE certified automotive engineering degree program.  In addition to the associate degree track, a student may choose to take one of two certificate programs relating to automotive chassis or powertrain systems.  Coursework at Clovis Community College in this competitive degree program include automotive systems, HVAC, suspension theory, transaxles, engine repair, diagnostics, and transmissions.  The program has met the requisite requirements of ASEEF within the nexus of the NM Department of Higher Education. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Penn College offers one of the most comprehensive degree programs in our study this year.  In fact, qualified students can select between majors, minors, and certificate programs in the automotive field.  The online degree in automotive engineering technology can be coupled with a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology or an associate degree in automotive service, or automotive marketing.  In addition, Penn College also offers automotive service tech certificates, aftermarket performance credentials and two supplemental minors in the automotive trade.  The variety and quality have propelled Pennsylvania College of Technology into our ranking of top automotive programs this year.   

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Founded in 1967 as Elko College, the school then changed its name to Norther Nevada College before transitioning to Great Basin College.  GBC is located in Elko, Nevada and offers degree and certificate programs for students to pursue.  Students interested in a career in automotive engineering can leverage the schools engineering program.  The foundation of math, physics, and chemistry provide a baseline for critical thinking and detail-orientation needed to succeed in the automotive field.  The engineering major can be used as a stand-alone program or paired with an advanced online degree from other regionally accredited universities.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Located in Daytona Beach, Daytona State College is an integral school within the Florida College System.  The school participates in NJCAA Mid-Florida conference and provides a robust suite of academics.  The engineering technology degree at DSC has made our list this year for its academic excellence and robust programming.  Students can pursue bachelor degrees in IT, Engineering Technology, and Electrical Engineering in addition to certificate programs web systems, cyberforensics, and construction design.  Learn more about the engineering pathways at Daytona State College today by visiting the school’s primary web portal.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Indian River State College is a public school located in Fort Pierce, Florida.  IRSC cracked the top automotive engineering degree programs in the nation this year.  The automotive service management technology associate degree is a NATEF master certified program.  Similar, truncated programs offered by Indian River State College include the automotive service tech and automotive technician certificate programs.  Learn more about transferring to IRSC, admissions requirements, tuition, and online learning programs today.    

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Founded in 1965, Seminole State College of Florida is a public university with four campus locations across the state.  Specific to the automotive engineering learning domain, SSC offers an Associate degree in automotive service management technology.  In addition, the school has created three areas of specialty to consider for Ford, GM, and imports to assist students in learning the trade.  The degree and certificate programs can be taken online or in-class and leverage state-of-the-art learning technology to prepare students for a future in the automotive trade. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Florida State University at Jacksonville offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate level degree programs for qualified students.  Professors and faculty staff help the students to develop their knowledge and skills to treat diseases, create innovative ways to improve the learning and teaching methods. They pursue excellence while living with compassion and leadership within the FSU community. In line to Automotive Engineering coursework, FSU offers degree programs within the School of Industry, Manufacturing, and Construction.  Students will take several courses to prepare them with problem-solving ability and hands-on skills careers that will benefit them in manufacturing, installation, testing, technical sales or maintenance of automotive mechanical systems.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Qualified students can pursue a degree or certificate in engineering technology at State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota.  SCF has a stated mission to prepare students for a career in engineering technology and adjacent fields such as automotive engineering, electronics, biomedical, and manufacturing.  State College of Florida offers four distinct certificate programs in addition to an associate degree program in engineering tech to prepare recent high school graduates and mid-career professionals alike.  Collect valuable admissions information from SCF today and find out how investing in yourself can benefit you long-term. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Automotive Engineering Degrees

The length of time it takes to earn a college degree in automotive engineering or automotive technology depends on the degrees you select along with the number of classes you take at a given time. For example, a certificate in automotive engineering online or on-campus will take students less than one year to complete based on full-time enrollment. However, students may invest two to three-years to earn a certificate if one or two classes are taken at a time on a part-time basis depending on the financial aid quarterly report.

The associate degree engineering schools is designed to be a 2-year program while the bachelors degree program is a four-year program. Deciding upon associate degrees or bachelor degrees should take into consideration your career goals coupled with the regional employment demands. For example, if the majority of entry-level jobs in your region require a bachelor's degree, it may be best to spend the time and resources to earn a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering. Colleges look closely at enrollment and affordability by reviewing student aid quarterly and the portion quarterly report.

Best Automotive Engineering Technology School

A handful of specialized college programs in automotive engineering and automotive engineering technology exist. They key to finding a great automotive engineering program for you includes establishing your priorities, career objectives, attributes, skills and investment of time before selecting a school. We recommend reading these books: The Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process and How to Reduce the Cost of College.

After establishing your priority list, find accredited schools offering automotive engineering or automotive technology programs on this resource page and simply request information from those schools listed below. In addition, you can leverage our automated matching portal to find schools utilizing specific criteria that you find important that include geographic location, degree type, and school type.

How Do I Become an Auto Engineer?

To compete for automotive engineer jobs you will need to earn a degree or certificate from an accredited college or university. The program you select will depend on the program viable in your market coupled with your career objectives. Meaning, if you are eager to learn the trade and move into a management position as quickly as possible a bachelors degree would make the most sense. An outline of the types of automotive engineering programs are listed below to help you understand your options in the field.

Automotive Engineer Certificate Program

A certificate in automotive engineering online or in class can be earned in less than a year based on full-time matriculation. Certificate programs are constructed to provide the fundamentals of automotive engineering and generally lead to entry-level positions in the automotive field. A set of typical classes in a certificate program include the fundamentals of braking systems, electrical systems, automotive technology, electronics, engine repair, engine performance, steering, emissions, and suspension systems.

Associate Automotive Engineering Degrees

Associate degrees in automotive engineering is a 2-year program that combines general education courses like English composition, international philosophy, and human psychology with core automotive engineering classes. Classes typically found in associate degrees programs in the automotive technology department may include similar classes to the certificate program with an emphasis on greater details around each system, assembly, and technological component.

Bachelor Automotive Engineering Degrees

A bachelors degree in automotive technology or automotive engineering is a 4-year program in the United States that provides yet greater access to automotive technology classes. In addition, the bachelor degree curricula adds liberal arts classes to help automotive engineering students think more broadly about the world around them. Core classes in automotive technology will typically includes classes such as: electrical systems, engine performance, vehicle electronics, chassis systems, engine management, powertrain technologies, diagnostics, data management, engineering statistics, engineering computation, CAD, metallurgy, manufacturing processes, CNC, automotive labs, and a professional internship.

Educational Requirements for Automotive Engineers

Individuals enrolled in a program for automotive engineering technology will learn about the various sciences involved in the development of such systems. Programs in automotive engineering technology are limited in availability and as a result most individuals interested in pursuing the field often choose mechanical engineering programs that offer a similar education in the sciences. Students may then add additional courses to one's curriculum relevant to the area of automobiles in order to gear their education toward automotive engineering. Regardless of the type of program, science and mathematics will play a quintessential role in one's ability to properly perform the tasks required.

A curriculum in automotive engineering may include an array of core classes aimed at preparing students for the challenging work in the automotive industry.  Research gathered from top ranked automotive engineering colleges such as Michigan Tech, Cornell, and Texas A&M reveal an overlap in the following types of courses:

  • Calculus, Mathematics, & Statistical Analysis
  • Automotive Technology and Systems
  • Fluid Power
  • Quality Management & Manufacturing Cost
  • Safety Engineering
  • Fuel Economy & Emissions
  • Powertrains, Drivelines, and Power Distribution
  • Automated Design
  • Climate Control
  • Project Management
  • Automotive Systems
  • Industrial Safety
  • Automotive durability, fit & finish
  • Automotive Electronics & Software Integration
  • Vehicle Performance & Vehicle Dynamics
  • Applied Systems Integration
  • Composite Materials
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Information & Automotive Engineering Careers

Individuals working in automotive engineering technology will find themselves working on all parts of development of vehicles. Individuals will develop engines, electrical systems, chassis and more. Engineers who enter the industry will work under experienced professionals, typically assigned to specific areas in order to obtain practical experience in the various aspects of production and design. Additionally, such engineers will be responsible for the testing and implementation of designs and develop procedures to maintain finished products.

Careers in automotive engineering technology are limited and the market for jobs is expected to shrink. This is due to the increased production due to automation and technical testing and design through advancements in computer technology. As a result, jobs are competitive, though qualified and talented individuals are in continued demand. Students who pursue mechanical engineering rather than automotive engineering technology may have more career options outside of the automotive industry.

Automotive Engineer Job Titles

As you think about a career in automotive technology, you will need to get familiar with the vernacular and job titles often found in the field. Below you will find a list of common job titles for an automotive engineer to help you get familiar with the titles when performing a job search after graduation.

Job Duties of an Automotive Engineer

The top job responsibilities of an automotive engineer depend greatly on the job itself, the company you work for, the organization type, geographic location, and products being manufactured. As such, we have listed the top 5 job duties of an automotive engineer to give you a better understand of general work activities an automotive technology engineer will do around the shop or office.

  1. Performing failure, variation, or root cause analyses on a variety of automotive systems
  2. Directing and managing system-level automotive testing
  3. Developing engineering specifications or cost estimates for automotive design concepts
  4. Conducting a detailed automotive design review
  5. Providing technical direction to other engineers or engineering support personnel

States Salary in Automotive Engineering

The average salary for an automotive engineer is approximately $84,190 per year. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates an 8% job growth rate for automotive engineers in the coming decade which translates to some 102,500 job openings during that time frame. Individuals with managerial experience may be considered for team leader positions or division heads, increasing earning potential greatly within a corporate environment for engineering careers.

Individuals interested in automobile engineering degrees may also be interested in mechanical engineering degrees, mechanical technology technician, industrial engineering technology, oraeronautical and aerospace engineering technology.

Best Automotive Engineering Trade Groups

  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • National Automotive Technicians Foundation (NATEF)
  • Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • American Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS)
  • Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

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