If you are considering a career in automotive engineering, you have several options to further your education. Many community colleges and universities offer programs, at least to get you started. We have identified eight that rise above them all, listing their contact information and a description of the program with each.
1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Automotive / Mechanical Engineering)
Mailing Address:
University of Michigan
College of Engineering
1221 Beal Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: (734) 647-7000 (General)
Main Engineering Office: (734) 763-2000
Website: University of Michigan Engineering
Description:
Offers automotive engineering study through its College of Engineering, with graduate programs (e.g., Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering) focusing on vehicle dynamics, powertrain systems, controls, electrification, and mobility research. Mechanical engineering undergraduates can pursue automotive-related courses and projects such as Mcity autonomous vehicle research.
2. Clemson University (Automotive Engineering)
Mailing Address:
Clemson University
College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
301 Rhodes Engineering Research Center
Clemson, SC 29634
Phone: (864) 656-2226
(Undergraduate/Graduate Engineering Offices)
Website: Clemson University Automotive Engineering
Description:
Undergraduate and graduate programs in automotive engineering with coursework and research conducted at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville. Focus areas include vehicle systems, manufacturing, autonomous systems, and industry-aligned research.
3. Georgia Institute of Technology (Mechanical Engineering with Automotive Focus)
Mailing Address:
North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30332
Phone: (404) 894-2000 (General)
Georgia Tech College of Engineering
Website: Georgia Tech College of Engineering
Description:
One of the top ranked engineering schools offering mechanical and systems engineering degrees with opportunities to specialize in vehicle dynamics, controls, robotics, and mobility systems through electives and research projects.([Georgia Tech Engineering][7])
4. Purdue University (Motorsports/Automotive Engineering)
Mailing Address:
Purdue University
610 Purdue Mall
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Phone: (765) 494-4600
Website: Purdue Engineering
Description:
Offers a nationally unique Motorsports Engineering undergraduate and graduate programs (ABET-accredited) with coursework in vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, data acquisition, and hands-on design and testing, leveraging proximity to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
5. University of California, Berkeley (Mechanical Engineering)
Mailing Address:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
6141 Etcheverry Hall, Mail Code 1740
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: (510) 642-1338
Website: UC Berkeley Mechanical Engineering
Description:
Top-ranked mechanical engineering department with opportunities to pursue automotive-related projects and electives (controls, dynamics, energy systems) within a broader engineering curriculum.
6. Carnegie Mellon University (Mechanical Engineering / Robotics)
Mailing Address:
Mechanical Engineering Department
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: (412) 268-2500
Website: Carnegie Mellon Mechanical Engineering Department
Description:
Prestigious engineering program with strong emphasis on multidisciplinary mechanical, robotics, and systems research applicable to advanced vehicle technologies, autonomy, and intelligent systems.
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Mechanical Engineering)
Mailing Address:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 253-2201
Website: MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering
Description:
World-class mechanical engineering department with coursework and research in dynamics, controls, energy, materials, and systems design; excellent for students interested in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies.
8. Virginia Tech (Mechanical Engineering)
Mailing Address:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
445 Goodwin Hall, 635 Prices Fork Road – MC 0238
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: (540) 231-9100
Website: Virginia Tech
Description:
Large and research-intensive mechanical engineering program with vehicle dynamics, energy systems, controls, and student competition teams that provide practical experience relevant to automotive engineering.
Career Outlook
Automotive engineers are a subset of mechanical engineers. Specifically, automotive engineering narrows the scope of mechanical engineering to focus on vehicle dynamics, powertrain design, safety components, and electronic systems.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 300,000 individuals employed. As of May 2024, the median salary is $102,320, with a projected growth rate of 9 percent for the decade ahead. That is much faster than the average for all occupations.
See Also — At Long Last, North Carolina Snags a Major Automotive Manufacturing Plant
Photo by Artem Potraz via Pexels.
