Best Automotive Engineering Universities in USA: Automotive Engineering courses train students to develop and test the components of vehicles and other vehicles. The graduates of this program will have a broad variety of automotive abilities in mechanical engineering and chassis design, as well as future mobility concepts as well as management skills in an international context.
It is no doubt that the current world is focused on automotive engineering, which is one of the major discoveries in this area. Without delve into fact-checks and statistics, we can be sure that automobile engineering is one of the most sought-after sectors.
But, most universities provide automotive engineering in a concentration in a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. In the US there are a few schools that offer a specialization for Automotive Engineering.
Automotive Engineering in the United States includes specializations and major programs for master’s and bachelor’s degrees, to postgraduate diplomas and research degrees. Certain institutions also offer certificate-level short-term courses. However, they’ve been focusing on a particular part of the overall course.
Students who graduate from Engineering in Automotive can find employment in the automotive industry as design engineers, manufacturing engineers engineers, research engineers testing engineers and more. The median salary for an engineer working in automobiles within the United States is about $80,000 annually.
Top Universities in the USA for Automotive Engineering: Global Ranking
There are a few universities that offer degrees in automotive engineering. The USA is the only country that has the most highly ranked universities.
Here is a list of the top institutions within the United States by Edurank based on research quality on Automotive Engineering.
| Universities | Location |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | Michigan |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Wisconsin |
| Ohio State University | Ohio |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | Texas |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Virginia |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia |
| Purdue University | Indiana |
| Wayne State University | Michigan |
| Pennsylvania State University | Pennsylvania |
| Clemson University | South Carolina |
Other top universities in this area:
Top Automotive Engineering Universities in the USA
University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley is highly regarded as a pioneer in automotive engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable transportation technology. The University’s College of Engineering offers specialized courses in electric vehicles and green technology. Berkeley’s research programs, such as Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center. Berkeley Transportation Sustainability Research Center help in the reduction of vehicle emissions as well as improving efficiency of energy.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University stands out due to its extensive research into automotive and close connections to industry top executives. This university’s Automotive Engineering program includes facilities like Texas A&M Transportation Institute. Texas A&M Transportation Institute, which is focused on developing new technologies and improving car safety. The emphasis of Texas A&M on gaining practical knowledge through industrial partnerships gives students with valuable exposure in the real world.
Purdue University
Purdue University offers a robust automotive engineering program that has an emphasis on the development of technology and innovation. It is renowned for its research and development in the areas of vehicle propulsion, dynamics as well as materials sciences. The Purdue Center for Advanced Manufacturing provides students with hands-on experiences in engineering and manufacturing for automobiles.
University of Michigan
It is the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is a renowned university in automotive engineering. It is known for its extensive programme and capabilities in research. Its proximity to the major automotive firms located in Detroit gives students more chances to work in internships and collaborate on projects. The University’s Mobility Transformation Center (MTC) is focused on the latest developments in the field of transportation and autonomous vehicles, which makes it an ideal location for the most cutting-edge research.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Tech is recognized for its innovative automotive engineering program that focuses on new technologies such as electric propulsion and autonomous vehicles. The school’s Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines (IRIM) is an innovator in research on the automation of robotics within automotive technology. Georgia Tech’s strong ties to industry and research facilities give students an extensive education.
Essential Skills for Automotive Engineers
Technical Expertise
A thorough understanding of electrical, mechanical and software engineering concepts is essential in the automotive engineering field. This technical knowledge allows engineers to tackle difficult engineering issues.
Problem-Solving Skills
Automotive engineers must be skilled in tackling complex issues and generating innovative solutions and overcome technical barriers.
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in collaborating with teams, sharing concepts, and communicating important technical information to all parties.
Analytical Skills
A strong analytical skill is essential to interpret information, assessing performance, and making informed engineering choices.
Innovation
Innovation and the willingness to investigate new methods and technologies are vital to driving forward and innovation in the field of automotive engineering.
Master of Automotive Engineering in the USA Cost of tuition
A little universities within the USA offer undergraduate degrees that focus on automotive engineering. It’s usually offered as the Master of Science in engineering. It is specialized on automotive engineering.
The bachelor’s degree in engineering for automotive generally last for four years full-time. The tuition cost for this program varies from $3000 to $4000 across the US.
Key Factors in Choosing an Automotive Engineering Program
Research Opportunities
When choosing an automotive engineering degree take into consideration the research opportunities you can avail. Institutions that have strong research facilities and ongoing research projects in automotive technology give students with hands-on experiences as well as access to the latest developments in the area.
Industry Connections
Review the program’s links to the automotive industry. This includes opportunities for internships, partnerships and collaborations with renowned firms. These connections will enhance your the prospects for career advancement and offer practical knowledge.
Faculty Expertise
The knowledge and experience of the faculty members are essential. You should look for programs where faculty members make significant contributions to the field of automotive engineering and also offer opportunities to mentorship and collaboration in research projects.
Facilities and Resources
Check the availability of specialist infrastructure and tools, like workshops, labs or simulation software. Facilities that are well-equipped allow students to develop their abilities and tackle complex projects.
Program Specializations
You should consider programs that have specificizations that align with your career passions, such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles as well as materials science. Specializations can give you a specific understanding and skills that will help you achieve your goals in the workplace.
Bachelor in Automotive Engineering US Cost and Duration:
| Universities/Colleges | Courses | Tuition fees per annum | Duration/Credits |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | A Bachelor’s degree is awarded in Interdisciplinary engineering with a focus in Automotive Engineering | $40,896 | 4. (128 credits hours) |
| Ohio State University | BS of Mechanical Engineering with a major in Advanced Automotive Systems | $37,947 | 4. (130 credits hours) |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Automotive Major | $30,867 | 4 years old |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering-Automotive | $31,370 | 129 credit hours |
| Pennsylvania State University | B.S Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with a Technical Specification in Vehicle Engineering | $37,946 | 4 years old |
Bachelors in Automotive Engineering in the USA: Documents Checklist and Entry Requirements
Document checklist
- Application fees
- Academic documents from the high school diplomas as well as the class of 10 (this includes transcripts of official quality, provisional certificates and personality certificates)
- English test score
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- A Letter of Recommendation (if you are asked for it)
- Passport
- CV
- Proof of Scholarships, if any
- Scores of ACT/SAT (if you are asked)
Academic Requirement:
- The completion of 12 years of formal education or a similar level
English Language Requirement:
- IELTS: A IELTS band score of 6.0
- TOEFL: A score of 80.
- DOLINGO Minimum score of 95
Masters in Automotive Engineering US Cost and Duration:
| Universities/Colleges | Courses | Tuition fees per annum | Duration/Credits |
| University of Michigan – Ann Arbor | Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Automotive Engineering | $25,530 | 1-year full-time, and 2.5 months full-time or part-time (30 credits) |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | M.S in Mechanical Engineering: Automotive Engineering | $25,504 | 12 months |
| Ohio State University | M.S. of Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Automotive Mobility and Systems Master | $42,253 | 30 Credits |
| Purdue University | Master’s Degree in Engineering, with an emphasis in Integrated Vehicle System Engineering | $43,770 (Total Course Fee)($1459 per credit) | 30 Credits |
| Wayne State University | Electric-drive Vehicle Engineering (M.S.) | $49,209 (Total Course Fee)($1,640.32 per credit) | 30 Credits |
| Clemson University | Automotive Engineering (M.S.) | $31,620($15,810*2) | 33 Credits |
Masters of Automotive Engineering in the USA: Tuition Fees
The Master in Automotive Engineering is offered in the USA as an Master of Science or Master of Engineering. The length of the program is usually one to two years of full-time study, and the non-resident tuition fees range between $25,000 and $49,000 per year.
Masters in Automotive Engineering in the USA: Documents Checklist and Entry Requirements
Document checklist
- Academic documents from high school diplomas as well as the class of 10, (this comprises official transcripts as well as character and provisional certificates)
- English test score
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- A Letter of Recommendation (if you are asked for it)
- Passport
- CV
- Proof of Scholarships if any
- GRE Scores (if requested)
Academic Requirement:
- The Bachelor’s degree degree in mechanical engineering or engineering, physical, natural science or a closely related subject from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA for undergraduates of 3.0
- Most universities require a GRE score
Alongside academic credentials Certain universities also require full-time work experience in a related field.
English Language Requirement:
- IELTS: A Band score that is at minimum 6.5
- TOEFL: A score of between 80 and 90.
- The Minimum score must be 105
Career Paths for Automotive Engineering Graduates
Automotive Design Engineer
Automotive design engineers concentrate on developing and refining vehicle models, which include their aesthetics, functional and performance attributes. The job requires working in close collaboration with design teams in order to create creative and practical solutions for vehicles.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers focus on enhancing manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and quality in automobile manufacturing. They are involved in the development and implementing manufacturing processes and processes.
Research and Development Engineer
R&D engineers are in the forefront of developing new technologies for automobiles and making improvements to existing ones. They carry out experiments to analyze data and are a key contributor to advances in car systems and components.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality assurance engineers make sure that automobile products are in compliance with strict quality and safety standards. They are accountable for the testing, inspection and validating the performance of vehicle components and systems.
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers are focused on the integration and management of complex systems for vehicles, making sure that the various components function seamlessly. They deal with issues related to performance and functionality of the system.
PhD in Automotive Engineering in the USA: Documents Checklist and Entry Requirements
Document checklist
- Application fees
- Academic documents from high school diplomas or the class of 10- (this comprises official transcripts as well as proviso and character certificates)
- English test score
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Note of Recommendation (if requested)
- Passport
- CV
- Proof of Scholarships if any
- GRE Scores (if required)
Academic Requirement:
- An undergraduate degree degree in mechanical engineering, engineering, physical, natural science or another related subject from an accredited college or university an average GPA of 3.0 to 3.2 on the 4.0 scale
- A master’s degree in the same field
- Most universities require a GRE score
Alongside academic qualifications certain universities require full-time employment in a similar area.
English Language Requirement:
- A score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 for each of the bands
- A TOEFL score between 90 and 100 in total with at minimum 20 marks in each section.
- A DET (Duolingo English test) score of 120
Additional Qualifications and Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) License
Achieving the PE license can be advantageous in the advancement of your career, especially for roles that require the management of projects and leadership.
Certified Automotive Engineer (CAE)
The CAE certificate can improve job prospects and show the expertise of an engineer in automotive engineering.
Project Management Certification
Project management certifications can be beneficial in managing large projects as well as engineering teams efficiently.
Industry-Specific Training
Training in other areas such as autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles or advanced manufacturing may give you an edge on jobs.
PhD in Automotive Engineering in the USA: Tuition Fees
There are very small number of universities across the USA offer a doctoral degree that focuses on automotive engineering. The length of the doctoral program typically ranges from between 2 and 4 years. The tuition cost for a doctoral degree is between $30,000 and $42,000 annually.
PhD in Automotive Engineering US Cost and Duration:
| Universities/ Colleges | Courses | Tuition fees per annum | Duration |
| Ohio State University | Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Automotive Systems and Mobility Master | $42,253 | 50 Credit hours |
| Clemson University | Automotive Engineering PhD. | $31,620($15,810*2) | 30 Credit hours |
Top Automotive Engineering Universities in the USA: Scholarships
A variety of scholarships are available for international students at US institutions to submit applications for. There are departmental scholarships available in addition to university scholarship. There are also many external scholarships to choose from.
The table below provides a list of the scholarships that are funded by the universities at different universities:
| University | Scholarships | Amount |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison | Albert A. Ebling Memorial Scholarship (FISC) | N/A |
| Ohio State University | Maximus, Provost and Trustees Scholarship | $1,000-$3,000 ($4,000-$12,000 four-year value) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Provost Scholarship | Up to 8 semesters in the amount of the tuition costs for non-residents |
| Illinois Institute of Technology | Merit Scholarships | Beginning at $10,000 per year |
| University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign | Stamps Scholarship | In excess of the cost of attendance |
Top Automotive Engineering Universities in the USA: Scope and Job Opportunities
In addition to the improvement in emissions standards and CAFE the potential for degree programs in automotive engineering is quite high in all areas-powertrain and vehicle dynamics, design manufacturing, electronics, and more.
Additionally, there are many well-known and top-rated automobile manufacturing firms are located in the USA include GMC, Tesla Inc, Ford Motor, and Toyota. Thus, students, upon having completed their Bachelor’s or Master’s with a degree in Automotive Engineering in the US will be able to see employment opportunities more clearly.
The table below shows typical careers that follow the completion of a master’s degree from Automotive Engineering across the USA.
| Job Title | Range | Average |
| Mechanical Engineer | $65,000 – $124,000 | $87,812 |
| Project Engineer | $52,000 – $83,000 | $66,665 |
| Control Systems Engineer | $69,000 – $120,000 | $90,600 |
| Design Engineer | $59,000 – $103,000 | $75,235 |
| Test Engineer | $71,000 – $129,000 | $94,612 |
| Powertrain Control Systems & Software Engineer | $71,000 – $104,000 | $86,359 |
| Service Engineer | $66,000 – $119,000 | $89,164 |
| Senior Technical Consultant | $62,000 – $118,000 | $86,766 |
