10 Best Automotive Engineering Colleges in the World [Top Schools]

Here is the list of best Automotive Engineering degree programs and Colleges in the world, and what we term the top schools for automotive Engineering degrees in the world. 

In addition, you will be learning a bit about who an automotive engineer is. With the increase in the demand for automobile engineers, many people now want to become automotive engineers

However, most of them are usually indecisive about which automotive school to attend. If you are like this, then you are definitely in the right place.

 Here, we will give you basic information on automotive engineering degree programs and the best schools in the world to earn them.

The field of automotive engineering is relatively new, having only been in existence for 100 years.

The way that the automobile’s engine and the highway was brought together make various global culture popular

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Following the rapid technological advances in the automotive industry, the field looks very different from what it was 20 or 30 years ago.

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What Is Automotive Engineering?

Automotive engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering. It is also a branch of vehicle engineering just like aerospace engineering and naval architecture.

This has to do with a different types of design, manufacture, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems.

The automotive engineering field covers the production, development, and manufacturing of automobiles by incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineering.

Who Is An Automotive Engineer?

An automotive engineer is an individual who creates the system and mechanism of cars.

They are professional who makes sure that automotive design and system conform to the budget quality and cost specification

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What Are The Qualities Of An Automotive Engineers?

  • Engineerity
  • Communication skills
  • Mechanical skills
  • Mathematical skills
  • Problem-solving skills

What Does An Automotive Engineer Do?

Irrespective of the basic responsibility of developing passengers cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, or off-road vehicles, an automotive engineer also perform other duties

Other responsibilities of the automotive engineer can coveperformsf the following:

  • Research, design, development, and production of vehicles and components.
  • Preparation of cost estimates and design specifications.
  • Prepare plans and drawings.
  • Analysis of energy, environmental and, safety aspects of the proposed project.
  • Predict vehicle or component behavior under different conditions using computer models.
  • Development of test procedures.
  • Investigate product failures.
  • Analysis, interpretation, and condensation of technical data in reports or presentations.
  • Supervise the technical staff.
  • Work closely with other types of engineers, such as civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical and industrial.
  • Work with professionals from other professional fields, such, as marketing and legal.

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How Can I Become An Automotive Engineer?

 For an individual to become an automotive engineer, you have to follow the steps below:

  • Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program
  • Participate in an Internship
  • Look for Employment Opportunities
  • Participate in Continuing Education Opportunities
  • Become Licensed
  • Consider a Master’s Degree

Enroll in a bachelor’s Degree Program

Presently, the universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering are not much.

However, as an aspiring automotive engineer, you earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from a school that has a concentration in automotive engineering.

Participate in an Internship

Mostly, an automotive engineering internship gives students experience in the field.

It also provides an opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to professional situations.

Internships are usually offered by automotive suppliers or manufacturers and sometimes come with opportunities for students to specialize in a specific area.

These specializations include but are not limited to robotics, simulation software, and infrastructure.

Look For Employment Opportunities

The profession of an automotive engineer can function in all aspects of an automobile’s design and performance.

For example, most automotive engineers are known for designing prototype cars.

In addition to that, some automotive engineers may be responsible for improving fuel system performance or discovering more cheap materials to use.

Routine duties may include using computer-driven design programs to review projects and test features.

There are different continuing education systems for automotive engineers such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) offers.

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Participate in Continuing Education Opportunities

Continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field. They are available both online and in a classroom.

Generally, most continuing education opportunities cover many areas in the automotive engineering field such as:

  • Bodies and structures
  • Fuels and energy sources
  • Vehicles and performance and safety

Become a licensed  

If you really want nce in your career as an automotive engineer, then, you should consider becoming professionally licensed.

Basically, getting a license sets one apart from unlicensed engineers. It allows you to bid for government contracts, carry out consulting services and also provide services to the public.

Notwithstanding, most states set their own requirements, the path to getting licensure is a bit different. Typically, it involves the following:

  • Graduating from an ABET-accredited program
  • Passing two exams administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
  • As well as gaining the appropriate amount of work experience.

Consider a Master’s Degree

Unlike the bachelor’s degree, many universities offer master’s degrees in automotive engineering.

Earning a master’s degree in automotive engineering provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field.

However, it is not required to work in the field as one can start a career with a bachelor’s degree.

Notwithstanding, students learn about innovative designs and systems in a master’s degree program.

In addition, the program provides them with research opportunities and can also, lead to career advancement.

What Are Educational Requirement For Automotive Engineering?

Presently, the entry requirement for a career in automotive engineering is a bachelor’s degree. However, to advance or get an edge over others, you can earn a master’s degree.

Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering

As said earlier, most schools do not offer a bachelor’s degree program in automotive engineering.

Very many numbers of automotive students apply for a mechanical engineering program with an automotive concentration

Typical coursework in a bachelor in automotive engineering program will cover:

  • Automobile dynamics
  • Automotive electronics
  • Fuel cell systems
  • Powertrain dynamics
  • Engine parts
  • Diesel engine theory
  • Alternative energy sources

Basically, a bachelor’s dAegree program in automotive engineering can be completed in 4 years.

Also, during the last semester, most programs cover senior design projects and internships in automotive work experience.

These programs, in turn, contribute to securing a full-time position shortly after graduation.

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

Students who study a master’s degree program in automotive engineering have the opportunity to concentrate on a particular aspect of automotive engineering

Common specialization tracks include manufacturing processes, electrical and computer systems, mechanical systems, and materials science.

Typical master’s degrees in automotive engineering include:

  • Design and manufacturing
  • Energy and environment
  • Materials
  • Noise and vibration
  • Electronics and computer software
  • Ergonomics
  • Powertrain
  • Dynamics and Control

It takes about two years to complete a master’s degree in an automotive engineering program.

In addition, students must present a final project or thesis paper to complete the degree.

Why Do I Need To Attend Automotive Engineering School?

Mostly, engineering students must choose a college or university recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

The reason is that when evaluating an applicant for an automotive engineer position, some employers consider the reputation of the engineering school that the student attended more than any other factor.

How Much Does It Cost To Earn An Automotive Engineering Degree?

Answer to CollegeCalc, the average annual out-of-state cost for a bachelor program in Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician is $31,798.

In other words, an estimated average of the four s to complete the program will cost a total amount of $127,192.

What is the Best Automotive Engineering School? 

When pondering on the best automotive engineering school to attend we consider so many things as they are listed below

  • Accreditation
  • Number of programs
  • Acceptance Rate

Accreditation

This shows whether the program is approved by the right accrediting body. It also lets the student know if they can pursue the program in the school or not.

Number of programs

Here the student gets to know the number of degree programs the school offers.

Acceptance rate

The acceptance rate of the school shows the student how competitive the school is in terms of admission.

The higher the acceptance rate, the higher the student’s chance of getting admitted. However, the lower the acceptance rate, the lower the chances of getting admitted.

A very good example of this is that MIT has a low acceptance rate because of its global ranking.

What Do Automotive Engineers Earn?

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According to Glassdoor, an automotive engineer earns a national average salary of $76,430 On the other hand, PayScale reports that the average salary for an Automotive Engineer is $76,513.

Also from PayScale, below are the popular employers of automotive engineers and their pay:

  • Ford Motor Company – $91k
  • General Motors Corporation – $85k
  • FCA Corp – $77k
  • Chrysler Group LLC. – $88k

List of the 10 Best Automotive Engineering Colleges in the World

In no particular order, here is a list of the ten (10) best schools where you can earn a degree in automotive engineering in the world:

  • Austin Peay State University
  • Indiana State University
  • The University of Michigan
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • Ferris State University
  • Brigham Young University Idaho
  • University of South Wales
  • University of Tennessee
  • Bharath University (Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research)
  • Tsinghua University

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Austin peay state university

Clarksville, TN, US

Accreditation: Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Number of Programs: 2

Acceptance Rate Rate: 89%

Austin Peay State University offers both associates in applied sciences (AAS) and Bachelor in Science (B.Sc.) in automotive engineering technology.

Knowledge of the automotive program equips graduates for work in automotive service including the design and manufacturing of automotive components and system

Furthermore, the bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering program has a total of 123 credit hours and 7 full-time faculty.

School website

Indiana state university

Terre Haute, IN, US

Accreditation

  • Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
  • Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

Number of programs: 1

Acceptance rate: 89%

Founded in 1865, Indiana State University is one of the best schools for automotive engineering.

The B.SC in automotive engineering technology program is basically concerned with all areas of the automotive and wheeled transportation industries.

In addition, it combines the needed experiences from theory, laboratory, and practical’s to help students pursue a career in the automotive field or related industries.

School website

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Accreditation: ABET

Number of programs: 1

Acceptance rate: 29%

Formed in 1817, the University of Michigan is one of the best schools where you can study automotive engineering.

With a focus on current development in engineering fundamentals and practice. 

This degree prepares students to be innovators who can address global problems in this technologically dynamic and compelling field.

The Master of Engineering (MEng) in Automotive Engineering consists of 30 credit hours and can be completed in 1-2 years on a full-time basis. However, it can be completed in 2.5-5 years on a part-time basis.

school website

Ferris state university

Big Rapids, MI, US

Accreditation: ABET

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 68%

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, Ferris University is one of the top accredited schools for automotive engineering.

Basically, the Ferris State University’s Bachelor’s in automotive engineering program prepares students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to develop, manufacture, and test self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems.

This process is however carried out with the help of other engineers and professionals in the team.

Official school site:

Minnesota state university, Mankato

Mankato, MN, US

Accreditation: ABET

Number of programs: 2

Acceptance rate: 62%

Previously known as Mankato State University, Minnesota State University is one of the best accredited automotive engineering schools in the world.

Founded in 1868, the school offers both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in automotive engineering technology.

With a total of 128 credits, the BSC in automotive technology teaches students the design, development, testing, application, modification, and maintenance of vehicles and their components for use in transportation systems.

On the other hand, the MS Automotive Engineering Technology degree program prepares graduates for careers in product research, design, and development.

In addition, they are trained for manufacturing in the original automobiles and also, aftermarket industries.

School website:

Brigham young university Idaho

Rexburg, ID, United States

Accreditation: ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Established in 1888, Brigham Young University Idaho is one of the best schools to earn automotive engineering.

The institution bachelors degree in Automotive Engineering Technology integrates automotive and engineering course works to prepare their students for careers like service engineers, test engineers even engineering technicians

school website:

University of south wales

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Accreditation: IET for Chartered Engineer

Number of Programs: 2

Acceptance Rate:

Formed on 11 April 2013, the University of South Wales is one of the best schools to study an automotive engineering program.

It provides both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in automotive engineering.

Automotive degree programs equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in the recent automotive industry, with a focus on autonomous vehicle technology.

Official school site:

University of Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee

Accreditation: ABET

Number of Programs: 1

Exam Success Rate: 77%

Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is one of the best schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with an automotive engineering concentration.

Basically, the mechanical engineering program covers the design, analysis, testing, and manufacture of mechanical and thermal systems.

Furthermore, it consists of a total of 128 credit hours and takes about four years to complete.

School website:

Bharath University (Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research)

Tamilnadu, India

Accreditation: ABET

Number of Programs: 2

Acceptance Rate:

The Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research (BIHER) is one of the best schools to get an automotive engineering degree.

It offers B.Engr. degrees in automobile engineering as well as a B.Engr. in the field of Mechanical engineering that focuses on automotive engineering.

Established in 2003, the automotive engineering program covers the entire process of vehicle development from the design stage to the manufacture, maintenance, and service of automobiles.

Official site:

Tsinghua University: China

Accreditation: ABET

Number of Programs: 1

Acceptance Rate:

With its establishment in 1911, Tsinghua University is one of the best schools that offer automotive engineering programs.

The school offers a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical engineering with a focus on automotive engineering.

The department of automotive engineering uses a student-oriented education method to meet the great demand of the automobile industry and deal with the social problems caused by automobiles.

In this department, there is a provision of quality courses and create a very good academic atmosphere to train students for the automobile industry

School website

People Also Ask About Automotive Engineering

 

Which country is best for Automotive Engineering?

Answer: Based on the studee’s highlight, the United States, Australia, Lithuania, Canada and the United Kingdom leads in the best nations with automotive engineering investment and practice.

However, this does not imply that other countries do not offer automotive engineering degree because in Nigeria, you could see functional automobile plants that are gradually metamorphosing into institutions.

What college has the best Automotive Engineering program?

Answer: In the cappex’s list of best colleges for Automotive Engineering, we have Montana State University-Northern, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, University of Northwestern Ohio, Idaho State University took lead with a legion of other institutions.

As a prospective student or sponsor, the need on your own end is to study a handful of other factors such as country, tuition, and opportunities after the four walls of the institution.

The important matrix will further help you make more informed decision as you go about choosing from the best Automotive Engineering degree programs and Colleges in the world.

Which country pays highest salary for automotive engineer?

In the midst of UK, Canada, Germany and the United States, Germany takes the lead as the country that pays highest salary for automotive engineers.

Conclusion:

As the automobile world continues to grow rapidly and advance in technology, there is a need for more automotive engineers.

Nevertheless, these engineers need to attend ABET-accredited universities and also become licensed in order to advance in their careers.

I hope the schools and guidelines provided above will help you in your decision-making and career-making.

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