We have compiled the schools with automotive engineering departments in the world
Movies make the world look so wonderful, don’t they? Especially when it comes to movies featuring fast cars. The attractiveness of the actors and actresses doesn’t hurt anything, of course, but the vehicles themselves offer a lot of sex appeal in these movies.
There’s the entire Fast and Furious franchise, Need for Speed, Talladega Nights, the animated Cars movie, Taxi, Rush, Baby Driver and more. We shoot and watch these movies until 1958, when Thunder Road was released.
Even today we still love fast cars and the history of how we got to the sweet models we have today. But much remains to be done to design, build and maintain vehicles both on the race track and on the road. If you want to be one of those people who focuses your time and expertise on passenger cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, SUVs, and even racing vehicles, we have a list of organizations for you!
Automotive degree types
There are a variety of degrees, certificates, and diplomas you can earn depending on what you want to do. Most certificates and diplomas will get you a job in a department store, while degrees lasting four years or longer will lead to managerial or more senior roles, including design and research.
Automotive Engineering degrees are less common than other types of degrees, but there are a variety of institutions that provide the education and hands-on learning necessary for a career in the automotive field. The most common four-year degree you’ll see is a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology, but many colleges and universities will also offer a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, possibly with concentrations or minors in automotive fields or subjects. If this sounds interesting to you, one of the first things you want to do is decide if you want to work solely on tools.
A quick overview of the different degree focuses:
Automobile/Automotive Engineering is entirely focused on the design, manufacturing and operation of motorcycles, cars and trucks.
Mechanical Engineering will branch into any mechanical system, making it the broadest degree available in engineering. Although it will cover some vehicle-related features, it will also overlap with aerospace, metallurgy, construction, electricity, chemistry, manufacturing, industry and even biomedical engineering.
Difference Between Automotive Engineer and Auto Mechanic
Both are needed in the automotive world, but they come in handy at different stages of the game. Automotive Engineers handle this aspect of the automotive world when it comes to vehicle design, updating existing features, research and development. Once a vehicle is used by consumers, it is Auto Mechanic’s turn to oversee repairs and maintenance at stores, dealerships, and auto parts stores.
Best colleges for automotive engineering and mechanics programs
Now that we’ve laid the foundations, we can move on to this list. The following institutions are arranged by acceptance rate. You can also use Cappex to see where you stand among other applicants or to find out how likely you are to be accepted at each of these institutions.
Montana State University-North
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Receiving training from master ASE-certified technicians, students enrolled at Montana State University Northern can participate in the Automotive Technology program for a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, an associate’s degree, and a related minor. The university also offers industry-supported technician training for Ford, Subaru, and Maintenance and Light Repair.
On the other hand, MSU-Northern offers an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree.
Weber State University
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Weber State University’s Department of Automotive Technology offers a variety of degrees and certifications to choose from, including bachelor’s degrees in Field Service Operations and Advanced Vehicle Systems. Students can also choose one of the Independent Shop ATEP or Associate’s degrees in Heavy Duty Trucks.
Weber also offers two certifications, one in Automotive Service Technology and the other in Industrial Hybrids.
Utah Valley University
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Offering courses in Automotive Technology, Collision Mechanics, Street Rod, and Power Sports, Utah Valley University’s Department of Transportation Technology offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in every field.
To fund scholarships for UVU Transportation Technologies students, UVU is hosting an Auto Show.
Northwest Ohio University
Acceptance Rate: Not available
At Northwestern Ohio University, students have a variety of options to choose from in the College of Applied Sciences and College of Professional Professions. UNOH offers diplomas, associates, and bachelor’s degrees in Automotive Technology, with courses all taught by ASE and Master ASE certified instructors.
Students may also choose to study Automotive Management and High Performance Automotive Technology.
Idaho State University
Acceptance Rate: 99%
For technicians, Idaho State University offers a variety of programs in the College of Science and Engineering. The Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology and the Advanced Technical Certificate in Automotive Technology are just the beginning; students may also earn an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Collision Repair and Repair, as well as three certification options.
Pittsburg State University
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Pittsburg State University’s Department of Technology offers a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology within the Kansas Technology Center. Majors may also choose an Emphasis in Automotive Mechanical Design to “go deeper into the study of automobiles, from bumper to bumper.” PSU has 32,000 square feet of automotive laboratory space, as well as 40 donated cars and all the tools they need. The school also offers traditional Engineering degrees within the Department of Technology.
Students can participate in the Annual Auto Show hosted by the local chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the SAE Baja course that competes with schools around the world, and SkillsUSA.
University of Central Missouri
Acceptance Rate: 86%
The University of Central Missouri offers a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology Management (ATM) focusing on three areas: Automotive Technology (obviously), Design Technology, and Service Management. They also offer the Advanced Vehicle Systems Certificate and an Automotive Technology minor.
Students in the program spend several hours a week in laboratory environments and working on UCM-owned tools.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI offers a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports and is the first university in the United States to offer such a degree. Blending the engineering curriculum with vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, data collection and more, students are ready and eager to join the racing industry.
To make their mothers happy, students can also choose to pursue a dual degree in Motorsports and Mechanical Engineering for 26 extra credit hours.
University of Texas at Arlington
Acceptance Rate: 80%
At the University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree focuses on car, autonomous vehicle and robot design. Students can use the Co-op/Internship Office to gain practical work experience, apply to work in faculty labs, or join the UTA Racing Formula SAE team!
Students can validate their commitment to automotive through the Automotive Engineering Certificate offered through the Arnold E. Petsche Center for Automotive Engineering.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Acceptance Rate: 80%
No matter where you want to go in the automotive industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology has a degree that will interest you. They offer three Bachelor of Science programs: Automotive Technology Management (on-campus and online); Automotive Service, Sales and Marketing; and in Automotive Technology. They also offer an online option for candidates who have an associate’s degree from a university or college.
Within the Automotive Technology degree, Pennsylvania College of Technology offers three separate majors for Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, and MOPAR CAP through partnerships with each company.
During their time at Pennsylvania College of Technology, students can earn up to 8 industry certifications, including the ASE certification. The school also offers a certificate to become an Automotive Service Technician and a credential to become an Aftermarket Performance Specialist.
Ferris State University
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Ferris State University offers a number of automotive-focused programs, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) and a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management (AMGT), the latter of which can also be taken as a minor. .
For two bachelor’s degrees, students will gain hands-on laboratory experience in metallurgy, mechanical testing, vehicle emissions and dynamometer testing, as well as on-the-job internships.
FSU also has two automotive certification programs, one in motorsports and the other in machinery.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Using a combination of theory and practical hands-on applications, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. SIU-Carbondale has a fleet of 90 state-of-the-art training vehicles and a state-of-the-art Transportation Training Center.
Outside of class, students can participate in the Automotive Technology Organization, the Women in Automotive Transportation Technology (WATT) group, and the Off-Road Club, the last of which received a Jeep Cherokee as a donation project vehicle.
Kettering University
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Kettering University offers Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering in a variety of concentrations, including Automotive Engineering Design, Mechanical Design, and Advanced Materials and Alternative Energy.
Kettering is also home to numerous laboratories where students can gain hands-on experience, including the Advanced Engine Research Laboratory, the Crash Safety Center, and the Energy Systems Laboratory. The co-op program also means students graduate with up to two and a half years of experience.
Brigham-Young University-Idaho
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Brigham-Young University in Idaho offers three Bachelor’s degrees through its Automotive Technology Program: Automotive Engineering Technology, Advanced Vehicle Systems, and Automotive Technology Management. This ASE-certified program allows students to spend considerable time in laboratories and testing classes to gain hands-on experience.
Students can join the SAE Supermileage Team, which competes in the SAE Supermileage competition held annually in Marshall, Michigan. Although BUY-Idaho does not offer an automotive concentration for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, this subject can be focused on through a minor in Automotive Technology.
University of Walla Walla
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Walla Walla University is one of 15 schools in the nation offering a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology or Automotive Management. Students can gain hands-on (PAID) experience at University Auto, an on-campus repair shop, and unlimited access to the automotive laboratory and equipment.
On the other hand, Walla Walla also offers an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree that includes “Depth Electives” such as Alternative Energy Systems, Production Systems, and Optimization, though without an automotive concentration.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Acceptance Rate: 62%
The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) Program at Minnesota State University at Mankato is designed to prepare students for careers in product research, design and development, manufacturing, and technical sales in original and aftermarket equipment.
Outside of class, students can participate in the MSU Drag Racing Team and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
McPherson College
Acceptance Rate: 57%
McPherson College operates a unique automotive program; in fact, it is the only one of its kind in the country. Focusing on automotive restoration, their programs emphasize Historic Automotive Technology, Automotive Restoration Management, Automotive Communications, Automotive Restoration Design, and Automotive Restoration Technology. Talk about career goals.
With a 33,000-square-foot facility in Templeton Hall, students have access to specialized industry-specific equipment and tools. They even have an ambitious goal: MC will compete to win at Pebble Beach Automotive Week by 2023!
Southern Adventist University
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Southern Adventist University may provide its students with a distinct advantage for students considering becoming automotive mechanics. SAU has a full-service auto shop that repairs cars for the community. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to take the ASE exam and receive industry-wide certification.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Acceptance Rate: 27%
The University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering program is ABET accredited. Bachelor’s degrees are a broad study in mechanical engineering but include courses necessary for knowledge in the automotive industry. The university also does extensive research on automotive and has a number of design teams involved.
Wondering if an automotive degree is right for you?
Now that you know all about automotive engineering degrees, you may be wondering if it’s right for you. One of the easiest ways to find out is to take our college major test. It’s always free, and students tell us it’s helpful for narrowing down their options.
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