Launch your career in the innovative world of automotive engineering

There’s never been a more exciting time for students to study Automotive Engineering. Due to the exponential growth in vehicular goods and technological innovation in the industry, there are many high-opportunity pathways for graduates to take in this domain.

This is evident through the findings of Acumen Research and Consulting’s latest  “Automotive Engineering Services Market Size, Share, Growth, Sales and Forecast, 2019 – 2026” report.

In a release by the company, it was stated that “The global automotive engineering services market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 12.3 percent over the forecast period 2019 to 2026 and reach the market value of over 352 billion by 2026.

“In application, connectivity services are expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. The continuous impact of advance technologies including autonomous vehicle testing, artificial intelligence, and 5G connectivity is boosting the segment growth. “

As such, career outlook for this field is incredibly promising. Graduates who hold a qualification in this field can work in jobs such as Automotive Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Auto Research Engineer, Combustion Engineer and Engine Designer.

According to DakoGroup, “Automotive engineers, also known as mechanical engineers, are projected to grow 9 percent from 2016 to 2026.

“The need for design on the next generation of vehicles such as electric cars and vehicle systems will keep the career in demand. The mean annual salary is around US$76,526 per year. To stay appealing to potential companies, engineering candidates should stay up-to-date with the latest software in the industry.”

Interested in becoming an Automotive Engineer? It would be wise to receive an education that equips you with the latest knowledge in the field, seeing as the industry is growing rapidly and becoming more competitive.

As very few universities offer a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering, you can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering that also offers specialised courses in automotive engineering, or undertake a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering.

Here are four universities in North America that are leading the way when it comes to offering cutting-edge education in Automotive Engineering.

DEPARTMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING – CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Clemson’s program is one of the only dedicated automotive departments in the world. The premiere programme blends intense technical study with the business and leadership skills students need to thrive in the highly competitive automotive sector.

Clemson University

The Master of Science in Automotive Engineering is a two-year programme with four content areas: core courses, technical electives, business courses and internship. Students home in on their career targets by specializing in one of four technical tracks: automated vehicles,  vehicle dynamics, advanced propulsion systems, and advanced manufacturing. Clemson is also home to Deep Orange, a rapid vehicle prototype project engineered and built by students.

The department is located at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), an advanced-technology research campus collaborating on education, research, and economic development for the automotive industry.

Clemson’s holistic, hands-on approach gives its students a unique advantage, ensuring they move seamlessly from their studies into employment. The success rate speaks for itself, with more than 95% of alumni working in the automotive sector for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Students in this programme benefit from hands-on experience, access to advanced experimental facilities, and exposure to real business contacts and projects. As one of the most selective public research universities, Clemson is dedicated to helping students reach their professional and personal goals. They’re ranked #1 for best career services, #7 for happiest students, #7 for best schools for internships, and #8 best alumni network.

The department has also recently launched a new Automotive Engineering Certificate programme for undergraduate students and non-degree seeking industry members who hold a Bachelor of Science degree.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

As one of the best Colleges of Engineering in the US, the University of Michigan (U-M) offers cutting-edge degrees in the field.

The U-M Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering is no exception, standing as an advanced professional degree that focuses on engineering fundamentals and practice and knowledge on the latest industry advances.

The programme offers courses on state-of-the-art engineering systems, taught by U-M faculty who are international subject experts. These include courses in Energy Generation and Storage using Modern Materials, Advanced Energy Solutions, Ecological Sustainability in Design and Manufacturing, Modeling, Analysis, and Control of Electric Hybrid Vehicles, and Fuel Cells and Fuel Processor.

Students also benefit from the Capstone Project, where they have the chance to interact closely with the faculty, other team members, and industrial leaders.

There’s also the innovative Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering course, preparing students to work and lead virtually and collaboratively in global settings.

Both programmes are flexible, where students can take classes both on-campus or online. In fact, a significant number of students complete these degrees entirely online.

IRA A. FULTON SCHOOLS OF ENGINEERING – ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Engineering (Automotive Systems), an ABET-accredited programme that prepare graduates for collaboration across disciplines, teaching them to design and build solutions to real-world problems in the industry.

In the programme, students will learn how to apply fundamental engineering knowledge and design thinking to real projects.

The Automotive Systems concentration allow students to build a broad engineering foundation, further developing skills and knowledge necessary for vehicle design and testing.

The curriculum focuses on automotive engineering fundamentals, such as powertrain engineering and chassis system design.

Students also get the opportunity to work on hands-on projects where they can design, analyse, and build actual automotive systems.

Upon graduation, they become well-positioned as leaders in automotive engineering settings, especially automotive testing and hybrid propulsion systems.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE – ONTARIO TECH UNIVERSITY

The only accredited programme of its kind in Canada, the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Automotive Engineering prepares engineers for the advancements in the automotive sector by accelerating research and the development of alternative technologies, such as electric and fuel-cell driven vehicles.

Students in this programme gain access to innovative labs such as ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel, Clean Energy Research Laboratory (CERL), Energy Systems and Nuclear Science Research Centre (ERC), and Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE) laboratories.

Courses offered through the programme include Advanced Solid Mechanics and Stress Analysis, Automotive Structural Design, Manufacturing and Production Processes, Powertrain Design, Quality Control, and Vehicle Dynamics and Control.

Students looking to receive management and business skills also have the option to pursue the five-year Bachelor of Engineering and Management (Honours) programme.

Due to the university’s proximity to some of the largest automotive and manufacturing companies in Canada, there are also many opportunities for work placements through optional internship and co-op placements where they gain hands-on experience.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International

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