Top 10 Automobile Engineering Schools in the USA
As of 2024, the top automobile engineering schools in the USA might see some changes, but many of the institutions are likely to remain among the top contenders. However, specific rankings and “best” automobile engineering schools can vary based on various factors such as research output, faculty expertise, industry partnerships, and student opportunities.
Automobile/Automotive Engineering is one of the most technologically fascinating and compelling speciality areas. It requires expertise in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Automotive engineering schools are typically 4-year bachelor’s degree programs. They usually offer an automotive or mechanical engineering major that allows you to specialise in automotive studies.
Below is a list of top Automobile Engineering colleges in the USA based on their historical prominence and ongoing developments:
Top automobile engineering colleges in the US
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Renowned for its engineering programs, MIT often leads in automotive engineering research and education. , MIT is an excellent fit for research-focused students who want to design innovative technologies. Several engineering students’ senior capstone projects pave the way to launching startup companies. Further, students interested in reducing the climate impact of automobiles will develop invaluable skills by working with MIT’s Sloan Automotive Laboratory faculty.
Stanford University
Known for its innovation and proximity to Silicon Valley, Stanford strongly focuses on automotive technology and sustainable transportation. While Stanford may not have a dedicated undergraduate program labelled explicitly as “automobile engineering,” its mechanical engineering curriculum, combined with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and innovation, provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in automotive engineering or related fields.
Stanford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem provides resources and support for students interested in automotive startups and innovation. Programs like the Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP) and the Stanford StartX accelerator offer guidance, mentorship, and funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs in the automotive industry.
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University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
With its proximity to the automotive industry and strong research capabilities, UM remains a top choice for automotive engineering. The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Automotive Engineering is an advanced professional degree program designed specifically for today’s engineering world. It emphasises engineering fundamentals and practices and focuses on recent advances in the field.
Students who graduate from this program have strengths in modern automotive systems, engineering fundamentals, enhanced interdisciplinary skills, and the teamwork skills necessary to guide product and process development in this rapidly evolving field.
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University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley’s emphasis on interdisciplinary education, proximity to Silicon Valley, and extensive research funding make its automotive engineering program one of the most notable in the United States.
Berkeley’s Mechanical Engineering Department is heavily involved in cutting-edge research funded by the National Science Foundation, governmental agencies, and industry partners. The department hosts research centres and labs focused on advanced automotive technologies, sustainable mobility, and energy-efficient systems. This robust research focus allows students to work on innovative projects that address real-world challenges in the automotive field.
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Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a highly-ranked public research university in the United States. The university is commonly referred to as Georgia Tech and has a long history of research breakthroughs. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia Tech’s focus on automotive engineering and strong ties to industry make it a prominent choice for aspiring automotive engineers.
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It offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering—Automotive. With a reputation as a global leader and innovator, Georgia Tech is usually the most preferred choice of students interested in conducting research. Georgia Tech is home to excellent lab spaces and invests millions in research annually.
Clemson University
Clemson’s dedicated Department of Automotive Engineering and its emphasis on hands-on learning contribute to its prominence in the field. Clemson’s program is one of the world’s most in-depth academic programs in automotive engineering. The diverse student body shares two things – a hunger for knowledge and a passion for the car.
This research and educational program focuses on the vehicle and its infrastructure from a systems integration perspective. Unlike many graduate programs that only offer a concentration or specialisation in automotive engineering, the curriculum exclusively focuses on the discipline. This sets the program apart and gives students remarkable opportunities. It’s one of the reasons that over 99% of alumni are using their degrees in the automotive industry or academia.
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Michigan Technological University
Michigan Tech offers a robust automotive engineering program within its Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics (ME-EM) department. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, focusing on automotive engineering, through various specialised courses and research opportunities. These programs emphasise advanced power systems, mechanics of multi-scale materials, and multidisciplinary engineering dynamic systems, among other areas.
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The ME-EM department at Michigan Tech is renowned for its research initiatives, with expenditures exceeding $13 million annually. Key research areas relevant to automotive engineering include advanced power systems (such as engines and fuel cells), dynamic systems, and multi-scale sensors and systems.
Specialised Facilities:
Advanced Power Systems Research Center (APSRC): This centre focuses on the development of advanced powertrain technologies, including hybrid and electric powertrains.
Keweenaw Research Center (KRC): This centre offers facilities for vehicle testing under extreme conditions, which is particularly useful for automotive research and development.
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State’s robust mechanical engineering program and focus on automotive research contribute to its standing in the field.
Undergraduate students can start their degree at any Penn State campus and complete it at University Park. The program covers essential engineering principles and offers various hands-on learning experiences, including participation in student organisations like the Penn State Advanced Vehicle Team (AVT). The AVT engages students in developing autonomous vehicles, improving vehicle architecture, and increasing fuel efficiency through competitions and projects.
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For graduate students, Penn State offers a Master of Science (M.S.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an online Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering. These programs emphasise advanced research and development in additive manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, and energy-efficient systems. Graduate students can engage in cutting-edge research projects and collaborations with industry partners, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
The Advanced Vehicle Team (AVT), for example, allows students to work on real-world projects and compete in the Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. These competitions focus on developing fuel-efficient and autonomous electric vehicles, providing students with invaluable experience in the automotive field.
North Carolina State University
NC State’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Department offers comprehensive programs in automotive engineering.
NC State’s undergraduate program does not offer a specific degree in automotive engineering. Still, it provides a strong foundation through its Mechanical Engineering (ME) degree, which includes courses and electives relevant to the automotive field. Key courses include:
- MAE 513: Principles of Structural Vibration
- MAE 515: Advanced Automotive Vehicle Dynamics – This course covers dynamic behaviours in vehicles, such as acceleration, braking, rollover, and aerodynamics
NC State offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) with specialisations in dynamic systems and control pertinent to automotive engineering.
NC State also offers a non-thesis master’s option and distance education opportunities, making it flexible for working professionals.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
UIUC’s programs are notable for their rigorous academic training, high employment rates for graduates, and significant research opportunities, making them a strong choice for students interested in automotive engineering.
UIUC offers comprehensive programs in automotive engineering through its Mechanical Science and Engineering (MechSE) department, which is part of the Grainger College of Engineering. Both undergraduate and graduate programs provide students with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, with opportunities to specialise in automotive systems.
In the undergraduate program at UIUC, students can specialise in automotive systems, which involves studying automotive engineering fundamentals, dynamics, control systems, and energy conversion. The program boasts a high placement rate, with 97% of graduates either employed or continuing their education shortly after graduation and an average starting salary of $79,507. The MS program is research-focused, preparing students for academic careers or advanced research roles.
The above universities are known for their strong engineering programs and provide opportunities for students interested in automotive engineering through specialised courses, research centres, and industry partnerships. However, it’s essential to research each university’s specific offerings and determine which best aligns with your interests and career goals.