Find your perfect college degree
Globally, the car manufacturing industry is worth $2.55 trillion, proving that the Automotive Engineering industry is one of the toughest and largest worldwide. If you’re planning to pursue an engineering role and want to specialize in Automotive Engineering, gear up for a dynamic and highly competitive field.
Because of the rapid advancement of technology, a new automotive product is released onto the market nearly every day. As a result, students studying automotive or automobile engineering must stay up to date on industry standards.
One of the best ways to stay current is to use your bachelor’s degree in Engineering to pursue a master’s degree. The Master’s in Automotive Engineering will give you access to senior and executive roles within companies that pay more than those with just a bachelor’s degree.
Program Overview
| School | Program | Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Standout Program Feature/s | Available Online? |
| Clemson University | Master of Science in Automotive Engineering | $8,156 per semester | 49% | Offers on-campus students internal internship opportunities | YES |
| University of Michigan | Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering | – $2,117 per credit hour (residents) – $3,628 per credit hour (non-resident) | 27% | Focuses on developing students’ abilities in building Powertrains, Automotive Structures and Vehicles, and Electrical Systems and Software. | YES |
| Ohio State University | Master of Global Engineering Leadership with a concentration in Automotive Systems Engineering | – $36,689.78 total cost (resident) – $37,889.78 total cost (non-resident) | 48% | Offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on Automotive Engineering, business concepts, and public policy topics | YES |
| University of California – Riverside | Master of Science in Engineering – Specialization in Mobility Engineering | $963 per credit hour | 36% | Features a curriculum focused on developing advanced sustainable transportation solutions | YES |
| Minnesota State University | Master of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology | – $10,430 per semester (resident) – $15,200 per semester (non-resident) | 62% | Focuses on preparing students for research and development careers | NO |
5 Best Master’s in Automotive Engineering
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master of Science in Automotive Engineering
| Tuition | $8,156 per semester |
| Credit Hour | 33 |
Clemson University offers one of the most convenient MS in Automotive Engineering programs. This program allows qualified students to pursue and complete it online/hybrid or on-campus. However, the online program format may still require graduate students to visit the campus for several lab-intensive courses for hands-on learning experiences.
The program’s core courses include Automotive Business Concepts and Automotive Systems. Regardless of the format, the program aims to train students in advanced automotive technology. However, online students will not be offered a Deep Orange option (internal internship) and the thesis track.
If you plan on pursuing a doctorate, it’s best to complete the program on campus. The on-campus MSAE program offers a research-intensive approach, requiring students to complete a thesis based on their interests and career goals.
University of Michigan
Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering
| Tuition | $2,117 per credit hour (residents) $3,628 per credit hour (non-resident) |
| Credit Hour | 30 |
The MEng in Automotive Engineering at the University of Michigan is best for engineering professionals who want to pursue a practice-based curriculum. It can also be completed online or on campus, giving you full control over your learning experience. Distance learning students pay lower tuition fees than traditional on-campus learners.
UM’s Automotive Engineering master’s program trains its students for competencies in building Powertrains, Automotive Structures and Vehicles, and Electrical Systems and Software. Students can also customize their degree programs by pursuing individualized coursework guided by experienced academic advisors.
The program features a capstone project, enabling students to showcase their capacity to solve real-world problems in cutting-edge labs, top-ranked companies, and meaningful non-profits. This component fosters real-time interaction with faculty and industry leaders, enhancing students’ professional networks.
Ohio State University
Master of Global Engineering Leadership with a concentration in Automotive Systems Engineering
| Tuition | $36,689.78 total cost (resident) $37,889.78 total cost (non-resident) |
| Credit Hour | 33 |
If you’re looking for a broader approach to Automotive Engineering, consider Ohio State University’s Master of Global Engineering Leadership with a concentration in Automotive Systems Engineering. This program takes a unique interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering expertise with business and public policy skills necessary for success in today’s global automotive industry.
It offers maximum flexibility to its students, allowing them to complete courses at a distance within 12-28 months or longer if necessary. The curriculum equips professionals with advanced skills in emerging automotive technologies, focusing on system integration and multidisciplinary approaches.
University of California – Riverside
Master of Science in Engineering – Specialization in Mobility Engineering
| Tuition | $963 per credit hour |
| Credit Hour | 30 |
The University of California – Riverside offers the unique MS in Engineering in Mobility Engineering degree program that can be completed in as few as 13 months. The program’s curriculum is best for professionals who want to focus on advanced sustainable transportation solutions.
This MSE program offers flexible learning through 4 one-credit capstone courses, eliminating the need for a residency for busy professionals. Although research is optional, students can participate in various faculty research areas, including Emissions and Fuel and Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV).
Some of the program’s featured advanced courses include Bending the Curve: Climate Change Solutions and Connected and Automated Transportation System.
Minnesota State University
Master of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology
| Tuition | $10,430 per semester (resident) $15,200 per semester (non-resident) |
| Credit Hour | 34 |
The MS in Automotive Engineering Technology at Minnesota State University is a strictly on-ground degree program designed for students who want to enhance their research skills to pursue research and development careers in various industries.
The program’s core courses include Manufacturing Research Methods, Automotive Experimental Research, and Advanced Project Management and Justification. Upon completing required courses, students can customize their degrees and pursue restricted and unrestricted electives that best fit their interests.
The MS AET Program offers research areas, lab facilities, internships, and experiential components like Alternate Plan Papers or Thesis under faculty supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will I learn in a Master’s in Automotive Engineering degree program?
The specific curriculum of a master’s degree in Automotive Engineering varies from program to program. For instance, some programs are offered as a standalone degree, while other programs are offered as a specialization.
Regardless of the format, a master’s in Automotive Engineering typically covers topics essential to understanding and advancing automotive technology. Some common areas of study you might encounter in a master’s program in Automotive Engineering include:
- Advanced Vehicle Dynamics delves into the intricacies of vehicle dynamics and explores advanced concepts in aerodynamics, suspension design, tire dynamics, and chassis engineering.
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability examines the environmental impact of automotive technology and explores strategies for mitigating it.
- Powertrain teaches students about internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, electric propulsion systems, transmissions, and drivetrain design.
- Vehicle Human-Centered Design & Architecture studies advanced technologies to enhance driver comfort, convenience, and safety.
Is a Master’s in Automotive Engineering worth It?
A bachelor’s degree is usually the minimal requirement for pursuing entry-level roles in the engineering industry. However, if your dream is to pursue managerial and leadership roles—those that entail overseeing other engineers—you need to pursue an advanced degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirms that professionals with a master’s degree are generally paid more than those with only a bachelor’s degree because they are eligible for more senior jobs. This is especially important in the sector of automobile engineering, where specialist knowledge and advanced understanding are highly prized.
Master’s in Automotive Engineering covers various advanced topics, including competencies in contemporary automotive systems, engineering foundations, and improved multidisciplinary capabilities. It equips graduates with the abilities required to direct the creation of new products and processes in the quickly changing industry.
What can I do as a Master in Automotive Engineering graduate?
There are several career opportunities for master’s in Automotive Engineering graduates. Among the most common are:
| Title | Average Annual Salary | What The Job Entails |
| Technical Director | $146,955 | – Oversee the development of innovative automotive technology projects. – Obtain financing for projects and initiatives. |
| Automotive Engineering Manager | $138,980 | – Oversee all activities related to Automotive Engineering, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. – Develop and implement innovative ideas for new technology. – Ensure coherence among technical objectives, market needs, and production capabilities. |
| Automotive Product Manager | $105,851 | – Conduct market research, analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to translate market insights into product features and specifications. – Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure product designs align with regulatory requirements, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. |
Additional Resources:
