Best Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Rankings

Automotive Engineering is one of the most lucrative and well-paying engineering careers you will enjoy. Although you can start with either a diploma or undergraduate degree, however, getting advanced skills and knowledge in the field requires you to have a master’s degree in automotive engineering.

For students who want to study in America, we have compiled a list of Best Masters in Automotive Engineering in the USA you can choose from.

Going for any of these automotive engineering programs in the United States of America will provide you with the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge in the industrial engineering industry.

Moreso, you will be trained to design mobility systems, create prototypes, and operate engineering systems.

This post provides a list of Best Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA.

You can navigate the table of contents below to see an overview of all this post entails.

What is the best masters degree for engineers?

According to U.S. News, the University of California at Berkeley ranks top in the top six Engineering programs in the country.

Furthermore, College choice ranks the following as the better master’s degree options for engineering graduates;

• Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering and Computer Engineering.
• Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and
• Mechanical Engineering.

Is automotive engineering a good career?

The career choice for automotive engineering is very innovative & highly paced. It is one of the most common occupations for engineers. Owing to the rapid growth of the automotive aspect in the car market, work opportunities as an automobile engineer is rapidly growing.

What is the best university for automotive engineering?

Some top universities for acquiring a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering include;

• HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.
• Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
• Isik University, Turkey.
• Coventry University, UK.
• Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Lithuania.
• Hamk University of Applied Sciences, Finland.

Which country is best for automotive jobs?

Germany is said to be the home of Automotive Engineering. Some top countries with the highest automotive job opportunities include;

• The United Arab Emirates.
• Australia.
• The USA.
• France.
• China.
• The Netherlands.
• UK.
• Mexico.

Is Master free in Germany?

Notably, 13% of the students in German universities are foreign students. Germany is known for its generous attitude to higher education: in 15 of its 16 provinces, public colleges do not charge students any tuition fees, regardless of nationality.

This means that you can study for a Master’s degree free of charge in Germany, whether you are a German, EU, or non-EU student.

With need-based and merit-based funding available from the German government, Germany also provides substantial financial support to help pay student living expenses.

The following exceptions can, however, apply:

• At private colleges, fees can also be charged. Most of the German system of higher education, however, is publicly supported.
• The state of Baden-Wuerttemberg charges foreign (non-EU) students 1,500 EUR per course.
• There will be fees paid for certain non-consecutive masters. This reflects a limited number of courses, all of which are meant for practitioners with experience.

Which masters degree is most in demand?

According to Accredited Schools, in 2018, workers with a master’s degree earned a total annual salary of $1,434 per week from as reported by the Us Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Similarly, those with bachelor’s degrees received more than $200 a week or more than $10,000 a year from these jobs. Master’s degree holders often see lower unemployment rates than those with solely bachelor’s degrees, and for entry-level roles, more common career options require a master’s or higher certification.

The said 10 most in-demand master’s degrees for employers, based on postgraduate employment rates, projected job growth, salaries for entry-level and experienced employees, and diversity of career options, include;

1. Dietetics and Nutrition.
2. Human Resources.
3. Library Science.
4. Mechanical Engineering.
5. Mathematics and Statistics.
6. Nursing.
7. Public Health.
8. Software Engineering.
9. Accounting
10. Computer Science

Why Pursue a Master degree in Automotive Engineering in USA?

The United States of America is among the top countries with automotive engineers. When you mention China, Japan, Germany, another country that should come to your mind is the USA.

For this reason, there are employment opportunities in the country for anyone with an automotive engineering degree.

Due to the high trends in the job market, you can’t think of any other better destination as far as studying Masters in Automotive Engineering is concerned other than the US. 

Aside from the job opportunities, a master’s degree in this field involves acquiring advanced skills and new knowledge that can help you excel in your career as an automotive engineer. With this, you can be exceptional in your professional work and projects.

Additionally, when it comes to earning, you will earn more than someone with a diploma or bachelor’s degree makes. For instance, a student that has a degree in an automotive engineering graduate school the USA earns 29% more than someone with a bachelor’s degree. 

What is the Coursework for Master Degree in Automotive Engineering Programs?

Automotive Engineering is related to mechanical engineering though there are slight differences.

Automotive Engineering has always been a branch of mechanical engineering that basically focuses on designing, developing, and modifying vehicles and automobiles. 

Often, some top universities renowned for their excellent educational activities provide masters in automotive engineering in the USA through thesis, courses, and projects.

The thesis has to do with paper research that is meant to be submitted at the end of the program. For the courses, students have to complete the program courses even without making researches.

On the other hand, the project has to do with just writing a report.

You can also check out 10 Best Masters in Automotive Engineering in Europe | 2023 Rankings

Who can apply for any USA Automotive Engineering Masters Degree Program?

Applying for a master’s degree in the automotive engineering program is more than just wishing that you get an advanced degree.

Before applying, you must be sure you are qualified to apply. You can’t just wake up or finish high school and decide to go for a master’s degree program in automotive engineering or any related program just because you have a passion for designing automobiles as a teen.

For you to be eligible for MS automotive engineering program, you must;

• Have a bachelors degree already in either mechanical, electrical or in other related fields from recognized universities 
• Have a minimum of 300 GRE test score
• Then, IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency.
• An academic transcript/transcripts from previous institutions
• Credit evaluation and English translation of foreign transcripts
• Copy of passport.
• A resume, including professional experiences and extracurricular activities.
• Finally, 3-4 letters of recommendation

Only when you are sure you have all this can you apply to the US universities directly through the application portal on the website. 

What Can I Do with Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA?

There is a lot you can do with a master’s in automotive engineering.

There is a wider scope of job opportunities which has resulted in high demand for engineers in the field of Automotive. That means, you deciding to attend any of the automotive engineering graduate schools to get a master’s degree is not a waste of time and resources rather it’s a lifetime investment.

For instance, according to the BLS 2019, the number of automotive engineers varies for different cities like 38,000 in California, 22,800 in Michigan, etc. California offers the highest salary among all states of the USA.

Automotive Engineers in the USA get jobs in reputable firms like General Motors, Ford Motor, and FCA Corp. Ford Motor offers the highest annual salary of 91,280 USD. 

One of the top US recruiters for automotive engineers, Ford Motor and General Motors offers numerous opportunities to the graduates. They hire graduates mainly for Automotive engineers, Automotive technicians, Vehicle engineers, etc. 

The following are the career opportunities you can go for with a degree in automotive engineering master in USA;

Automotive Engineering Technician

This is one of the careers you can take up once you have a master’s degree in Automotive engineering.

As an automotive technician in any USA automotive firm, you will assist automotive engineers in conducting tests, performing inspections, making observations, collecting data, making prototypes, and analyzing test data.

If you are under research and development, you will help in testing automotive systems and parts for safety, performance, quality, and efficiency. Moreso, you will be responsible for taking records of test data and observations by taking photographs, creating spreadsheets, or writing reports.

Furthermore, you may analyze the data and make suggestions for improvement based on their findings. Note, you may likely work on a full-time basis.

Automotive Design Engineer

This is one career that comes with many opportunities. As an Automotive design engineer, you will be responsible for creating and improving car accessories and parts.

Although you can qualify for this career even with a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree you can do more. Interestingly, you can even work in any design or a related field, such as mechanical engineering.

Automotive Engineer

As an automotive engineer, you will oversee everything that has to do with designing a vehicle system. These engineers ensure that care plans and systems meet design and attractive standards.

Like other engineers, automotive engineers examine problems related to designing automobiles. They also maintain the car and parts of the crew and then take care of the vehicle.

Automobile Designer

With an automotive master’s degree from any of the prestigious universities in the USA, you can take a job that your major role will focus on using technology and engineering to research and design new cars.

Also, you will work on ensuring vehicle safety. Furthermore, you will make sure that the vehicles operate within maximum control and satisfaction of the customers.

Vehicle Designer

Vehicle or auto designers conceive and draw the designs of cars and trucks. They are responsible for creating ideas for new vehicles that are visually and aesthetically appealing to consumers, safe to drive and economical to manufacture.

More so, you will work with vehicle engineers so they can incorporate engineering principles, such as aerodynamics and 3-D volumes, in their designs.

What salary range am I likely to earn with my Master’s Degree in Automotive Engineering in the USA?

An automotive Engineer in USA’s salary is higher than most engineers in other fields. And when you get a job in reputable firms like General Motors, Ford Motor, and FCA Corp, you are made.

For instance, an automotive engineer in General Motors on average earns $78,344 annually. Then, Ford Motor’s employer earns up to $91,280 annually. 

Below is an average salary of most of the automotive engineering careers.

• Automotive Technician – $49,933
• Automotive Engineer – $77,000
• Engineering Designer (Automotive)- $79,502
• Automotive Product development Engineer – $81,161
• Vehicle Engineer – $69,550
• Automotive Design Engineer – $106,730
• Automotive Engineering Technologist – $74,300
• Engineer project management (Automotive) – $81,479
• Automotive systems engineer – $79,756
• Automotive Lead Engineer – $130,000

Want to study in Germany? See 10 Best Masters In Automotive Engineering In Germany | 2023 Rankings

What are the Best Masters in Automotive Engineering Universities in USA

There are a lot of universities in the USA that offer a Masters’s degree in Automotive engineering. But out of these numerous universities, we have made a list of the 10 best automotive engineering master’s programs in the USA.

In our ranking of these universities, we will be considering some factors, and the universities with the highest in those factors are regarded as the best.

Hence, the Best Masters in Automotive Engineering rankings will be analyzing universities in America. that offer master in Automotive Engineering programs.

Ranking Methodology

In selecting the Best and Top-Ranked Masters Program in Automotive Engineering in Europe in 2023, we will consider several ranking factors.

Note that these Best Masters Programs in Automotive Engineering in Europe is considering about 4 majors which include Program Duration, Program Fees, the university’s Graduation rate, and QS ranking.

Duration

This is one of the factors we consider as being important. Time is very vital and should be used judiciously. Some programs provide a wider scope of opportunities but completing such programs can take ages. Moreso, some universities can have a good number of programs they offer, but the time to complete the program might be longer than in other schools.

Tuition Fee

This is very important. Some programs that offer exceptional advanced knowledge and skills can cost a fortune. So, we considered the universities that you won’t have to pay through your nose before you can get their master automotive engineering programs.

Graduation Rate

Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency of graduating their students. Some can enroll and get stuck at the end. Also, we consider whether school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important.

QS Ranking

Also, we looked at the universities’ global reputation and ranking using QS ranking.

Here are the best masters in Automotive Engineering in the United States of America.

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• University of Wisconsin -Madison
• Ohio State University (OSU)
• Clemson University
• University of Tennessee- Knoxville
• Lawrence Technological Institute (LTI)
• University of Michigan – Dearborn
• Minnesota State University (MSU)
• Kettering University
• University of Tennessee – Chattanooga (UTC)

#1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Program: MEng in Automotive Engineering

First, on our list of the best automotive engineering universities in the USA is the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

Established in 1817, the University of Michigan is a prestigious public research University. It is the oldest university in the state and among the top-ranked public universities in the USA.

Basically, this university is committed to tackling global issues that can help increase the quality of education. It has a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, an employability rate of 96%, and a retention rate of 97%.

This institution’s engineering school offers one of the best masters in automotive engineering in the USA. The MEng in Automotive Engineering focuses on recent engineering fundamentals and practice advances.

It also aims at helping students to be innovators who can address global 
problems in this technologically dynamic and compelling field. 

Note, this program is 30 credit hours that require at least 18 credits at the 500 level. Then a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 before graduation. Also, applicants must have IELTS scores of 6.5, 84 TOEFL, and 155-165 GRE.

Above all, to complete this program takes 1-2 years on a full-time basis and 2.5 years for part-time students. The tuition fee for this program is $51,972 annually.

#2. University of Wisconsin -Madison

Program: MS in Automotive Engineering

Next on our list of the best automotive engineering universities in the USA is the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison was established in 1848 as an official state university of Wisconsin. The university is among the best automotive engineering universities in the USA because of the top-notch educational services it renders.

At present, the University of Wisconsin has a total student enrollment of 31,705, an average class size of 31, and a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering M.S. named option Automotive Engineering is an accelerated on-campus degree program that prepares students for a career in the automotive industry.

Basically, the curriculum covers internal combustion engines, intermediate gas dynamics, advanced heat transfer conduction. Other curriculum includes combustion processes and air pollution effects, measurements, and control.

To apply, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 before graduation, an IELTS score of 7.0, 92 TOEFL, and 163 GRE.

Above all, to complete this program takes 1 year on a full-time basis and 2.5 years for part-time students. The tuition fee for this program is $26,540 annually.

Official Website

#3. Ohio State University (OSU)

Program: Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL) in Automotive System Engineering

Then, Ohio State University was established in 1870. This State University is a public research university known for its top-notch degree programs it provides for both national and international students at different levels.

It has a graduation rate of 83% and ranked #101 according to QS ranking.

The Master of Global Engineering Leadership at Ohio University is a professional degree specifically designed for practicing engineers who want to increase their management acumen, leadership skills, and technical expertise. 

The program has a distinctive curriculum that includes courses that educate on leadership and management, an elaborate understanding of the business-government relationship.

In addition, its engineering focus is provided through the choice of a specialized technical track.

To apply for this 33-credit hour degree which takes 24 months to complete, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 before graduation, an IELTS score of 9.0, 114 TOEFL, and 158 GRE.

#4. Clemson University

Program: MS in Automotive Engineering

Clemson University is among South Carolina, USA’s best automotive engineering universities. This public university which is now known as the second-largest university in South Carolina was established in 1889.

The school has a total enrollment of 24,387 students, a student/faculty ratio of 18:1, and a graduation rate of 81%.

Currently, Clemson has a Graduate School that offers more than 100 graduate degree programs in 85 disciplines which Masters in automotive engineering is among the best programs offered.

Master of Science (M.S) in automotive engineering at this school combines intense technical studies and strong engineering science-based skills.

The curriculum is designed to be completed within 2 years with a minimum requirement of 42 credit hours. The main courses include automotive design and project management, automotive manufacturing systems overview, and systems integration methods.

However, this credit hour requirement is composed of 36 credit hours of graduate coursework and a 6-month internship in the industry or on the university’s Deep Orange vehicle prototyping project.

Note, to apply for this 36-credit hour degree which takes 24 months to complete, you must have an IELTS score of 6.0, 100 TOEFL, and 155 GRE.

Official Website

See Also: Automotive Engineering Requirements In 2023: From High School To A Graduate

#5. University of Tennessee– Knoxville

Program: MS Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Design

Another university in our list that you should consider your study destination is the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. UT-Knoxville is a public research university founded in 1794.

Currently, this prestigious university has a total student enrollment of 22,815 undergraduate and 6,079 graduate students, and a 69% graduation rate.

The university is should be among your best bets if you’re planning on studying master automotive engineering program in USA. 

MS Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Design at UTK aims at providing its students with advanced skills and knowledge in automotive engineering and any other engineering field.

Students pursuing this program must take 12 or more credits from the approved menu for concentration, and Ph.D. students must take 24 or more credits from the departmentally supported menu of courses.

Moreso, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5, 80 TOEFL, and 160 GRE score before applying for this program.

#6. Lawrence Technological Institute (LTI)

Program: MS in Automotive Engineering

The sixth in our list of the best automotive engineering universities in the USA that you can consider is Lawrence Technological University. Established in 1932, Lawrence Technological University is a private university in Southfield, Michigan.

The university has a total student enrollment of 4,154 students, a graduation rate of 64%, and various degree programs at different levels are included.

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering at this institute is designed not only to develop your skills as an engineer but also to help you gain a mastery of the entire vehicle. Moreso, you can get the leadership skills needed to advance your career.

Basically, the major program focus is on the automobile as a single system in which all components and component packages are sub-systems that cannot be altered without affecting the entire car.

The course taught at this automotive engineering school in Michigan includes strategic planning, design, and product engineering to manufacturing and engineering management.

Note to apply, you must have official college transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the internet-based TOEFL, or a 6.5 on the IELTS.

#7. University of Michigan – Dearborn

Program: MSE in Automotive System Engineering

The No. 7 in our list of the best master automotive engineering universities in the USA is the University of University-Dearborn.

UM-Dearborn is among the prestigious public university in Dearborn, Michigan established in 1959. It offers accessible education and a small class size of a 1:17 faculty-student ratio. 

MSE in Automotive Systems Engineering at the UM-Dearborn is a 30-credit-hour interdisciplinary graduate degree program specifically designed to address the new and emerging technology in the automotive industry.

Moreso, this engineering program provides opportunity to gain industrially relevant engineering design or research experience through a capstone project or a master’s thesis.

As a student, you won’t only learn about advanced technologies, but also how to apply them in practice for creative design and problem-solving. 

Note to apply, you must have completed a Bachelor of Science (BS) or equivalent degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, 84 on the internet-based TOEFL, or a 6.5 on the IELTS.

#8. Minnesota State University (MSU)

Program: MS in Automotive Engineering Technology;

Next in our list is Minnesota State University, Mankato. The university is a public university established in 1866. There are over 14,000 students currently at the university.

This institution also has a graduation rate of 50% with over 130 undergraduate areas of study and 75 graduate areas of study available for both national and international students.

M.S in automotive engineering technology at Minnesota State University is one of the best automotive engineering masters programs in USA. The program aims at preparing students for careers in product research and manufacturing of original equipment.

Note, the courses in this master’s in automotive engineering program include automotive experimental research, six sigma from an industrial perspective, design of experiments, automotive emission design and measurement, and CAD applications.

To apply, students are required to complete 32 total credits with core courses, research and methods courses, restricted and unrestricted electives, and a capstone course.

Furthermore, applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, minimum TOEFL iBT scores of 71, or IELTS band score of 6.0 (International Students Only).

#9. Kettering University

Program: MS Engineering in Automotive Systems

Kettering University is located in Flint, Michigan. At best, it is the world’s largest car manufacturer. Originally, this school was called General Motors was created for engineers to work with GM.

The MS Engineering in Automotive Systems at Kettering University is specifically designed for students who want a deeper understanding and knowledge of the engineering operations of various vehicle systems.

However, the coursework in this master’s program range from powertrain and engine components to design for safety and comfort. So, you can select courses from a structured framework to customize a program that best meets your individual and career needs.

Note, the coursework includes; bio and renewable energy lab, chassis system design, hybrid electric vehicle propulsion, and automotive bioengineering. To complete these courses, 40 credit load is required.

And to apply, you must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, minimum scores of 79 or an IELTS band score of 6.0, and GRE score of 300.

#10. University of Tennessee – Chattanooga (UTC)

Program: MS Engineering in Automotive Systems

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a public university in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is one of three universities and two other affiliated institutions in the University of Tennessee System. 

The University has one of the best automotive engineering graduate schools in USA that offer opportunities for both national and international students. It was established in 1794 as a public research university.

At present, Tennessee has a total student enrollment of 28,000 students, a student/faculty ratio of 17:1, and a graduation rate of 69%.

The university’s MS Automotive Design is one of the top automotive engineering master’s programs that any student passionate about building an exceptional career as an automotive engineer should go for. The program is a cross-disciplinary degree with a primary focus on mechanical engineering.

Basically, the curriculum courses include an emphasis on advanced manufacturing, a systems approach to design, advanced simulation, great basics, and a strong flavor of advanced program and project management.

To apply for this master’s degree in automotive engineering, you must complete a minimum of 30 hours in 4 different areas of concentration.

This includes 3 hours in mathematics or engineering analysis, 6 hrs in approved electives, 18 hours in engineering concentration, and 6 to 9 hours for a thesis or special project.

Furthermore, applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, minimum TOEFL iBT scores of 71, or IELTS band score of 6.0 (International Students Only).

Check out: Best Accredited Automotive Engineering Schools in California | 2023 Ranking

Sources

• https://newengineer.com/advice/top-universities-for-automotive-engineering-in-the-usa-1410132
• https://www.mastersportal.com/study-options/269779194/automotive-engineering-united-states.html
• https://collegedunia.com/usa/article/masters-in-automotive-engineering-in-usa-a-brief-summary-for-international-students
• https://study.com/directory/category/Engineering/Mechanical_Engineering/Automotive_Engineering.html

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