Movies have a way of making the automotive world look incredibly glamorous. From the high-octane Fast and Furious franchise to the technical precision of Ford v Ferrari, the sex appeal of these films often comes not just from the actors but from the vehicles themselves. Whether it’s the animated charm of Cars or the racing drama of Rush, our fascination with fast cars and the engineering behind them has been a cultural mainstay since the release of Thunder Road in 1958.
This enduring passion naturally leads many to wonder: how do you become one of the people who designs, builds, and perfects these machines? If your dream is to focus on passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, or high-performance racing vehicles, pursuing a specialized education is your first step. Fortunately, dozens of colleges and universities offer top-tier automotive and mechanical engineering programs designed to launch your career.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the best automotive engineering universities and colleges with automotive programs. We’ll explore the types of degrees available, clarify the difference between an automotive engineer and a mechanic, and provide a detailed list of 20 exceptional institutions to consider.
Types of Automotive Degrees
The path you take into the automotive industry depends largely on your career goals. The level of education you pursue—from a certificate to a doctorate—will determine whether you’re working hands-on in a shop or leading research and development in a design lab.
Certificates and Diplomas typically prepare you for technical roles as an automotive technician or mechanic. These programs focus on the practical skills needed for repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance, often leading to positions in dealerships or independent shops.
Associate Degrees offer a balance of hands-on training and foundational technical knowledge, qualifying graduates for advanced technician roles or service management positions.
Bachelor’s Degrees are the gateway to engineering roles. While a dedicated Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering is less common than a broader Mechanical Engineering degree, many institutions offer specialized programs in Automotive Engineering Technology. These four-year degrees focus on the design, manufacturing, and operation of vehicles, preparing students for roles in research, development, and corporate management.
Master’s and Doctoral Degrees allow for specialization in cutting-edge fields like electric vehicle (EV) architecture, autonomous driving systems, and advanced materials, positioning graduates for leadership roles in research and academia.
Here’s a quick overview of the primary bachelor’s degree focuses:
- Automotive Engineering (B.S.): A specialized degree focused entirely on the design, manufacturing, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks.
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.): A broad degree applicable to any mechanical system. It provides a strong foundation in physics and materials, which can be applied to automotive fields through concentrations or electives.
The Difference Between an Automotive Engineer and an Auto Mechanic
While both professions are vital to the automotive world, they operate at different stages of a vehicle’s lifecycle. Understanding this distinction is crucial when choosing your educational path.
Automotive Engineers are involved in the initial creation and evolution of vehicles. They handle the research, design, development, and testing of new models and features. They work in offices, labs, and test tracks, using advanced software and engineering principles to solve problems before a car ever reaches a consumer.
Auto Mechanics (or Technicians) step in once a vehicle is in use. They are responsible for maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, ensuring that vehicles remain safe and operational. They work in shops and dealerships, using specialized tools and their deep understanding of vehicle systems to fix issues.
The chart below illustrates the key differences in their responsibilities and work environments.
The 20 Best Colleges for Automotive Engineering & Mechanics Programs
The following institutions are recognized for their outstanding programs in automotive and mechanical engineering. They are organized to help you find the best fit based on your academic interests and career aspirations.
1. Brigham Young University–Idaho
Rexburg, Idaho
BYU-Idaho offers three Bachelor of Science degrees through its ASE-certified Automotive Technology Program: Automotive Engineering Technology, Advanced Vehicle Systems, and Automotive Technology Management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with significant lab time and test courses. Students can also join the SAE Supermileage Team, which competes annually in Michigan.
2. Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
A pioneer in the field, Clemson offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering. Students participate in “Deep Orange,” an immersive program where they work on projects for future OEMs and suppliers. For advanced studies, the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in Greenville offers Master of Science and PhD programs with direct industry partnerships.
3. Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
Ferris State provides a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) and a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management. Students gain hands-on experience in labs focused on metallurgy, emissions, and dynamometer testing, alongside a required internship. The university also offers specialized certificates in motorsports and machinery.
4. Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
For students focused on technical skills, Idaho State University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology, an Advanced Technical Certificate, and programs in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate careers as technicians.
5. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Indiana State offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology that blends technical and managerial skills. The curriculum covers vehicle testing, design support, NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness), and engine research, preparing graduates for diverse roles in the industry.
6. Kettering University
Flint, Michigan
Kettering’s Mechanical Engineering B.S. offers concentrations in Automotive Engineering Design, Machine Design, and Alternative Energy. A hallmark of the program is its mandatory co-op experience, allowing students to graduate with up to 2.5 years of professional experience in labs like the Crash Safety Center and Advanced Engine Research Lab.
7. McPherson College
McPherson, Kansas
McPherson College runs a unique, nationally recognized program focused on Automotive Restoration. This is the only program of its kind in the nation, offering emphases in Historic Automotive Technology, Restoration Management, Design, and Communications, utilizing a dedicated 33,000-square-foot facility.
8. Minnesota State University–Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology (AET) at MSU-Mankato is designed for careers in product research, design, manufacturing, and technical sales. Students can gain practical experience through the MSU Drag Race Team and the Society of Automotive Engineers.
9. Montana State University–Northern
Havre, Montana
MSU-Northern offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees in Automotive Technology, taught by Master ASE-certified technicians. The university also provides industry-sponsored technician training for Ford, Subaru, and Maintenance and Light Repair, alongside an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree.
10. Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
This college offers a wide range of options, including three B.S. programs: Automotive Technology Management, Automotive Service Sales and Marketing, and Automotive Technology. Specialized majors are available through partnerships with Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, and MOPAR CAP. Students can earn up to eight industry certifications, including ASE.
11. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
Pittsburg State’s Automotive Technology program offers a Bachelor’s degree with an Emphasis in Automotive Mechanical Design, allowing students to study vehicles “bumper to bumper.” The program boasts 32,000 square feet of lab space and 40 donated vehicles for hands-on learning. Students can also join the SAE Baja team.
12. Purdue University
Indianapolis, Indiana
Purdue University–Indianapolis was the first university in the U.S. to offer a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Engineering. This unique curriculum blends traditional engineering with vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, and data acquisition. Students can also pursue a dual degree in Motorsports and Mechanical Engineering.
13. Southern Adventist University
Collegedale, Tennessee
For aspiring mechanics, Southern Adventist University provides a distinct advantage with its full-service auto shop that repairs cars for the community. This hands-on environment allows all students the opportunity to take the ASE test and become certified industry-wide.
14. Southern Illinois University–Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
SIU–Carbondale offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology with a fleet of 90 late-model training vehicles and a state-of-the-art Transportation Education Center. Students can participate in the Automotive Technology Organization, Women in Automotive Transportation Technology (WATT), and an Off-Road Club.
15. SUNY Morrisville
Morrisville, New York
SUNY Morrisville is one of the few institutions offering a B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) in Automotive Technology. This program is designed to prepare students for technical and supervisory-level positions, emphasizing applied learning and industry readiness.
16. University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
UCM offers a Bachelor’s in Automotive Technology Management with focus areas in Automotive Technology, Design Technology, and Service Management. The program includes extensive lab work on UCM-owned vehicles and offers an Advanced Vehicle Systems Certificate.
17. University of Northwestern Ohio
Lima, Ohio
UNOH offers a comprehensive selection of diplomas, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in Automotive Technology, taught by ASE and Master ASE-certified instructors. Students can also major in Automotive Management or High-Performance Automotive Technology within the College of Applied Sciences.
18. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan’s ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program is a top-tier choice. While the undergraduate degree provides broad mechanical engineering knowledge, it includes automotive-focused courses and extensive research opportunities through design teams and labs dedicated to automotive innovation.
19. The University of Texas at Arlington
Arlington, Texas
UT Arlington offers a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on designing cars, autonomous vehicles, and robots. Students can earn an Automotive Engineering Certificate through the Arnold E. Petsche Center and gain experience via the UTA Racing Formula SAE team and co-op opportunities.
20. Weber State University
Ogden, Utah
Weber State’s Department of Automotive Technology offers a variety of degrees and certificates, including Bachelor’s in Field Service Operations and Advanced Vehicle Systems, as well as associate degrees in Independent Shop ATEP and Heavy Duty Trucks. Certificates are also available in Automotive Service Technology and Industry Hybrids.
Wondering if an Automotive Degree is Right for You?
Choosing the right path in the automotive field depends on whether you are drawn to the creative and analytical world of engineering or the hands-on, diagnostic world of mechanics. The institutions listed above represent the best starting points for either journey, each offering unique strengths, from specialized motorsports programs to industry-certified technician training.
By leveraging the resources and opportunities these colleges provide—such as co-op placements, research labs, and industry partnerships—you can position yourself at the forefront of an industry that continues to evolve with electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and sustainable manufacturing. The road to a career in automotive engineering and mechanics starts with the right education.
References
- Brigham Young University–Idaho. (n.d.). Automotive Technology Program. Retrieved from BYU-Idaho Website.
- Clemson University. (n.d.). Department of Automotive Engineering. Retrieved from Clemson University Website.
- Ferris State University. (n.d.). Automotive Engineering Technology. Retrieved from Ferris State University Website.
- Kettering University. (n.d.). Mechanical Engineering: Automotive Engineering Design Concentration. Retrieved from Kettering University Website.
- Pennsylvania College of Technology. (n.d.). Automotive Technology Programs. Retrieved from Penn College Website.
- Purdue University. (n.d.). Motorsports Engineering. Retrieved from Purdue University–Indianapolis Website.
- University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. (n.d.). Mechanical Engineering Program. Retrieved from University of Michigan Website.
- University of Texas at Arlington. (n.d.). Arnold E. Petsche Center for Automotive Engineering. Retrieved from UT Arlington Website.
- Weber State University. (n.d.). Department of Automotive Technology. Retrieved from Weber State University Website.