Automotive engineering is a specialized field of study within mechanical engineering that focuses on the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles.
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It is a highly technical and challenging field that requires a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.
Automotive engineers apply their knowledge of mechanics, electronics, materials, and computer science to create innovative and efficient vehicles that meet the needs and preferences of consumers.
The United States is home to some of the best automotive engineering schools in the world, offering students the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty members, work with cutting-edge technology, and gain hands-on experience through internships and co-op programs.
In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best automotive engineering schools in the US.
These institutions are known for their rigorous academic programs, state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong industry connections. Let’s get started!
Best Automotive Engineering Schools in the US
According to a ranking by EduRank.org, the top 10 automotive engineering schools in the US are as follows:
1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor offers a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Automotive Engineering through its Integrative Systems + Design Division. This program is designed to prepare students to be innovators who can address global problems in the rapidly evolving automotive sector.
Read Also: University of Michigan Out-of-State Acceptance Rate 2023
The University of Michigan also offers several options for students to pursue this degree, including an online program, a Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Study (SUGS) program for undergraduate students at the College of Engineering in Ann Arbor, and an Accelerated Master’s Degree Program (AMDP) for students who receive an undergraduate BSE degree from the U-M – Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Joint Institute (U-M SJTU)
2. University of Wisconsin – Madison

This is another prestigious engineering school that oers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering with an option in Automotive Engineering.
The program provides students with a solid foundation in engineering principles and applications, as well as specialized courses in automotive design, performance, testing, and manufacturing.
Students can also join the Wisconsin Hybrid Vehicle Team, which competes in the EcoCAR Challenge sponsored by the US Department of Energy and General Motors.
Read also: University of Wisconsin Ranking, Acceptance rate, GPA and Application requirements
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This is one of the most renowned institutions for science and technology in the world, and it offers a Bachelor of Science (SB) degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Transportation.
The program exposes students to various aspects of transportation systems, such as vehicle dynamics, propulsion, control, safety, environmental impact, and policy. Students can also conduct research at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, which works on projects related to autonomous vehicles, electric vehicles, mobility services, and smart cities.
Read also: MIT: Ranking, Acceptance Rate and GPA Requirements
4. Ohio State University

This is one of the largest and most diverse engineering schools in the country, and it offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis on Automotive Systems Engineering. The program prepares students for careers in the automotive industry by teaching them how to design, analyze, optimize, and integrate vehicle systems.
Read Also: Top 10 Notable Alumni of Ohio State University
Students can also participate in the Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research (CAR), which is a multidisciplinary research center that focuses on advanced propulsion systems, intelligent transportation systems, vehicle safety, and human factors.
5. University of California – Berkeley

This is one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, and it offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Mechanical Engineering with an option in Vehicle Engineering. The program covers topics such as vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, combustion engines, electric drives, hybrid systems, and vehicle control.
Students can also join the CalSol Solar Vehicle Team or the Formula SAE Racing Team.
Read More: University of California–Berkeley: Ranking, Acceptance Rate, GPA and Requirements
6. Texas A&M University – College Station

Texas A&M University – College Station is home to the College of Engineering, which is the largest college on Texas A&M’s College Station campus and one of the largest in the country.
The college offers a variety of programs, including a program in Mechanical Engineering, which may include courses related to automotive engineering. Texas A&M University’s Society of Automotive Engineers Aero Design teams have also had success in international design competitions, winning first place in the Regular Class category and third place in the Micro Class category.
Read More: Texas A&M University Ranking, Acceptance Rate, GPA and Requirements
7. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Automotive concentration through its College of Engineering.
The program focuses on the design and analysis of automotive systems, with particular emphasis on chassis systems, engines, vehicle dynamics and control, tire and wheel systems, and other important topics.
Students in this program will graduate with the skills to design and analyze various automotive subsystems and conduct hands-on research.
Read More: Georgia Institute of Technology Out-of-State Acceptance Rate 2023
8. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, offers an Automotive Engineering Major through its Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The program focuses on the design and analysis of automotive systems, with particular emphasis on chassis systems, engines, vehicle dynamics and control, tire and wheel systems, and other important topics. Students in this program will graduate with the skills to design and analyze various automotive subsystems and conduct hands-on research.
Read More: Virginia Tech Ranking, Acceptance Rate, GPA and Requirements
9. Purdue University

Purdue University offers a variety of programs in engineering, including a program in Mechanical Engineering, which may include courses related to automotive engineering. Additionally, Purdue School of Engineering & Technology offers a Motorsports Engineering Program at IUPUI, which is the only university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering.
The program offers a perfect blend of engineering curriculum plus vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, data acquisition, and other motorsports-specific courses.
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10. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology offers a variety of programs in engineering through its Armour College of Engineering.
Read More: Illinois Institute of Technology Ranking, Acceptance Rate, GPA and Requirements
The college does offer a program in Mechanical Engineering, which may include courses related to automotive engineering.
Additionally, the college offers a Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program, which introduces students to a wide range of applications, including engines and rockets, uncrewed aircraft and spacecraft, and driverless cars, among other technological innovations.
Conclusion
These top 10 schools, including University of Michigan, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stand out for their exceptional programs, industry collaborations, and research initiatives.
Aspiring automotive engineers can find unparalleled opportunities for education and innovation within these esteemed institutions, driving advancements in automotive technology and shaping the future of the industry.