Automotive Engineering Technology
Overview
Automotive engineering technology programs prepare people to help engineers design vehicles such as cars and trucks.Automotive engineering technology programs include topics such as:
- Vehicular systems technology
- Design and development testing
- Prototype and operation testing
- Inspection and maintenance procedures
- Instrument calibration
- Report writing
Schools
Several community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in automotive engineering technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in automotive engineering technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in automotive engineering technology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Technology
- Auto Body Repair
- Automotive Technology
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Industrial Mechanics
- Instrumentation Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Plastics Technology
- Polymer and Plastics Engineering
- Truck and Bus Driving
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Auto Body Repairers
- Automobile Mechanics
- Drafters
- Electronics Engineering Technologists
- Mechanical Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Pre-Calculus
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A bachelor's degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Applied Differential and Integral Calculus
- Applied Dynamics
- Automotive Electronics and Instrumentation
- Basic Electrical Science
- Body and Frame Structure and Design
- Brakes
- Chemistry
- Fluid Mechanics
- Fuels and Lubricants and Their Emissions
- Manufacturing Processes
- Materials Testing
- Mechanics of Materials
- Physics
- Power Train
- Statistics
- Suspension and Steering
- Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
Things to Know
Many jobs in this field require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.
With a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology, you may be able to work either as an engineer or as a technologist. Your options depend on what state you live in and whether your state requires a license.
If you want a license, you usually need a bachelor's degree from an engineering technology program recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam.
Certifications are also available from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.
Schools
East Side Area
Big Bend Community College
- Automotive Technology--Engine Service
- Automotive Technology--Manual Drive Train and Axle
- Automotive Technology--Suspension and Steering Specialist
West Side Area
Peninsula College
- Automotive Technology--Suspension & Steering