Automotive Engineering Technology
Program Summary
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing self-propelled ground vehicles and their systems. Includes instruction in vehicular systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
Discover More About a Degree in Automotive Engineering Technology

What is Automotive Engineering Technology?
Automotive engineering technology is a branch of mechanical engineering that prepares students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to construct, repair and modify systems and machines related to automobiles. Individuals will work to implement new technologies, utilize more efficient designs, and ensure that the vehicle being designed is free of any defects. Individuals must be able to draw up diagrams, should have a strong background in math and physics and should be able to follow schematics as part of the engineering process.
Educational Requirements
Individuals enrolled in a program for automotive engineering technology will learn about the various sciences involved in the development of such systems. Programs in automotive engineering technology are limited in availability and as a result most individuals interested in pursuing the field often choose mechanical engineering programs that offer a similar education in the sciences. Students may then add additional courses to one's curriculum relevant to the area of automobiles in order to gear their education toward automotive engineering. Regardless of the type of program, science and mathematics will play a quintessential role in one's ability to properly perform the tasks required.
A curriculum in automotive engineering technology may include:
- Calculus
- Automotive Technology and Systems
- Fluid Power
- Industrial Safety
- Composite Materials
Employment Opportunities and Job Growth
Individuals working in automotive engineering technology will find themselves working on all parts of development of vehicles. Individuals will develop engines, electrical systems, chassis and more. Engineers who enter the industry will work under experienced professionals, typically assigned to specific areas in order to obtain practical experience in the various aspects of production and design. Additionally, such engineers will be responsible for the testing and implementation of designs and develop procedures to maintain finished products.
Careers in automotive engineering technology are limited and the market for jobs is expected to shrink. This is due to the increased production due to automation and technical testing and design through advancements in computer technology. As a result, jobs are competitive, though qualified and talented individuals are in continued demand. Students who pursue mechanical engineering rather than automotive engineering technology may have more career options outside of the automotive industry.
Salary and Related Fields
The average salary for an automotive engineer is approximately $90,000 per year. Salary increases with experience and education. Individuals with managerial experience may become team leaders or division heads, increasing earning potential greatly within a corporate environment.
Individuals interested in automotive engineering technology may also be interested in mechanical engineering,mechanical technology technician, or aeronautical and aerospace engineering technology.
Top Schools That Offer an Automotive Engineering Technology Degree or Program
4-Year Colleges and Universities
| Andrews University | |
- Berrien Springs, MI
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| Brigham Young University - Idaho | |
- Rexburg, ID
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| Broward College | |
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
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| Central Michigan University | |
- Mount Pleasant, MI
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| College of Central Florida | |
- Ocala, FL
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| Colorado State University - Pueblo | |
- Pueblo, CO
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| Daytona State College | |
- Daytona Beach, FL
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| Farmingdale State College | |
- Farmingdale, NY
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| Ferris State University | |
- Big Rapids, MI
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| Florida State College at Jacksonville | |
- Jacksonville, FL
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| Indian River State College | |
- Fort Pierce, FL
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| Indiana State University | |
- Terre Haute, IN
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| Madison Area Technical College | |
- Madison, WI
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| Miami Dade College | |
- Miami, FL
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| Minnesota State University - Mankato | |
- Mankato, MN
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| Navajo Technical College | |
- Crownpoint, NM
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| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee | |
- Okmulgee, OK
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| Pennsylvania College of Technology | |
- Williamsport, PA
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| Pensacola State College | |
- Pensacola, FL
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| Pittsburg State University | |
- Pittsburg, KS
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| Santa Fe Community College | |
- Gainesville, FL
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| Seminole State College of Florida | |
- Sanford, FL
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| Siena Heights University | |
- Adrian, MI
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| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | |
- Carbondale, IL
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| St Petersburg College | |
- Largo, FL
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| State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota | |
- Bradenton, FL
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| Suny College of Technology at Alfred | |
- Alfred, NY
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| University of Central Missouri | |
- Warrensburg, MO
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| Weber State University | |
- Ogden, UT
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| Western Washington University | |
- Bellingham, WA
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Community Colleges
| Bridgemont Community and Technical College | |
- Montgomery, WV
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| Brookdale Community College | |
- Lincroft, NJ
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| Camden County College | |
- Blackwood, NJ
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| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | |
- Cincinnati, OH
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| Columbus State Community College | |
- Columbus, OH
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| Community College of Allegheny County | |
- Pittsburgh, PA
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| Crowder College | |
- Neosho, MO
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| Cuyahoga Community College District | |
- Cleveland, OH
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| Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College | |
- Moorefield, WV
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| Gateway Community College | |
- New Haven, CT
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| George C Wallace Community College - Dothan | |
- Dothan, AL
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| H Councill Trenholm State Technical College | |
- Montgomery, AL
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| Hocking College | |
- Nelsonville, OH
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| James H Faulkner State Community College | |
- Bay Minette, AL
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| Lawson State Community College - Birmingham Campus | |
- Birmingham, AL
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| Lorain County Community College | |
- Elyria, OH
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| Massachusetts Bay Community College | |
- Wellesley Hills, MA
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| Mercer County Community College | |
- West Windsor, NJ
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| Metropolitan Community College - Longview | |
- Lees Summit, MO
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| Middlesex County College | |
- Edison, NJ
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| Montcalm Community College | |
- Sidney, MI
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| Moraine Park Technical College | |
- Fond du Lac, WI
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| Northwest State Community College | |
- Archbold, OH
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| Oklahoma City Community College | |
- Oklahoma City, OK
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| Owens Community College | |
- Perrysburg, OH
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| Raritan Valley Community College | |
- Branchburg, NJ
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| Sinclair Community College | |
- Dayton, OH
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| Springfield Technical Community College | |
- Springfield, MA
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| Stark State College | |
- North Canton, OH
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| Sussex County Community College | |
- Newton, NJ
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| Terra Community College | |
- Fremont, OH
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| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | |
- Lancaster, PA
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| Washington State Community College | |
- Marietta, OH
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Technical Colleges
| Kiamichi Technology Center - Stigler | |
- Stigler, OK
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Career Colleges
| Ati Career Training Center-Miami | |
- Miami, FL
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Columbia | |
- Columbia, MD
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Denver | |
- Denver, CO
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Grand Prairie | |
- Grand Prairie, TX
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln College of Technology-Indianapolis | |
- Indianapolis, IN
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Mahwah | |
- Mahwah, NJ
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Union | |
- Union, NJ
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| Lincoln Technical Institute-Whitestone | |
- Whitestone, NY
| 2011-12 Largest Program Tuition and Fees
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| New Community Workforce Development Center | |
- Newark, NJ
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| Wyotech - Long Beach | |
- Long Beach, CA
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