Automotive Engineering

There were 246 million vehicles in the US in 2009, according to the Earth Policy Institute. To most people, their car is their most valuable possession – they couldn’t imagine life without it. In most parts of the country, it’s an absolute necessity to function daily. Take it away, and it’s like losing your legs. Automotive engineers are given the task of constructing reliable vehicles so that we can get from point A to point B without any hitches. Students in the major learn about technological processes and gain hands-on experience in metallurgy, vehicle emissions, mechanical testing and dynamometer testing. An understanding of the automotive industry is gained as they examine ergonomics, manufacturing and design. The degree program may include classes in instrument calibration; vehicular systems technology; and test equipment operation and maintenance.

Automotive engineers have little trouble finding employment because their specialized skills are highly sought after by all of the major auto manufacturers that operate in the US. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers in general are among the highest paid out of college, and as years of experience are accumulated, the job remains one of the most lucrative. PayScale asserts that automotive engineers with more than 10 years experience earn an average median income just under $100,000. With two decades in the industry, it reaches $111,000 per year.