13 Online Automotive Engineering Degrees

What could be more interesting than earning an Automotive engineering degree without attending a school? Absolutely, nothing more than landing a high paying job with such degree.

You can still be that individual to design the next vehicle, simply employ your talent and creativity alongside an online automotive degree and get started. This article compiles the best online automotive degrees and short courses you can take in 2024.

In 1961, Najjar co-designed the first prototype of the Ford Mustang. German-born Stefan is globally known for his Bentley design after earning a degree from the London College of Arts.

Also, Henry Royce, the designer of one of the most popular vehicle brands Rolls Royce, a prototype he designed for Charles Rolls Factory in Manchester is one of the outstanding automobile engineers.

These vehicle designers are a bundle of talent and creativity. In all these, they had to earn a degree in automotive engineering. Basically, in recent times and with technological advancement, you may not need a traditional school setting to become a vehicle designer.

Though there are eligibility criteria to meet as well as specific requirements for an online automotive engineering degree, an online automobile engineering program is feasible. To get a hint of these requirements, take a quick glance at the table of contents below.

Table of contents

What is an Online Automotive Engineering Degree?

Though extremely rare, there are online master’s degree programs open to students who hold bachelor’s degrees in engineering. This graduate program is also available to students who have undergraduate coursework in automotive engineering.

Students majorly take courses covering automotive dynamics, quality design, electrical systems, and electronics.

Majorly, these online masters in automotive engineering are offered as hybrid programs that allow students to take specialized courses online.

Most vehicle design online master’s degree program cover courses in internal combustion engines, hybrid electric vehicles and transmissions. Although, variety of degree in automotive engineering may be earned in a traditional setting, Bachelor of Science graduates can earn a master’s degree in automobile engineering online.

In summary, so many universities through reputable online schools offer professional certification courses and other short courses for students who wish to advance their careers as automobile engineers.

Read Also the Best Automotive Design School in the USA here.

Table of contents

How Does an Online Automotive Engineering Degree Program Work?

Automotive engineering is a branch of mechanical engineering that teaches the design, development and manufacturing of cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles.

It requires practical classes hence, most online automotive engineering programs are offered as hybrid programs. Its online version means classes are delivered through online video.

Instructors and faculty members provide notes through the internet, and questions can be asked through online programs developed by the college.

Automotive engineering lectures are delivered to you through online video. Notes will also be available through the Internet, and you can ask your instructors questions through online programs developed by the college.

Not Yet an Automobile Mechanical Engineer? Follow this Step by Step Guide on how to become a Mechanic

What Does Online Automotive Engineering Programs Teach?

The program teaches students to design automotive products. Basically, online automotive programs cover both business and industrial engineering aspects. Students gain all-round knowledge on how to research, develop and market new vehicle designs.

Online automobile engineering coursework usually consists of

  • Vehicle controls
  • Automatic and manual transmissions
  • Environmental impacts of automotive technology
  • Autobody design
  • Automotive engines
  • Manufacturing processes
  • Suspension systems

What Can I Do with My Online Automobile Engineering Degree?

The only thing more interesting than earning a degree in Automotive engineering online is landing a well-paid job with such a degree.

Well, there are quite a number of jobs available for automobile engineers. In fact, Henry Royce design of Rolls Royce for Charles Rolls factory in Manchester earned him a name in the brand.

Generally, your job description as an automotive engineer will revolve around working with sophisticated technologies to create products that thrill the senses and bring the freedom of mobility to the world.

Hence, with an automotive engineering degree earned online, you can take up the following roles in any car factory. You can also take up any firm’s job descriptions of mechanical and industrial engineers.

  • Researching, designing, developing, and producing vehicles and components
  • Preparing cost estimates and design specifications
  • Preparing plans and drawings
  • Analyzing energy, environmental, and safety aspects of the planned project
  • Predicting vehicle or component behavior under different conditions using computerized models
  • Developing testing procedures
  • Investigating product failures
  • Analyzing, interpreting, and condensing technical data into reports or presentations
  • Supervise technical staff
  • Working closely with other types of engineers, such as civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical, and industrial
  • Working with professionals from other occupational fields, such as marketing and legal

How Much Does Automotive Engineers Earn?

How much you earn as an automotive engineer can be influenced by a number of factors. ne of scuh factors remain where you work. In recent times, Auburn Hills, Michigan and Detroit, are known to be the highest paying city for automobile engineers.

However, more automotive engineers are required in Michigan, California, and Texas. Other essential factors that can influence your annual pay as an automobile engineer are your position in the factory and level of education.

This makes earning certifications in vehicle design and other branches of automobile engineering very important. Below are some positions and salary range of automobile engineers in popular industries:

  • Automotive Manufacturing $54,000 – $96,000
  • Original Equipment Manufacturing $50,000 – $89,000
  • Systems & Components Manufacturing $51,000 – $92,000
  • Engine Manufacturing $50,000 – $91,000

In a nut shell, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that industrial engineers average annual earnings as $87,040 in 2018. In fact, the result posits that the demand for these professionals will grow by 10% between 2016 and 2026 (www.bls.gov).

On the other hand, a research report from the Society of Automotive Engineers International (SAE), postulates that the average total cash compensation for automotive engineers in 2012 was $117,600.

Where can I get an Online Automotive Engineering Degree?

Basically, to become an automobile engineer, you would need to complete course requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical engineering, or Automotive engineering.

Now, this course requires more hands on training than theoretical. Hence, it is important for students to earn this degree in traditional settings.

However, those who have a BEng in Mechanical and intend to specialize in automobiles can enroll for an online master’s program in automotive engineering.

Though rare, this article will Xray the course requirements, program admission requirements, and course work of an online bachelor’s degree program for graduate students of mechanical engineering.

In addition, it will also state clearly where students can earn a masters and undertake other automotive short courses and professional certifications online.

Online Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Degree

  1. eCampus University Automobile Engineering Programs

10 Best Online Automotive Certification Programs

  • Northampton Community College
  • Ferris State University
  • Automotive Engine Rebuilder’s Association
  • Stratford Career Institute
  • Bergwall
  • The Society of Automotive Engineers
  • I-CAR
  • Ashworth College
  • Penn Foster Career School

Top Online Automobile Engineering Short Courses

  • Motion Planning for Self-Driving Cars Coursera
  • Overview of Process Instrumentation and Various Types of Measurement: IDC Technologies
  • Carl Benz School Summer School: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
  • Fundamentals of Automobile Engineering
  • Electric Cars: Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – DelftX

13 Best Online Automotive Engineering Programs

Obviously, there are numerous programs online for automotive engineers. For newbies, it could be a difficult task choosing which program to settle for.

Hence, the Kiiky team has compiled the best Online programs in automotive engineering. In our compilation and ranking, we put into consideration, the program type, cost of program and duration.

The first ranking factor states categorically the type of program, which reflects the degree type being awarded. How much each program cost was put into consideration also. The cheaper the tuition the more affordable it is to all automotive engineering students.

Lastly, this article puts into consideration the duration of the program. This however, is our last ranking factor.

1. eCampus University Automobile Engineering Programs

Type of Program: BSC

Cost of Program: $664-1,340 USD/Month

Duration of Program: 4 years

Located in Milan, Italy, this university offers a BEng in Automobile Engineering. This basically, one of the few online bachelor of science programs considering that most programs are not offered online.

Graduates of this online Automobile engineering BEng degree program will learn how to employ the methods of mathematics and other basic sciences to interpret and describe Automation Engineering.

In addition, the program equips students with the various methodologies of Engineering sciences in general and those of Automation Engineering in detail.

To graduate from this program, students will submit a thesis dissertation, a written report of the laboratory project, and a report presentation concerning any experience gained during a period of internship.

PROGRAM LINK

2. Penn Foster Career School Automotive and Engine Repair 

Type of Program: Certification Course

Cost of Program: $60 per month​

Duration of Program: 6 Months

Penn Foster career school offers avariety of Automotive and Engine repair certification program. Basically, students can enoll for diploma courses in Auto Repair Technician, Small Mechanics and Heavy Truck MAinatanace alongside Small Engine repair.

Penn’s online automotive program awards certificates in automotive HVAC essentials and Automotive transmission essentials. With their ASE certifications, graduates of this program can take up mechanical roles in car and vehicle factories.

PROGRAM LINK

3. I-CAR Automotive Engineering Certificate program

Type of Program: Certificate Program

Cost of Program: $988 per credit

Duration of Program:  3-credit hours for Four Course

Undergraduate students and non-degree-seeking members of the Automobile industry, may opt for an Automotive engineering certificate program.

The Clemson University through its department of Automotive engineering offers a certificate program that covers automotive product innovation, automotive systems and vehicle dynamics.

Students may also selects any four courses to create their personal curriculum. However, to earn a certificate, students will select and complete any four courses of the available course offerings.

Course No.Course TitlePre-requisites
AUE 4010Vehicle DynamicsME 3050 or instructor permission for non-ME majors
AUE 4020Advanced and Electrified PowertrainsENGR 1410 or equivalent and ME 3030 or instructor permission for non-ME majors
AUE 4030Automotive Project Tools and PrototypingENGR 1410 and ENGR 2080 or equivalent or instructor permission for non-ME majors
AUE 4080Vehicle Testing and CharacterizationENGR 1410, ENGR 2080 and ME 3050 or instructor permission for non-ME majors
AUE 4860Digital Automotive Manufacturing–
AUE 4930Automotive Human Factors–
AUE 4930Lightweight Design Using Composites

PROGRAM LINK

4. Udemy Fundamentals of Automobile Engineering program

Type of Program: Short Course

Cost of Program: $13.99

Duration of Program:

This automotive program is created by Arjit Raj to teach individuals who are interested the working of cars right from the basics.

Basically, the program objective posits that even without earning a degree or certificate course in automotive engineering, students who take this online course will learn automobile piece by piece.

However, the program focuses on a common automobile – A Car and will analyze its working by taking different parts of it.

It will also explain to newbies, even from Biology Lab to Programmers how different parts of a car come together to enable the vehicle moves from one place to the other.

PROGRAM LINK

5. The Society of Automotive Engineers

Type of Program: Certificate Program

Cost of Program: N/A

Duration of Program: 3 days and above depending on program

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is one of the most comprehensive online automotive educators.

Students will find on its official webpage a series of educational materials to cover nearly every aspect of automotive technology.

In fact, SAE trains over 4, 000 automobile technicians. To choose a certificate program from this respected automotive community, visits the program link.

PROGRAM LINK

6. AERA’S Cylinder Head and Engine Machinist Certification

Type of Program: Certificate Program

Cost of Program:

Duration of Program: 12 months

The Automotive Engine Rebuilder’s Association (AERA) offers the only program on this list that leads to certification without any hands-on work.

This is one of the best automotive engineering programs because it allows students to learn at their own pace.

Upon completion of this program, students earn AERA certificates in Cylinder Heads and Engine Machinist.

This certificate is a unique and well-respected program that is perfect for mechanics who are interested in engine rebuilds.

PROGRAM LINK

7. Electric Cars: EDX

Type of Program: Short Courses

Cost of Program: 175 EUR/

Duration of Program: 4 Months

This automechanical course is offered by EDx in partnership with  Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) – DelftX.

It basically comprises four courses that teach students how to apply all aspects of electric mobility.

This automobile engineering course curriculum will cover the most important aspects of the automobile new market, including state-of-the-art technology of electric vehicles.

Policymakers, engineers, and fleet managers can enroll for this online automotive engineering degree as it is designed to aid them in making sound strategic decisions about e-mobility products and their implications.

PROGRAM LINK

8. Introduction to Automotive Engineering-Udemy

Type of Program: Short Courses

Cost of Program: $12.99

Duration of Program: 5 Hours

This automotive engineering program is created Muffadel Rasheed to accommodate all enthusiasts wanting to learn about automobiles.

Students and engineers working in the automotive industry can enroll for this course to better understand performance criteria.

The course provides students with specific areas of performance related to the Typical IC engine vehicle.

PROGRAM LINK

9. Motion Planning for Self-Driving Cars Coursera

Type of Program: Short Course

Cost of Program: $12.99

Duration of Program: 2 Months

The University of Toronto in Partnership with Coursera offers an auto mechanical program. The program is designed to teach students the shortest path over a graph or road network using Dijkstra’s and the A* algorithm.

In addition, students will use finite state machines to select safe behavior to execute, design optimal, smooth paths, and velocity profiles to navigate safely around obstacles while obeying traffic laws.

Also, the course will introduce students to main planning tasks in autonomous driving, including mission planning, behavior planning, and local planning.

10. Ashworth College

Type of Program: Certificate Program

Cost of Program: $799

Duration of Program:

Ashworth College automomobile engineering program curriculum is designed to aid students for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Tests.

The course can be taken by anyone who is passionate about cars. It is basically, your first step toward a career as an auto technician.

Upon completion of this course, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in settings like repair shops, car dealerships, or even own a garage. Course material covers engine repair, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.

PROGRAM LINK

11. Carl Benz School Summer School: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Type of Program: Short Courses

Cost of Program:  500 Euro.

Duration of Program:

The Carl Benz School Summer Programme held by offers students an opportunity to lean more about possible future career in Engineering.

Online classes and lectures are organized to focus on railway system technology, automobiles, robotics, energy, and virtual engineering.

This program is scheduled to run from July 13th through July 17th, 2020, and exclusively for high school students and indivduals who would love to spend their summer in an automotive engineering school.

PROGRAM LINK

12. Bergwall

Type of Program: Certificate Programs

Cost of Program: $100/year

Duration of Program: 12 months

This automotive engineering school is one of the most popular online vocational schools. It offers four certificate programs through teaching with videos and reading materials.

Students can subscribe to these online atomotive engineering school monthy or yearl. On monthly basis, students will pay 10 whille yearly subscription cost just 100. This cost of program is to encourage stuidents to complete their annual program while paying less.

The following four certificate program in automotive engineering are available at Bergwalls:

  • ASE Test Prep (which covers the standard A1-A8 ASE tests, as well as L1, P2, and C1)
  • Shop Talk (which covers all of the standard automotive components)
  • Shop Safety and Math
  • OBD-II

PROGRAM LINK

13. Udemy- Vehicle Dynamics In Automobiles

Type of Program: Short Course

Cost of Program: $12.99

Duration of Program: 3 Hours

The 13th best automotive engineering degree program is the Vehicle Dynamics in Automobiles. This program is designed for students who have basic understanding of physics and automotive engoineering.

Hence, graduates of automotive engineering can enroll for this course to understand better the basic fundamentals of an automobile.

Basically, the automotive mechanical course will teach students the following:

  • Mechanical Engineers, Automobile Engineers, Car enthusiast, BAJA, Supra,
  • Braking
  • Suspension
  • Steeering
  • Tyres
  • ABS. 

In fact, the auto mechanical engineering course covers basics working, principles and fundamentals of that will be very beneficial to Mechanical Engineers, Automobile Engineers, Car enthusiasts, BAJA, Supra, and upcoming engineering graduates.

PROGRAM LINK

Online Automotive Engineering Degrees FAQs

Are there automotive mechanical courses offered online for free?

Yes, there are some automotive mechanical courses offered online for free. Some of these courses can be accessed on Alisons.com

What can I do with online automotive certificate programs?

Some online automotive certificate programs prepare students to either earn a certification or award a certification. One such online auto mechanical engineering programs are those offered by The Society of Automotive Engineers.

What is automotive engineering?

Automobile Engineering an automotive engineering both refers to a branch of mechanical engineering that deals with vehicle design, development, production and safety testing. So, they are both the same field and profession.

Conclusion

Talent and creativity is basically the bedrock of designing and production. Most industries however, will demand some form of formal education during employment.

What you don’t know is that you can become the next automobile designer from the comfort of your home. You may not need to see the four walls of a formal traditional school to dsign that amazing piece, the prototype that will launch the next set of automobiles.

Unlike German-born Stefan who attended London College of Arts and designer of Bentley ptototype, you can create that design in your subconsious even without going to college.

While it seems impossible to earn a bachelor of science, Mater of science of PhD in automotive engineering, there are basic online automotive engineering programs to aid you in becoming the automobile designer the world has been waiting for.

Look through these best automotive engineering degree programs to choose the best automobile program that complements your talent and creativity skills. Then, you are ready to launch your first prototype.

References

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