Table of Contents
- Why choose top universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
- List of top universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
- The course curriculum for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
- The application process for the course of MS in automotive engineering in the USA
- Necessary documents for application
- Requirements for visa application
- Scholarships you can acquire for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
- Key takeaways
- FAQ
A 1 to 2-year degree is available for MS in automotive engineering in the USA as both on-campus and online programs. You can choose either full- or part-time courses. Top universities offering an MS in automotive engineering in the USA also provide it as a mechanical engineering specialization.
To apply for MS for Automotive Engineering in the USA, you must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline and good GRE scores. The average annual tuition fee for an MS in automotive engineering in the USA ranges from 19,530 to 60,000 USD. After graduating from top universities with an MS in automotive engineering in the USA degree, students can earn up to 78,344 USD a year.
The automobile industry has a very promising future as automotive engineers can create the next generation of hybrid vehicles and lead the way in other technological advancements like flying or self-driving cars.
Why choose top universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
The USA is one of the top 4 car producers in the world, along with Germany, China, and Japan. This generates tremendous career prospects for automotive engineers working in the country.
A popular choice among international students for pursuing an MS in automotive engineering in the USA is due to these job market trends:
Between 2004 and 2018, the number of vacancies for automotive engineers in the USA increased by 8.01%, growing at 1.34% yearly rate.
The total no of automotive engineers was 253,100 people which gradually increased from 217,010 in 2004.
In the automotive engineering industry, 18,700 new jobs were added in 2018.
Between 2004 and 2018, Wyoming and the District of Columbia experienced the highest job growth rates in the USA, almost 40%.
A student with an MS in automotive engineering in the USA makes 29% more money than those with a bachelor’s.
Automotive engineers in the USA made an annual salary of 54,500 USD in 2016 to 59,700 USD in 2019.
List of top universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA

The top colleges for an MS in automotive engineering in the USA are listed below, according to QS Ranking for engineering in 2020:
Name of the university | QS Ranking | Name of the course | Duration |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 21 | MEng in Automotive Engineering | 1-2 years |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | 56 | MS in Automotive Engineering | 1 year |
Ohio State University(OSU) | 101 | Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL) in Automotive System Engineering | 1-2 years |
Minnesota State University(MSU) | 156 | MS in Automotive Engineering | 1-2 years |
University of Tennessee Knoxville(UTK) | 407 | MS in Mechanical Engineering and Automotive Design | 1-2 years |
Clemson University | 701-750 | MS in Automotive Engineering | 2 years |
Lawrence Technological Institute | – | MS in Automotive Engineering | 2 years |
University of Michigan-Dearborn | – | MSE in Automotive Systems Engineering | 1 year |
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga(UTC) | – | MS Engineering in Automotive Systems | 2 years |
The course curriculum for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
Automotive engineering is a more specific branch of mechanical engineering.
As a result, this degree is also provided in the USA as a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering specialty. Designing, creating, and modifying vehicles and automobiles are its key areas of study.
The majority of well-known American universities provide the following three alternatives for this program:
Course-only: To graduate from a program, students must pass a final-semester exam as well as all of the required courses.
Project: To successfully finish the program, a written report is necessary.
Thesis: The completion of a research paper by the time the degree is earned is necessary to pass the course.
The application process for the course of MS in automotive engineering in the USA
A student must hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline to be eligible for admission to the course MS in Automotive Engineering in the USA.
Students can use the website’s application gateway to submit their applications directly to US universities.
Fall and spring semester applications have the highest probability of getting accepted.
Eligibility criteria
- An undergraduate degree from a renowned university with 60% to 70% in mechanical, electrical, or a related subject elective.
- Minimum GRE score of 300
- Scores from the IELTS or TOEFL as evidence of English language proficiency
Necessary documents for application
- Transcripts of grades from previous colleges
- Translation of foreign transcripts into English and credit evaluation
- A passport photocopy.
- A résumé with work experience history and extracurricular activities.
- 3–4 recommendation letters.
Requirements for visa application

An international applicant has to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the USA.
Students must complete the I-20 form and submit it with their application after getting the university’s confirmation letter.
The following documents are necessary for student visas:
- Transcripts, degrees, certificates, and certifications from relevant universities that you attended.
- Monetary statement.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 for application.
- University letter of acceptance.
- Evidence of English language competence.
- The bank’s statements.
The applicant’s home country’s US Embassy is where the visa interview takes place.
Scholarships you can acquire for MS in automotive engineering in the USA
Name of Scholarships | Value in USD |
Inlaks scholarship | 100,000 |
Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai fellowships | 150,000 |
Forte fellowships | 24,623 |
Automotive aftermarket scholarships | 5,000 |
Fulbright-Nehru master’s fellowshipsMississippi automotive manufacturer’s association scholarship | Variable28,000 |
BMW/SAE engineering scholarship | 6000 |
Iowa automotive dealers foundation of education scholarship | Variable |
The applicant can apply for these scholarships to get additional monetary benefits. You can check the eligibility criteria for these scholarships and fellowships and apply accordingly.
Key takeaways
- You should now have a good understanding of the top universities for MS in automotive engineering in the USA and how to apply for admission based on the information provided above.
- What more can you do to gain admission to the top universities, though?
- You can start by being ready to do well on the GRE and raise your academic standing. You can add internships to your résumé and gain additional experience while improving your technical abilities.
I hope this blog helped you with all your queries. For more information on American universities for MS in automotive engineering, click here.
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FAQ
Q1. Why should I study MS in automotive engineering in the USA?
Ans-The USA is the nation where the demand for automotive engineering courses is on the rise. The US provides a better course curriculum and a great learning experience. In addition to that, reputed automakers are hiring recent graduates and offering them good salary compensation.
Q2. After receiving my MS in automotive engineering from the USA, am I eligible to work in other nations?
Ans-The MS certificate is recognized in all significant nations, and you can get a job with good salary packages everywhere.
Q3. Which are the top companies hiring automotive engineers in the USA?
Ans-The USA’s automotive industry is expanding quickly, and numerous industries are in serious need of engineers. Ford Motor Company, FCA Corp, General Motors Corporation, Chrysler Group LLC, and other well-known companies frequently hire automotive engineers.