Automotive Design Career Info and Education Requirements
Automotive design involves the creation of the visual components of a motor vehicle. Automotive designers work on developing different elements of cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses and other vehicles. Design elements can include exterior and interior style, color, trim and graphics. In some cases, automotive designers assist in the design of automotive safety features.
Automotive Design Career Information
Automotive designers, sometimes called automotive drafters, work on drawings and layouts of automobile parts. They also prepare models, sketches and prototypes for prospective vehicles. Automotive designers or drafters use manufacturing, engineering principles and mathematical formulas to create safe and functional automobiles that are also aesthetically pleasing. In addition to cosmetic components, automotive designers work with engineers to design engine systems, electronics and emissions. Typical everyday duties can include using computer-aided design programs to test the safety and dependability of designs, interpret technical data, conduct tests on prototypes and address engineering and design problems.
Automotive Design Education Requirements
Associate's and bachelor's degree programs are available for aspiring automotive designers. The Society for International Automotive Engineers offers additional training and education options, including courses and seminars on topics like automotive fastening and hybrid vehicle technologies.
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Drafting and Design Technology
Prospective automotive designers can earn Associate of Applied Science degrees in Engineering Drafting and Design Technology. In an associate's degree program, students learn how to build a variety of 3D prototypes and design layouts by using computer-aided systems. These systems are useful for working on parts, tools, machine and electrical components. Coursework may include computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided drafting, finite element analysis, geometric dimensioning and solid modeling. Graduates can work as junior mechanical designers, product design assistants or junior mechanical drafters.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Automotive Technology
Aspiring automotive designers can earn Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Technology. This degree program may include courses like automotive engineering technology basics, product development and design and computer-aided design. Students also learn about mechanics of material, automotive dynamics, engine design, industrial safety and performance testing. Prerequisite courses include calculus, physics, programming and chemistry.
Graduates of an automotive technology bachelor's degree program can go on to work for automotive companies in vehicle dynamics control, mechanical design, product design and drafting, operations research and safety engineering. This degree is also useful for those hoping to work in upper-management positions in the automotive parts industry.
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Automotive Product Design Schools and Colleges
- Auto Design Education and Training Program Information
- Automotive Engineering Degree Program Information
- Auto Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
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2 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- AS in Engineering Technology
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering Technologies
- Plastics Engineering
- Surveying
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School locations:
- Illinois (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Southern Illinois University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Mining Engineering
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Minnesota State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Indiana State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
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School locations:
- Missouri (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Central Missouri include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Mechanics
- Automotive Engineering
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School locations:
- Oklahoma (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Oklahoma State University include:
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- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
Other Related Schools:
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School locations:
- Iowa (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Mechanics
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
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School locations:
- Michigan (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
