Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Eligibility, Cost of Living, Scholarships and Job Outcomes

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA: Top Universities, Eligibility, Cost of Living, Scholarships and Job Outcomes

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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated On - Aug 7, 2024

Highlights:

  • Most popular course specializations of MS in Automotive Engineering in USA include topics like Vehicle Dynamics, Design, and Control of Mechatronic Systems, etc.
  • Top universities offer intakes for MS in Automotive Engineering in USA academic year 2024-2025 during Fall semester, Summer, and Spring Semester.
  • Application fee range for MS in Automotive Engineering in USA is between USD 40 (INR 3338.30)-USD 90 (INR 7511.18).
  • The application fee for US student visa is USD 185 (INR 15439.65).
  • Job roles offered to graduates of MS in Automotive Engineering in USA are - automotive technician; automotive engineer, vehicle engineer; automotive systems engineer, automotive lead engineer, etc.

An MS in Automotive engineering is the best option for someone who wants to turn their passion for cars into a career. Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA also offers well-paying and lucrative engineering jobs in USA for graduates. Some of the top universities providing the course are the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Minnesota State University, etc. The course specializations are as follows:

  • Vehicle Dynamics
  • Simulation Techniques for Dynamic System Analysis and Design
  • Design and Control of Mechatronic Systems
  • Robust Control for Mechatronics Systems
  • Digital Control Engineering

The average annual tuition fee range for MS in Automotive Engineering in US among top engineering colleges and universities in USA is between USD 14,281 (INR 11 lakhs)- USD 55,100 (INR 45 lakhs). The graduates of Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA earn between USD 72,000 (INR 60 lakhs)- USD 89,620 (INR 74 lakhs) per year. ROI for Masters in Automobile Engineering in USA is quite high and Clemson University is providing an ROI of 164%, followed by 159% of MSU. This is because the course is affordable, and students get a higher-end salary in their jobs in this field.

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Aspirants are eligible to apply for an F1 visa when enrolling to study Automobile Engineering MS in USA. Post completion of the course, this student visa can be upgraded to a H1B visa or a temporary work visa. A temporary work visa gives an applicant the opportunity to work in the USA for 3 years. The document requirements to obtain a work visa in the USA are as follows:

  • Confirmation page of your non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160
  • Receipt of your application fee payment
  • Copy of the photo to be used for your visa
  • The receipt number of your employer's approved petition as it appears on Form I-129. It is a form used by an employer to petition U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a beneficiary to come temporarily to the United States as a non-immigrant for work.
  • Valid passport
  • Academic Transcripts

Top Universities for Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA

University of Wisconsin- Madison, University of Michigan- Ann Arbor, Clemson University, etc are some of the best universities in USA for MS in automotive engineering. Some top universities for Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA are mentioned below along with the program, admission deadlines, and annual fees:

Name of the University Programs Deadline Annual Fees (in USD) Annual Fees (in INR)
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor MEng in Automotive Engineering Application deadline-January 15th 55,100 45 lakhs
University of Wisconsin- Madison MS in Mechanical Engineering: Automotive Engineering Fall semester admission: March 1 25,578 21 lakhs
Minnesota State University (MSU) MS in Automotive Engineering Technology Spring 2024- February 16, 2024
Fall 2024- September 27, 2024
15,560 12 lakhs
Clemson University MS in Automotive Engineering Application deadline- Dec. 1. 14,281 11 lakhs
Lawrence Technological Institute MS in Automotive Engineering Summer 2024 - February 13, 2024
Fall 2024 - May 28, 2024
Spring 2025 - October 15, 2024
Summer 2025 - February 18, 2025
44,700 37 lakhs
University of Tennessee- Chattanooga M.S. Engineering: Automotive Systems Concentration Fall- June 15
Spring- Nov. 1
Summer 1- April 1
Summer 2- May 15
31,798 26 lakhs
University of Tennessee: Knoxville MS in Automotive Manufacturing Fall- February 1
Spring- June 15
Summer- October 15
31,700 26 lakhs
Florida Institute of Technology MS in Mechanical Engineering (Automotive Engineering) Fall- July 1st
Spring- August 1st
42,182 35 lakhs

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Specializations

In the United States, a Masters in Automotive Engineering program consists of 30 credit hours and can last 1-2 years. Applied thermodynamics, mechanical vibrations, advanced mechanics of materials, and engineering analysis are among the core courses expected. In addition, there would be a thesis or certain electives to choose from. Engineering materials, automotive electrical systems, hybrid electric vehicles, combustion and emissions, powertrain systems, vehicle crash worthiness, and so on are examples of such topics. Some course specializations of MS in Automobile Engineering in USA include the following:

  • Vehicle Manufacturing and Materials.
  • Vehicle Performance.
  • Advanced Powertrains and Drive lines.
  • Vehicle Electronics/Electrical Systems

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Document Requirements

To apply for a Master in Automotive Engineering, the students should check the university’s eligibility criteria.

  • Original or attested copy of high school diploma
  • Complete and official transcript (statement of marks) for each high school and/or college attended
  • GPA 3.0 out of 4.0
  • English language proficiency
  1. IELTS: 6.5
  2. TOEFL-iBT: 80
  • 2-3 LORs
  • Statement of Purpose
  • CV / Resume
  • Financial Documents
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Copy of current I-20

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Eligibility Requirements

Admission requirements for Masters in Automobile Engineering in USA vary depending on the university and the level of education sought by the student. Below are the admission requirements for top universities for MS in Automotive Engineering in USA:

Name of the University GPA GRE Proof of English Language Proficiency Additional Documents
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor N/A Verbal- 153;
Quant- 163
IELTS- 6.5
TOEFL iBT-88
Duolingo- 130
Academic Statement of Purpose (500 words);
Resume/ CV;
Personal Statement;
3 LORs
University of Wisconsin- Madison 3.0 out of 4.0 Not required IELTS- 7.0
TOEFL iBT-92
Statement of Purpose;
Resume/ CV; 3 LORs
Minnesota State University (MSU) N/A Not required IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL iBT- 79
Duolingo English Test score of 95 or better
Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 47 or better
Resume
Clemson University N/A Not required IELTS-6.5
TOEFL iBT- 80
Duolingo-115
2 LORs;
Resume
Lawrence Technological Institute 3.0 out of 4.0 Required TOEFL-iBT- 79
IELTS-6.0
Duolingo English Test- 105
1 LORs;
Resume;
Statement of Purpose (optional)
University of Tennessee- Chattanooga 2.7 out of 4.0 Not required IELTS- 6.0
Duolingo English Test Minimum-100
TOEFL IBT- 83
Statement of Purpose;
Resume/ CV;
LORs
University of Tennessee: Knoxville 3.0 out of 4.0 Not required but recommended IELTS-6.5
TOEFL IBT- 83
Statement of Purpose;
Resume/ CV;
LORs
Florida Institute of Technology 3.0 out of 4.0 Required IELTS- 6.0
TOEFL- 79
Pearson Test of English Academic- 58
Duolingo English Test-100
Resume/ CV;
2 LORs;
Statement of objectives

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Application Fee

Students have to keep in mind that all top universities in USA for MS in automobile engineering charge an application fee during the admission process. This fee is non-refundable and the receipt of the application fee has to be submitted during document submission. Given below are all the university-specific application fees for automobile engineering MS in USA:

University Application Fee (USD) Application Fee (INR)
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor 90 7511.18
University of Wisconsin- Madison 75 6259.32
Minnesota State University (MSU) 40 3338.30
Clemson University 90 7511.18
Lawrence Technological Institute 50 4172.88
University of Tennessee- Chattanooga 40 3338.30
University of Tennessee: Knoxville 60 5007.45
Florida Institute of Technology 60 5007.45

Application Process for USA Student Visa

To study in the United States, you must first obtain an F or M student visa. The application process for a visa consists of several steps. The order and method of completing these steps may differ depending on the US Embassy or Consulate. Please refer to the instructions on the embassy or consulate website. The application process for a US student visa includes the following steps:

  • Online Non-immigrant Visa Application
  • Photo Upload
  • Schedule an Interview
  • Prepare for Your Interview
  • Pay the non-refundable visa application fee of USD 185 (INR 15439.65)

Cost of Living in USA

Below-mentioned is the average cost of living in USA for international students pursuing Master of Automotive Engineering :

Particulars Costs (in USD) Cost (in INR)
Total tuition fees for Fall and Spring semesters (approximate) 14,070 11.7 lakhs
Room & Board (9 months) 10,198 8.5 lakhs
Books & Supplies 1,400 1.6 lakhs
Health Insurance 2,150 1.7 lakhs
Personal Expenses 1,700 1.4 lakhs
Total Estimated Expenses for 9 Month Academic Year 29,516 24 lakhs

MS in Automotive Engineering in USA Scholarships

Tuition Fees surge for graduate programs in USA. However, they fund their students through teaching & research assistantships, bursaries, loans, and scholarships to study in USA. A few of them are listed below in the table:

Scholarships Awards Awards (in INR) Offered by
Panther Fund Merit Scholarship 50% of tuition - Florida Institute of Technology
Seaton Graduate School Fellowship 5,000 USD 4.17 lakhs The University of Tennessee: Knoxville
ISD Merit Scholarship 20,000 USD 16.6 lakhs University of Michigan
Graduate Fellowships Full tuition fee authorization (including non-resident fees), Stipend, Subsidized health Insurance. - The Ohio State University
King-Morgridge Scholars Program Tuition and Fees, On-campus Room and board, Health Insurance, Airfare, and a Stipend for Miscellaneous expenses - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Graduate Funding 28,370 23. 6 lakhs Ohio State University

Masters in Automotive Engineering in USA Job Outcomes

The US has a huge demand for competitive automotive engineers. Also, there are extensive range of engineering jobs in Canada for these professionals, thus pursuing a master's in automotive engineering is very beneficial. Automotive engineers with mechanical engineering backgrounds are in high demand. Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Harris Corp., GE, the United States Air Force, Navy, Army, and NASA are among the companies that employ them. Following are some of the different job roles to take after completing the degree:

Profession Average Salary (USD) Equivalent Average Salary for Indian Students (INR)
Mechanical Engineer 89,000 74 lakhs
Test Engineer 94,000 78 lakhs
Project Engineer 70,000 58 lakhs
Controls Engineer 80,000 66 lakhs
Product Development Engineer 79,000 65 lakhs
Design Engineer 72,000 60 lakhs

Work Permit Visa USA

Aside from being a popular tourist destination, the United States is also a popular business location. People from all over the world want to work in the United States because of the high wages and positive work environments. There are two ways you can go to the US for employment:

  • As a temporary employee
  • As a sponsored/permanent employee

There are various types of US work visas available depending on the purpose and type of work that you want to do. The following are the various types of temporary work visas in the United States:

Visa Type Visa Description
H1B visa To work in a specialty occupation. Requires a higher education degree or its equivalent. Includes fashion models of distinguished merit and ability and government-to-government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense. Top H1B visa sponsorers include recruiters like Amazon, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Ernst Young, Google, etc.
H-2B visa For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work. Limited to citizens or nationals of designated countries, with limited exceptions, if determined to be in the United State’s interest.
L1 visa To work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or in a position requiring specialized knowledge. Individuals must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for 1 year within the three preceding years

In addition to entering the workforce, master's degree holders in engineering can pursue a doctorate. The automotive engineering program is designed to allow for further specialization and research. Students pursuing the course can expect a good return on investment above 100% from most universities. Moreover, there is no dearth of jobs in this field.

FAQs

Ques. Can I study Automotive Engineering in the United States?

Ans. Yes, all international candidates hoping to secure a degree in automotive engineering can enroll at universities in the USA. Students can apply to the USA for MS in Automotive Engineering which lasts for 1-2 years.

Ques. How much does an Automotive Engineer earn in the USA?

Ans. The average annual salary of an Automotive Engineer in the USA is 89,620 USD (~73.8 lakhs INR). Automotive engineers can take up the roles of automotive technician; automotive engineer; vehicle engineer; automotive systems engineer; automotive lead engineer, etc.

Ques. What can you do with an MS in Automotive Engineering technology?

Ans. Students with an MS Automotive Engineering technology degree program can pursue their careers in design & development, product research, along with manufacturing in the aftermarket and original equipment industries.

Ques. What is Automotive Engineering in USA?

Ans. The more specialized branch of Mechanical Engineering is Automotive Engineering. It focuses mainly on developing, designing, and modifying vehicles and automobiles. The program lasts for a duration of 1-2 years.

Ques. How to get an MS in Automotive Engineering in the USA?

Ans. Students completing a 4-year bachelor's degree in the relevant discipline can apply to MS in an Automotive Engineering program. They may also need a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, GRE scores, and an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

Ques: Is a master's in automotive engineering worth it?

Ans: The MSc Automotive Engineering program includes a number of key modules that cover the fundamentals of modern automotive engineering. This provides a strong foundation for a successful career in automotive engineering (manufacturers, OEM, R&D) or motorsports.

Ques: Is one year MS in the USA worth it?

Ans: Yes, as this saves time, and students can apply for work permit after their course completion. All students have the opportunity to work for one year on OPT. Students who have completed Masters in STEM courses are eligible for a 24-month OPT extension.

Ques: Who are the largest employers for automotive engineering?

Ans: Automotive engineers can work for one of the Big Three U.S. automakers: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Major foreign automakers with factories or divisions in the United States include Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.

Ques: Why choose MSc Automotive Engineering?

Ans: This will provide career opportunities in various sectors of the automotive and motorsport industries. By the end of this MSc, you'll be an all-around automotive engineer with a specialised skill set and the in-depth knowledge that many industry employers seek.

Ques: Is MS better in India or the USA?

Ans: India is yet to provide stdeunts with better placement opportu ities and research opportunities especially in STEM courses. Furthermore, when it comes to MS, the United States is unquestionably the better option due to the engineering research and facilities available. Unfortunately, Indian institutions have yet to catch up with their UK/US counterparts.

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