GATE Program

In 2011, Clemson University’s automotive engineering program received a $1 million competitive award from the Department of Energy’s Graduate Automotive Technology Education, or GATE, division. These funds are devoted to building a center for research and education in sustainable vehicle systems.

Clemson’s Gate Center is part of the existing automotive engineering graduate program.

Completing this track will provide those selected GATE program participants (GATE Fellows) with a specific set of expertise with:

• Modeling and experimental tools for advanced powertrain concepts including, hybrid and electric vehicles, advanced engines and transmissions
•     Controls and systems integration
•     Component and system diagnostics and reliability
•     Light-weight design and manufacturing

The track will also provide a broader perspective for the GATE Fellows by connecting technical solutions to life-cycle impact, market viability, resource economics, and public policy issues. Fellows completing the research and education program under this track will receive a Certificate of Excellence in Sustainable Vehicle Systems.

Quick links

Fellowships	Selection Criteria	Applying for the GATE program
Curriculum Requirements M.S. Fellows	Curriculum Requirements Ph.D. Fellows

GATE Fellowships
Merit-based paid fellowships ranging from $10k-$18k/year with possible remission of tuition to the top candidates, subjected to availability of funding. Select candidates may also be supported independently through research grants, awards, scholarships and other means.

Selection Criteria
Students must apply to become part of the GATE program. Applicants must satisfy admission requirements to the automotive engineering graduate program at Clemson University, including the following:

• BS degree in an engineering or applied science discipline
• GPA above 3.5 in the last degree attained
• Preferably two years of post BS experience
• Exceptional GRE scores
• Research plan essays for Ph.D. candidates
• Two recommendation letters
• If deemed necessary, interview with selection committee

Curriculum Requirements - M.S. Fellows
Core Courses for MS GATE Fellows
AuE 833 Automotive Manufacturing Systems Overview
AuE 835 Automotive Electronics Overview
AuE 880 Automotive Design and Project Management
AuE 881 Automotive Systems Overview
AuE 882 Systems Integration Concepts and Methods
AuE 816 Engine Combustion and Emissions
AuE 817 Alternative Energy Sources
AuE 827 Automotive Control Systems Design
AuE 892 Seminar
AuE 893-2 Autovation (Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management)
AuE 893-4 Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Control
AuE 890 Auto Internship Projects (GATE specific, must be approved)
A second business course

Electives for M.S. GATE Fellows
AuE 883 Applied Systems Integration (required for those participating in Deep Orange)
OR ONE OF THE FOLLOWING*
AuE 826 On-board Diagnostics
AuE 828 Vehicle Drivelines
AuE 829 Tire Behavior
AuE 850 Stability and Safety Systems
AuE 866 Advanced Automotive Materials
AuE 877 Lightweight Design
AuE 893-1 Electromagnetic Compatibility
AuE 893-3 Advanced Engine Combustion
* While not required, additional elective courses may be taken at your discretion. 

Please note, limited substitutions of courses may be possible for those who have already completed related courses. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. AuE degree requirements supersede the GATE certificate requirements.

Curriculum Requirements - Ph.D. Fellows 
In addition to meeting the appropriate requirements for a PhD degree, including a doctoral research dissertation, Ph.D. Gate Fellows must complete the following:  
Core Courses for PhD GATE Fellows
AuE 816 Engine Combustion and Emissions
AuE 817 Alternative Energy Sources
AuE 827 Automotive Control Systems Design
AuE 892 Seminar
AuE 893-2 Autovation (Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management)
AuE 893-4 Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Control
AuE 890 Auto Internship Projects (GATE specific, must be approved)
A second business course

Sustainability minor requirements for Ph.D. Fellows
Two courses addressing broader topics on environmental science, resource economics and policy from those identified by the President’s Commission on Sustainability.
Approved courses:
AP EC 657 Natural Resource Use Technology and Policy
EN SP 671 Man and his Environment
EN SP 400 Studies in Environmental Science
ME 620 Energy Sources and their Utilization

Please note, limited substitutions of courses may be possible for those who have already completed related courses. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. AuE degree requirements supersede the GATE certificate requirements.

Applying for the GATE program 
Students interested in the GATE program should indicate this in their application materials. The interest letter should detail interest and career plans in the subject areas of the GATE track. It should also highlight your qualifications for this area as evidenced by your application package or any additional materials you would like to submit.