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Department of Automotive Engineering

An academic department within the School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

Graduate students at Clemson University ICAR working on car.
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Department of Automotive Engineering
4 Research Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
864-283-7220

Leading The Way Again

The nation's first Bachelor of Science graduates in Automotive Engineering

Clemson University's Department of Automotive Engineering was a trailblazer in graduate-level education in the mid-2000s. Now, we are leading the way again with our Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering. We recently celebrated our first four graduates, as they became the first in the entire country to earn a bachelor's degree in this discipline.

First Four Graduates

Along with obtaining diplomas at graduation, these first four also participated in the inaugural Brick Ceremony, where they each received a brick that will be placed in front of the CU-ICAR tower. This allows them to return years later and visit their brick on our campus. This tradition will continue as each student who completes our Bachelor of Science program will have their own brick placed in front of the tower. The department predicts numerous graduates at the December 2025 ceremony, and nearly thirty at the May 2026 ceremony, as the program continues to grow. Read more about these first four graduates, the Brick Ceremony, and their future plans in this Clemson News Article.

By Fall 2025, our Automotive Engineering Bachelor of Science program will have nearly 150 students enrolled - an amazing feat for a degree that just launched in Fall 2023. Like the graduate degrees that came before it - and that still boast hundreds of students in their own right - the bachelor's degree is becoming renowned as developing top-tier talent that is ready to impact the automotive industry on day one after graduation. 

Department of Automotive Engineering
4 Research Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
864-283-7220

Academic Pursuits | Influential Research

Automotive Engineering Academics

CUICAR campus in the evening.
Programs B.S. M.S. Ph.D. Cert
Undergraduate X X
Graduate X X X

Beyond the main campus, we have state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Greenville, SC. Beginning with their junior year, students at the bachelor's level will transition to a mix of classes in Clemson and Greenville at the CU-ICAR campus. At the master's level, students can choose a thesis or internship-based degree - online or in person. Our Graduate Certificate Program features courses at the 6000 or 8000 level, allowing them to apply toward an Automotive Engineering Master or Ph.D. degree.

Group at Indy track with car.

Find Your Path

Leaders of the Future

A 40-student team unveiled their finished self-driving racecar in Indianapolis, wrapping up a whirlwind 18-month design cycle resulting in one of the most advanced self-driving projects ever attempted. Every year, a team of automotive engineering students is tasked with designing a prototype vehicle to answer a grand challenge. Known as Deep Orange (DO), the long-running program has brought in major OEMs and global suppliers to guide students through the vehicle design process. For DO 12, students had to design an autonomous system prototype that operated at high speeds, followed complicated race control procedures and fit into a tightly-constrained, aerodynamic package.

Internships that Launch Careers

Faculty Excellence

Award-Winning Educators

The department is comprised of tenured/tenure track faculty and full-time and part-time lecturers who contribute significantly to developing knowledge and educational innovations in Automotive Engineering. With the support of technical and administrative staff, we welcomed our largest graduate enrollment since the program began.

Advanced Manufacturing

Lightweighting Manufacturing Costs

SUVs tip the scales at about 4,000 pounds, but researchers are aimed at knocking at least 160 pounds off while maintaining affordability and ensuring automakers can mass produce it without retooling their facilities. A lighter vehicle requires less energy to travel; thus, the idea is to reduce the number of fossil fuels burned in gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles and increase the range of electric vehicles.

The team will focus on a skeleton-like part of the SUV, called the glider or body-in-white. A big part of the challenge will be incorporating various materials, including metals and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer composites, and figuring out how best to join them.

Researchers discussing composite materials.

Career Outlook

The technological impact of research, education and economic development has opened new avenues in mobility, ranging from clean propulsion to revolutionary manufacturing. Increasingly digital and automated manufacturing will significantly increase manufacturing efficiency and quality, all while lowering costs. The job market, closely tied to mechanical engineering, is projected to grow by 4% from 2018 to 2028.

Our graduates have earned high praise from employers and become true ambassadors of the Automotive Engineering program over time, with graduates receiving an average starting salary of $89,300. Carmakers and Tier 1 suppliers in S.C., the nation, and abroad visit us annually to recruit, and we maintain full placement of our graduates in competitive industry jobs.

  • Rivian
  • Ford
  • Stellantis
  • GM
  • Cummins
  • Lucid
  • Tesla
  • Honda
  • BMW
  • Aptiv
  • Canoo
  • ZF
  • Bosch
Employees using laptop to access vehicle information..
95% 
Career
in Automotive Field

Curriculum blends in-depth technical study and a modern approach to system engineering with the leadership and business acumen needed to thrive in a global economy.

Excellence in Hands-on
Professional Development

Clemson's Center for Career and Professional Development consistently rates high nationally for career services, internships, and co-op opportunities.

Career Services
67% 
Research
Sponsored by Industry

Research centered around advanced powertrains, advanced manufacturing & materials, design & integration of complex systems, connected & automated vehicles, and human factors

AUE Organizations
Study Abroad
Research
Intern Experience

Global Impact

Student discussing design features with industry members.

Power the Future

When it comes to industry, we get it. We are training the next generation of engineers and developing cutting-edge technology for the world's industry leaders—through research and our partnerships. When paired with our award-winning 250-acre campus and translational research, this proves that CU-ICAR is helping to power the industry into the future.

The Department of Automotive Engineering's (AuE) cutting-edge M.S. and Ph.D. programs have continued to receive national & international recognition, resulting in a record number of applicants for a limited number of spots. Our programs' focus on industry needs continues to produce highly sought-after graduates who go on to represent CU-ICAR at major carmakers, Tier 1 suppliers, and non-traditional players in the automotive industry.

Our Research
Beyond the Classroom

Automotive in the News

Department of Automotive Engineering
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Department of Automotive Engineering | 4 Research Drive, Greenville, S.C. 29607
864-283-7220 | | Tour Campus