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Find Your Future In Automotive Engineering

This page is designed to answer questions about our degree programs. 

Students can earn either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Automotive Engineering at Clemson University. Since Fall 2021, you can now earn the M.S. degree entirely online. We also have a B.S. to M.S. option for Clemson students who want to continue their education after their B.S. degree. For individuals looking to advance but not ready to take on a full degree, take advantage of our Graduate Certificate Program, in-person or online. Clemson undergraduate students can also take part in our undergraduate certificate.

The GRE has been waived for Spring 2023 & Fall 2023 graduate applicants.

37648635206_3c8bd95a45_w.jpgWhy should students consider Clemson's automotive engineering program?

We offer both master's (M.S.) and doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in automotive engineering, a new B.S. to M.S. option for Clemson Undergraduate students, as well Undergraduate and Graduate certificates. Any number of reputable universities will allow you to get an advanced degree in engineering with an automotive concentration. What we offer is an entire program devoted to automotive engineering. It's more than a concentration area; it's our sole purpose for existence.

What makes our program unique is our entire focus is automotive engineering. It is not one of several tracks or options offered in our program, instead, automotive engineering is our sole reason for existence. We are the nation's only graduate-level department of automotive engineering. We are also housed on a campus that is devoted to the automotive industry.

By narrowing our focus, we can give students deep knowledge in a particular area like powertrains, vehicle electrification, connected and automated vehicles, systems integration, manufacturing or vehicle performance while helping them understand the breadth of the automotive industry. We are creating engineers with both technical skills and business sense. This approach was recommended by the automotive industry leaders who sit on our advisory board. We aren't just guessing about what the industry wants and needs; we actively involve OEMs and suppliers in the design of our program.

We used industry feedback to create Deep Orange, the vehicle prototyping program that is a centerpiece of our curriculum.  Starting with nothing more than ideas, our Deep Orange students build a vehicle prototype in two years. Not only is this unique in the academic world; but it's also the sort of experience that working engineers only dream about.

We mentioned the role of our automotive partners in designing our curriculum. You might be wondering what kind of presence the automotive industry has in Greenville and the surrounding area. Since 1994 BMW and automotive suppliers have invested over three billion dollars and created more than 7,000 jobs in the region. In fact, more than 150 automotive-related companies are located in South Carolina's Upstate region. Our location puts students in the center of a burgeoning industry where they have the opportunity to network and ultimately start a career.

For prospective students, the real proof of our success is in the achievements of our graduates. Since our first students graduated in 2009, we have been awarded over 600 degrees, including both M.S. and Ph.D. graduates. We are proud to report that 92 percent of these graduates are using their degrees in either industry or academia. These alumni are working at companies like BMW, Tesla, Michelin, Proterra, Honda, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford and FEV.

If our approach and results interest you, please review the sections regarding the admissions process and curriculum. If you would like more information about the program please use the AUE contact form. We will be in touch to address your specific questions.

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M.S. Application

M.S. admission notification update by mid-May.

Ph.D. Application

Ph.D. applicants receive notice by mid-June for Fall admission and mid-November for Spring admission.  Top candidates will be offered full financial support, assuming that performance continues to be up to standards. Support will be offered through various means, including research and teaching assistantships, fellowships and grants. To increase the chances of success with your application as well as in your Ph.D. program, you are encouraged to reach out to and identify a faculty advisor willing to engage and support you with long-term funding. You can do this by contacting the faculty individually with your CV and a statement about your areas of research interest.

Certificate Program Application

Please refer to the Certificate Program's website for up-to-date information about applying.

Below you will find information regarding test scores and GPA guidelines, application instructions, and deadlines.

Our FAQ page covers many other questions, we encourage all prospective students to review that information.

Admissions Guidelines

The review committee evaluates each application as a whole, weighing all of a student's qualifications, including GRE/TOEFL test scores, GPA, previous education/transcript details/, work experience, interests, and recommendation letters.

For your reference, the following are typical minimum test scores of successfully admitted candidates in recent years.

GRE SCORES – revised scoring system 
Verbal  153 
Quantitative 155 
Written 3.0
TOEFL 80

***For Spring 2023 & Fall 2023, we have temporarily removed the GRE as an application requirement due to the impact of COVID-19.

Note:

  1. Not all candidates that meet minimum test scores will necessarily be admitted, as other items on the student's application are equally important.
  2. Similarly, students with scores that are marginally below these levels are not automatically denied admission if other credentials are strong.
  3. The above minimums may vary slightly from cohort to cohort
  4. Applications can only be reviewed by the Department of Automotive Engineering once marked as "complete". All applicants are responsible for ensuring material is submitted prior to the deadlines and will be required to use the Application Status Check to verify that all information was received by the Clemson University Graduate School. 

Additional requirements

M.S. - Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or math with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent from an accredited program. While not required, two years of post-BS, industry experience is a plus.
Ph.D. - A master's degree is typically desired. Students wishing to enter the Ph.D. program directly after obtaining their BS degree must have a GPA of 3.5 or better. Degrees must be in engineering, applied sciences, or math.

Application Instructions

The admissions application is found on the Graduate Admission page
Your materials are loaded into a system that will allow us to evaluate your application and act accordingly.

The following items are needed to complete your application. These documents can be submitted electronically. Test scores are submitted through the testing agency. Unofficial transcripts and letters of recommendation are submitted as part of the application process.
Official GRE scores (Clemson's ETS code is 5111. There is no additional department code.)
Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for International Students (Clemson's ETS code is 5111. There is no additional department code.)
Unofficial Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation Students should submit at least two letters of recommendation and can submit three.

The Graduate School also offers detailed information on supporting materials.

If you are accepted, you will need to submit an official transcript*. Clemson requires one official academic transcript from each previously attended institution. These transcripts are sent directly to the address below in a sealed university envelope. Graduate Admissions will not accept faxed or scanned copies. Do not send high school transcripts or any certificates other than degree certificates. To ensure proper handling, do not send official transcripts until you have received your letter of acceptance.

Office of Graduate Admissions
209 E-Martin Hall
Clemson University
SC 29634

*Clemson students do not need to submit a transcript.

Deadlines

Fall enrollment (open to both M.S. and Ph.D. students) - apply by January 15 for full consideration for admissions and funding/fellowships
The application window will remain open until April 30, but applications arriving after January 15 are subject to vacancies in the program.

Spring enrollment (now open to MS students) - September 15 is the deadline for FULL consideration. The application window will remain open with applications being reviewed until November 15, but those arriving after September 15 are subject to vacancies in the program.

For more information, visit both our graduate admissions FAQs and those published by the Clemson University Graduate School. Either the graduate student services coordinator or the graduate coordinator can assist with questions that are not answered by this site or the graduate school's site.

Tuition and fees

Please visit the Graduate School's site for the most current information about tuition and fees. "Automotive engineering" is the first program listed under the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences.

First-Year Engineering student stour CU-ICAR campus

First-year engineering students at Clemson begin with General Engineering. During the spring of your first year, you will meet with your General Engineering Advisor. After discussing with them,  you can declare for Automotive Engineering through an application process. Decisions will be released in late May, and if accepted, you can proceed with the Change of Program form in iRoar. A full list of deadlines and processes can be found on the AUE B.S. page.

Financial SupportFinancial support is awarded based on the availability of funds and academic merit.  If a student changes his/her subject area after support has been extended, support eligibility is reviewed and funding may or may not be provided.  Automotive engineering Ph.D. students are given priority for financial support.

Graduate students are eligible for financial support if they are (1) enrolled in full-time graduate studies, (2) in good academic standing, i.e., not on probation, and (3) making satisfactory progress toward their degree. 

Assistantships
Graduate assistants receiving funding pay a flat fee for tuition and fees.  To receive the reduced tuition and fees for a particular semester, a qualified student must be on the department payroll by the end of the second week of that semester.  Assistantship opportunities will be emailed to students when they become available. The emails will contain details about the position and application instructions. Students should not send unsolicited resumes/CVs to faculty members, as these messages will be deleted. In general, only Ph.D. students will be considered for assistantships due to the compact nature of the master's degree curriculum.


Fellowships
Funding for fellowships generally comes from donors who would like to contribute to the success of our students.

Currently, our fellowship sponsors include Bosch, BMW, Bridgestone, Cooper Standard, Draxlmaier, FEV, JTEKT Koyo, Mazda, Plastic Omnium, SAGE Automotive, and Stäubli. The department also offers a number of fellowship opportunities for deserving students.

Unlike assistantships, many of our fellowships are open to M.S. students. Most of the fellowships available through the department do not require an additional application*; in these cases, faculty review student admission applications and award fellowship dollars based on this information. Along with fellowship award which generally ranges from $5,000-$10,000, students on fellowship enjoy the benefit of in-state tuition.

*Students who are interested in the BMW M.S. Fellowship must complete a separate application. For details, please visit the BMW M.S. Fellowship page

Students must be enrolled for at least nine credit hours to receive a fellowship.

Greenville County is the centerpiece of the Upstate of South Carolina,
known as the “Economic Engine of South Carolina."

Since its beginning as a small farming community in 1786, Greenville is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Greenville today is a large and diverse metropolitan area and a prime location for business.

Over the past 30 years, Greenville has transformed from the textile capital of the world to a destination for a diverse industry base that includes global corporate, manufacturing, and automotive offices. Greenville is home to world-class companies such as Michelin, BMW, Lockheed, GE, and IBM.

With more than 300 "event days" each year - from dance festivals and outdoor concerts to nationally-ranked street fairs - Greenville has something for everyone. The city has become known as a "Foodie Paradise," with an enticing and diverse collection of dining experiences and cuisines—from traditional to global to downright eclectic. From Southern cuisine and soul food to BBQ and breweries, all you need to do is pull up a plate (or growler).

 

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housing

HOUSING
Clemson does not offer university housing in the Greenville area. The Department of Automotive Engineering does have contacts at several apartment complexes near the CU-ICAR campus.

This information is only meant as a resource for students. The Department of Automotive Engineering is not responsible for housing. Any questions regarding apartments and fees should be directed to the managers. All apartments are unfurnished.  

https://www.apartmentlist.com/sc/greenville#map

Waterside Greene Apartment Homes  (Approximately five miles from campus - formerly known as Candleton Apartments)
Contact: Jim Sweet
741 Woodruff Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864)329-0591
Shuttle service is provided.

Innovation Apartments
75 Innovation Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864)675-1531
50% off application fee, waived processing fee for ICAR students and staff

The Vinings at Laurel Creek
3434 Laurens Road
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864)567-1201

Laurel Woods Apartments
350 Fairforest Way
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: (864)288-7073
Fax: (864)288-7068

Avana at Carolina Point (Approximately two miles from CU-ICAR campus)
201 Carolina Point Parkway
Greenville, SC 29607
(866)557-7195

When visiting websites or talking with apartment managers, students must make sure that they are aware of additional fees that may be charged in addition to rent. These are usually one-time fees to be paid before moving in. Typically, these could include an application fee, administrative fee, and/or security deposit. Other fees may be charged at the discretion of apartment management.

Students will be asked to provide a record of at least one year of rental history. Those who cannot provide at least one year of rental history may be required to pay one month's rent in advance. Almost all apartment complexes perform criminal background and credit checks on all potential occupants. Housing can be denied to anyone who fails the background screening.

Finally, students need to inquire about which utility charges they will be responsible for. Sometimes complexes will include some utilities (cable, water, sewer or trash) in the rent. It is a student's responsibility to ask about inclusions. Students do not have to purchase cable television service, but they will have to pay for water, sewer, and trash if indicated by the apartment complex.

Greenlink ShuttleTRANSPORTATION
There are a number of transportation options for CU-ICAR students.

The Greenlink St. Francis-CU-ICAR shuttle is a 12.5-mile loop that runs from the St. Francis Eastside Hospital on Patewood Drive, along Woodruff Road to Waterside Apartments, onto Verdae Boulevard and passes the Route 8 shelter with connections to downtown Greenville. The loop then heads to Laurens Road and the St. Francis Millennium campus at Innovation Drive, before stopping at CU-ICAR off Millennium Boulevard and returning to St. Francis Eastside.  The shuttle runs every 30 minutes. The current operation schedule* is Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The shuttle does not run on Sunday. 

Tiger Commute links CU-ICAR with Clemson's main campus. Please review the PDF to see the route (page 2) and schedule (pages 3-4 and 6). This service does not run on weekends or university holidays.

For questions about the Tiger Connection and Tiger Commute services, please contact Clemson Parking and Transportation Services at 864-656-2270.


In addition to these services, CU-ICAR now offers the WeCar vehicle-sharing service. For more information, visit WeCar information.

About the AuE Program Application Process and Admissions Accepted Students International Students Miscellaneous

About the Automotive Engineering (AuE) Program

Application Process and Admissions

Clemson University Graduate School Policy Handbook

Accepted Students

International Students

Miscellaneous

What makes Clemson's automotive engineering program different?
Our entire focus is automotive engineering. It is not one of a number of tracks or options offered in our program, instead, automotive engineering is our sole reason for existence. We are the nation's only graduate-level department of automotive engineering. We are also housed on a campus that is devoted to the automotive industry. By narrowing our focus, we can give students deep knowledge in a particular area like powertrains, vehicle electrification or hybrid propulsion while helping them understand the breadth of the automotive industry. We are creating engineers with both technical skills and business sense. This approach was recommended by the automotive industry leaders who sit on our advisory board. We are also implementing many of the key objectives outlined in ASME's Vision 2030.

Do I need to have a mechanical engineering background to succeed in your program?
Due to our systems-integration focus, our program draws interest from students with a variety of backgrounds. Our admissions guidelines state that students should have a degree in any branch of engineering, applied sciences, or mathematics. We find that students are best suited for success when they have an understanding of the principles and skills listed below.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
Integral calculus (one variable, two variables)
Differential calculus
Differential equations
Linear algebra
Matlab (software)
Good verbal and written communications skills (required for every class)

The lists below are specific to each technical concentration area.

MANUFACTURING
Engineering design (two units)
Manufacturing processes
Strength of materials (SOM)
Materials or materials engineering class

ENGINES

Thermodynamics
Heat transfer, controls
Understanding of fluid mechanics

POWERTRAIN
Kinematics
Thermodynamics
Understanding of fluid mechanics
Dynamics

ELECTRONICS
Basic electronics
Electrical circuits
Programming

OTHER HELPFUL COURSES
Human factors
Ergonomics

APPLICATION PROCESS AND ADMISSIONS
I've applied. When will I hear about my application?
Thanks for your interest in our program. We ask for your patience during the admissions process. Our faculty committee reviews applications continuously during the consideration window and makes decisions on a rolling basis. To follow the status of your application, please use the Clemson Grad School status check system.  We ask that you do not e-mail or call to check on your application, as responding to these inquiries takes time away from other activities and will delay the review process. We anticipate that all admissions decisions for MS applicants will be communicated by May 15. Ph.D. applicants are required to identify a project together with a faculty member agreeing to be an advisor before the application will be considered.  (Updated Sep. 7, 2016)

Who can apply?
Enrollment is open to those with degrees in any branch of engineering, applied sciences, or mathematics.

What are the admissions requirements?
We look at each student as a whole when making decisions about admissions. Test scores and GPA are considered along with post-graduate work and automotive interest/experience.

The test scores listed below are our general guidelines for admissions.
GRE SCORES –revised scoring system (previous scoring system in parenthesis)
Verbal  153 (500 - previous GRE scale)
Quantitative 155 (700 – previous GRE scale)
Written 3.0
TOEFL 80

Additional requirements
M.S. - Bachelor's degree in engineering, applied sciences, or math with a GPA of 3.0 or equivalent from an accredited program. While not required, two years of post-BS, industry experience is a plus.
Ph.D. - A master's degree is typically desired. Students wishing to enter the Ph.D. program directly after obtaining their BS degree must have a GPA of 3.5 or better. Degrees must be in engineering, applied sciences, or math.

My verbal GRE score is less than 153 (500 on the old scale); do I have a chance of getting in?
We cannot give you a firm answer to this question. Our faculty committee looks at GRE scores, GPAs, previous experience -  both educational and industrial, recommendations, and essays before making a decision. Using this holistic approach, strengths in one category can help make up for deficiencies in another. It is not our policy to review applications or credentials that do not go through the official application process. Therefore, the only way to find out whether you'll get in or not is actually to apply and go through the process.

What were the average GRE scores for students admitted to previous classes?
Please keep in mind that our holistic review process means that marginal GRE scores can be balanced by industrial experience or other factors. We cannot guarantee that students who meet or exceed these averages will be granted admission. With that stated, the average GRE scores for previous years are listed on the Graduate Median Score page.

How do I apply?
You may apply on the web at the Clemson Graduate School site.  Your materials are loaded into a system that will allow us to evaluate your application and act accordingly.

What documents should I submit? Can I learn more about supporting materials?
Official GRE scores (ETS code – 5111  There is no additional department code.)
Official TOEFL/IELTS scores for International Students
(ETS code – 5111  There is no additional department code.)
Unofficial Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation

Official transcripts are required upon acceptance.
Do not submit the transcript before you are accepted. Students* must submit one official academic transcript from each previously attended institution. These transcripts must be mailed to the address below. Graduate Admissions will not accept faxed or scanned copies. Do not send high school transcripts or any certificates other than degree certificates. To ensure proper handling, do not send official transcripts until you have received your letter of acceptance.

Clemson University Graduate Admissions
Clemson University
Graduate Admissions Office
E-209 Martin Hall
Clemson, S.C. 29634

*Clemson students do not need to submit a transcript.

For more on supporting materials, please visit the Grad School's information page.

What is an official transcript? When do I submit it?
Unlike the unofficial transcript that should accompany your application, the official transcript must be mailed to the Clemson Graduate School after you have been admitted. Your transcript must be placed in a sealed envelope by your college or university's registrar. The seal of the envelope should then be signed by the registrar. This seal is not to be broken by anyone outside of Clemson's Graduate School. These measures help to ensure the authenticity of your documents.

After you have been admitted, the official transcript should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
209 E-Martin Hall
Clemson University
SC 29634

I submitted my GRE and/or TOEFL score sheet, but my application status still reads "awaiting materials." Why?
Your official score report comes directly to Clemson from the testing service (ETS). Any documents that you upload are not considered official. You must request a score report from the testing service. Be sure to use Clemson's institution code 5111 when making your request. It can take two-to-four weeks for the official score report to be matched to your application.

What are the application deadlines?
For fall admissions (M.S. and Ph.D. students can enroll in the fall.), all materials must be in by January 15 to receive full consideration for both admission and funding. The application window will be open until April 30, but applications received after January 15 are subject to the availability of vacancies in the program.
For spring admission (Ph.D. only) applications should be submitted by Sept. 15 for full consideration.


How much are the application fees?
Domestic Fees: $80
International Fees: $90
These non-refundable fees can be paid by credit card, debit card, or electronic check (U.S. banks only) when the application is submitted.

How can I learn more about the admissions process?
The Graduate School's Webster has an extensive list of FAQs about the application process. We encourage you to read the information available here http://www.grad.Clemson.edu/admission/faq.php#apply. Read through the Clemson University Graduate School Policy Handbook.  Either the Graduate Coordinator or the Graduate Student Services Coordinator can assist with questions that are not answered by this site or the graduate school's site.

Please do not call the office or send e-mails inquiring about your application status. This only slows the processing and review of your application. All Fall entry applicants will be notified by May of the year of application.

How can I check the status of my application?
You may check the status of your application by logging into the Application Status Check. Once your application is received and added to our student database, you will be able to see the information we have recorded about you, the status of your supporting documents, if your test scores have been received from ETS and when actions have been taken regarding admission status. If you find erroneous information when checking the status of your application, please notify us at grdapp@Clemson.edu.

Please do not call the office or send e-mails inquiring about your application status. This only slows the processing and review of your application. All Fall entry applicants will be notified by May of the year of application.

May I apply for both the M.S. and Ph.D. program on a single application?
No, you must select only one-degree program or the other. Typically students apply for the master's program. If, after a semester, they have decided to pursue a Ph.D., the student will complete a change of major form to make the switch. It is important to note that a student must have a faculty recommendation to make the switch; the ability to change your degree program is not guaranteed.

May I apply for multiple programs at Clemson on the same application?

Clemson allows you to apply to more than one program (for instance, both automotive engineering and mechanical engineering). However, you must use two separate applications. All applications at Clemson are customized to meet the needs of each specific program and are, not interchangeable. After you have submitted and paid for your first application, you are to go back in with the same UserID and password and change your major. You will have to submit the second application and pay another application fee. For more on the application process, and to complete an application form please visit the Clemson Graduate School.

I have not taken the GRE yet, can I still apply for the program?
You can complete the application before you take the GRE. The application system will match your GRE scores to your application when they are submitted by ETS. Be sure that the name used on your GRE matches the name used on your application. Please use Clemson's institutional code 5111 when requesting your score report. There is no separate departmental code in addition to the institutional code.

I am having technical issues with the application. What should I do?
First, be sure you have carefully read and followed all the application instructions. Secondly, review the FAQs provided by the Clemson Grad School. Finally, e-mail help@applyweb.com with technical issues.


Is it possible to send requests for letters of recommendation before I finish the application?
Yes, you can send a letter of recommendation request before finalizing your application. As you enter information for your references, you will see a button allowing you to request a letter of recommendation. Click the button to generate the e-mail request.

I made an error when entering my recommender's e-mail address. What do I do?

Go to the  Application Portal.   Go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Review Your Activity". Use the same userID (email address) and password you created when you submitted your application. This will take you to any applications that you have completed through College Net. Click on Clemson University (Graduate).

You will see the section for Online Letters of Recommendation. You can see who you requested and if they have started their recommendation yet. There is a dropbox that says "take action". The two selections are "send reminder" and "edit this recommender." The second option allows the name and/or email address to be edited.

When this is done, the original link is deactivated, and a new email is automatically generated and sent using the new information.

If you are still having problems, please contact College Net at help@applyweb.com.

My reference did not receive an e-mail from the system. What do I do?

Go to the Application Portal.   Go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Review Your Activity". Use the same userID (email address) and password you created when you submitted your application. This will take you to any applications that you have completed through College Net. Click on Clemson University (Graduate).

You will see the section for Online Letters of Recommendation. You can see who you requested and if they have started their recommendation yet. There is a dropbox that says "take action". The two selections are "send reminder" and "edit this recommender." Use the send a reminder link. If you are still having problems, please contact College Net at help@applyweb.com.

How can I learn more about transferring to Clemson's automotive engineering program?
The Graduate School sets policies concerning transfer credits. Those policies are spelled out in the GS Policy Handbook. Students with specific questions about transferring to the automotive engineering program should contact the Graduate Student Coordinator.

What is the cutoff score for GRE/GPA?
There is no cutoff score enforced for the GRE test. Median scores of admitted students can be found here: Graduate Median Score page. Due to the different scales of GPA, there is no fixed cutoff. GPA and grades in individual courses are considered directly from the transcript(s).

The application asks me to input my GPA on a 4.0 scale, but my grading system is on a different scale. How do I convert it?
This field applies only to GPAs originally calculated on a 4.0 scale. If you are using a different scale, please leave this field blank, and we will find your GPA directly from the transcript(s).

I got a score of XXX on my GRE, I have a GPA of XXX, I have taken courses XXX, and I have work experience XXX. What are my chances of getting into your program?
Each application is reviewed as a whole (including both these quantitative measures as well as references, personal essay, and understanding of work experience), and compared to the current applicant pool. Therefore, it is not possible to give an accurate assessment of the possibility of admission. Please use the baseline data and program description to assess yourself, and apply accordingly.

I am a Ph.D. applicant. When will I find out if I am admitted to the program?

If you are applying Ph.D., we require that you identify an advisor and project before we will admit you. We encourage you to contact researchers in your area of interest to find open positions.

ACCEPTED STUDENTS

I've been accepted. Now, what do I do?
Visit the Clemson Graduate School's site and follow the steps outlined in the "new student checklist.Please note that this site may list dates for orientation that do not apply to our program; you will receive orientation information directly from our department.  In addition to the steps outlined on the site, you will also receive a "response card" that must be completed and returned to us. This will allow us to start preparing for your arrival.

How can I be considered for fellowships?
All incoming students who meet the deadlines (Jan. 15 - fall admissions and Sept. 15 - spring admissions) are considered for fellowships. For most of our fellowships, there is no additional work on the student's part. The admission application provides the information needed for faculty to make decisions about fellowship awards. If other fellowships are available and involve a separate application form, accepted students will receive application information. Please note that fellowships with separate application processes may have additional criteria, including the ability to work in the US without sponsorship ( US citizenship), specific interests, or experience.

I've heard there are medical requirements. What does this mean? What about health insurance?
All new Clemson students must complete an Online Medical Clearance Form and provide written proof of required immunizations by July 1 (fall admissions) or December 1 (spring admissions). Students will also be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Those who already have insurance can complete the online waiver form
Clemson University Health Insurance

Where should I live?
Students should live in Greenville, South Carolina. Clemson does not have official housing in Greenville; you can find information on apartment complexes near the CU-ICAR campus along with local information in the Housing, Transportation & Greenville Area Information section below.  Students who don't have their own transportation are encouraged to live in complexes served by the Greenlink Shuttle. At this time, those are Waterside Greene.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Are there additional steps that I must complete?
Yes. International students must complete the steps outlined on the International page.

Do I submit financial certification documents when I apply?
Your financial certification documents are part of the 1-20 process that begins after students are admitted. Do not submit financial certification materials unless you are accepted and working to obtain an I-20. For more information visit

Your financial certification documents are part of the I-20 process. Students only begin this process after they are accepted, so you should not worry about financial certification unless you are admitted to our program. For more information, see http://www.clemson.edu/administration/ia/services/students/new-students.html.


Can you tell me more about the Office of International Engagement (international student office)?

Located on Clemson's main campus, the International Student Office offers a number of services to help new students. Please start by reading the information the office has prepared for new students.
The office can be reached by e-mail at is@clemson.edu or by phone at 864-656-3614.

Where can I find the forms for international students?
All forms pertaining to international students can be found here http://www.Clemson.edu/administration/ia/services/forms.html
This includes the IS-50 Financial Certification Form needed for the I-20 process.

As an international student, what do I need to know about the English proficiency requirement?
Check the Clemson Graduate School's list of exempt countries and institutions and contact the Office of Graduate Admissions to request an English Language Proficiency Exemption. If you can't get this exemption, you should take either the TOEFL or IELTS and include your official scores with your applications.


MISCELLANEOUS

Do I qualify for in-state tuition?
There are many factors that determine whether a student is eligible for in-state tuition or not. Clemson's Office of Residency Classification assists graduate and undergraduate students with questions regarding residency and eligibility for in-state tuition. Please visit their website (http://www.clemson.edu/financial-aid/residency/index.html) or contact the office (864-656-2280) for assistance with your specific questions.


What other costs should I be aware of?
Please look carefully through Clemson's Graduate School Financial/Tuition website for updated information.

Students should also consider housing, utilities, groceries and other typical living expenses when calculating their costs. These costs will vary greatly depending on your personal tastes. Rental rates for one-bedroom apartments near the CU-ICAR campus typically run from $450-700 per month. Many students live with roommates to bring down the cost of their housing and utilities. This information from the Greenville Chamber of Commerce shows the average cost of common products and services in the Greenville area. Use this information and think about your own habits to know what you should budget for household expenses.


How can I get an assistantship?
Graduate assistants receiving funding pay a flat fee for tuition and fees.  To receive the reduced tuition and fees for a particular semester, a qualified student must be on the department payroll by the end of the second week of that semester.  Assistantship opportunities will be emailed to students when they become available. The emails will contain details about the position and application instructions. Students should not send unsolicited resumes/CVs to faculty members, as these messages will be deleted. In general, only Ph.D. students will be considered for assistantships due to the compact nature of the master's degree curriculum.
Assistantships are limited and awarded on a highly competitive basis; preference is given to Ph.D. students.

The department and CU-ICAR relationships with companies. How does this help me get an internship or job?
Our department does not have an internship placement program that matches all of our students with an internship. Students are responsible for finding their own six-month internships to fulfill the graduation requirement. When possible, we try to help our partners and other companies with finding interns and employees from within our student and alumni populations. This is meant to be a service to the automotive industry; it is not a guaranteed internship program for students. All students should prepare for their internship search by downloading the Graduate Student Career Plan provided by Clemson's Career Services. 


Please refer to our How to Apply page for application deadlines.

If you still have questions or want additional information, please reach out to us at automotive@clemson.edu

We will respond to your e-mail in 3-5 days; in the meantime, please review our Students pages for more information on the department.

Name: First Name MI Last Name
E-mail Address:
Country:
Interest:
I am interested in the Master's program
I am interested in the Ph.D. program
Semester of Interest:
  Fall
Spring
Year of Interest: