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Engineering (Automotive Systems), BSE

Engineers are creative problem-solvers who help shape the future. No profession unleashes the spirit of innovation like engineering. Tackle hands-on problems through industry-sponsored capstone projects, and build a transdisciplinary foundation spanning automotive, manufacturing and automation.

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A group of students reviews automotive components under the hood of a car, showcasing practical learning in ASU's Automotive Systems degree.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: Substantial program math intensity substantial
First required math course: MAT 265 - Calculus for Engineers I
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Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation and professional licensure

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

Engineering (Automotive Systems) degree description

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program in engineering with a concentration in automotive systems prepares you to collaborate across disciplines to design and build solutions to real-world problems.

In the program, you apply fundamental engineering knowledge and design thinking to practical projects every semester. You first build a broad engineering foundation, to which you add the skills and knowledge necessary for vehicle design and testing. The curriculum focuses on automotive engineering fundamentals, including powertrain engineering and chassis system design, as well as hands-on projects that involve designing, analyzing and building actual automotive systems.

Upon graduation, you will be able to provide leadership in automotive engineering settings, especially in automotive testing and hybrid propulsion systems, which are intrinsically transdisciplinary.

Why specialize in automotive systems at ASU?

You learn in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, the largest engineering school in the country, where you can tap research opportunities, interdisciplinary electives and a faculty network reaching nearly every engineering domain.

Your coursework digs directly into hybrid propulsion systems and EV modeling and simulation, keeping you aligned with where the automotive industry is heading.

Working in teams, you steer projects end-to-end, from defining requirements to delivering the final presentation, sharpening the project management and communication skills employers most often name as gaps in new hires.

Additional details

You can take your skills to the track with student motorsports. Sun Devil Racing, a Society of Automotive Engineers student chapter on the Polytechnic campus, designs and builds an off-road racing vehicle to compete each year in the Baja SAE Collegiate Design Series.

You can also join Sun Devil Motorsports, Formula Electric, the electric-vehicle arm of Sun Devil Motorsports, where you can design, build and race a Formula-style electric car.

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Design engineering systems including components, and processes to meet needs within realistic constraints including social, political, economic, ethical, health and safety, manufacturing and/or sustainability.
  • Communicate engineering findings to colleagues, clients, other stakeholders and the public in written, oral and graphical form.
  • Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (ABET)

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

A current ASU student must have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.00.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Amber Mesko
602-496-1397
GradEdPrep@asu.edu
General contact
602-543-6358
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

Students learn to thrive in a global environment through the rich educational and interpersonal experiences inherent in study abroad. A resume enhanced by the valuable study abroad experience impresses prospective employers and helps students stand out when they pursue advanced study.

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Automotive Engineer 11.2% $104,110

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

Careers this automotive systems concentration prepares you for

Engineers collaborate on transdisciplinary teams to design, manufacture and deliver innovative technological products and services. Through the program, graduates have developed sophisticated technical skills in tandem with the professional skills of communication, teamwork, collaboration, self-motivation and adaptability that many employers seek.

Graduates of the automotive concentration are prepared for employment in companies related to the automotive industry, from large original equipment manufacturing companies and their testing grounds, to smaller specialty or aftermarket companies. The program's emphasis on open-ended design and project-based learning supports the development of entrepreneurial skills and attitudes, and some students start companies of their own.

Because of the transdisciplinary nature of the BSE, graduates also have opportunities to perform functions traditionally associated with mechanical, manufacturing, automation and development engineers.

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Engineering Programs | SUTON 240
polyadvising@asu.edu
480-727-1874

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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