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Cars invented in 1886, continue to revolutionize the world to this day. The poster child for groundbreaking innovation, motor vehicles signify power, personal control, and autonomy.
In North America, the automotive industry market is expected to grow to USD 1.22 trillion by 2028 from USD 0.94 trillion in 2023, ensuring a steady influx of opportunities for educated and skilled professionals in this field, both in the technical and business facets of the industry.
Students interested in working with auto parts, fixing engine issues, and tackling technological systems and machinery should consider an online Bachelor’s in Automotive program. While enrolling in an international university offering Automotive degrees helps students keep up with global automotive trends, the many online bachelor programs in the country boast the same academic quality!
Quick Summarization
As work prospects in automotive technology are on the rise, acquiring the technical know-how and business savvy has never been more important! Online Bachelor’s in Automotive graduates, armed with the technical skills and real-world applications for offering automobile services, can pursue a career in auto dealerships, manufacturing firms, and government organizations.
Methodology
Studying Automotive Management and Automotive Technology degrees opens diverse career pathways. Here is a ranking list of the best automotive programs to simplify your selection process. The following variables guide the assessment of each online degree:
- Offers entirely online courses or a combination of online and in-person instruction,
- Emphasizes academic rigor in the undergraduate coursework, designed by automotive professionals and auto industry experts,
- Equips students with foundational automotive knowledge of complex and advanced topics that graduates can apply to their work in the automotive business,
- Develops learners’ technical and soft skills through the core Automotive courses and general education courses,
- Utilizes cutting-edge virtual platforms or learning management systems, allowing online students to access their Automotive coursework with convenience and flexibility,
- Offers networking opportunities and career resources, along with other forms of student support and services,
- Reduces tuition and fees by providing financial aid and allowing transfer of credits from accredited colleges or universities,
- Regionally accredited by academic agencies, as recognized by the Department of Education, ensuring high educational standards,
- Esteemed by Automotive industry associations.
For details, please visit our Methodology page.
Best Schools with Online Bachelor’s in Automotive
Ferris State University
Ferris State University’s School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment showcases several bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. One of which is their online Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management. The Automotive Management program combines practical exercises with project work, simulating realistic problems at manufacturer, supplier, and retailer levels using current industry examples, processes, and systems. They have developed close relationships with experts from the industry, as well as graduates working in the field.
The Automotive Management degree online focuses on producing modern technical and business managers for service, leasing, parts, sales, warranty, and customer service relations positions in the transportation industry. Get ready to establish a foundation of technical abilities necessary for entry-level service technicians in this automotive degree.
A curriculum in Automotive Engineering Technology trains students to use fundamental engineering concepts and technical knowledge for engineers and other professionals working on automobiles.
Automotive Management majors at Ferris State learn the following:
- Design and development of vehicular systems
- Operation and maintenance of test equipment
- Instrument calibration
- Report writing
- Testing of prototypes and operational systems
- Inspection and maintenance techniques
Walla Walla University
Walla Walla University offers an online Bachelor’s in Automotive Technology. This program typically needs four years of education and practical training. It requires hand tools that mechanics and technicians use as their valuable physical assets.
The Walla Walla University Automotive Technology program offers an academic incentive plan to help you pay for a basic set of professional mechanical tools. A student majoring in automotive service must complete 82 quarter hours of core courses and technical requirements.
These are the courses available for this online degree:
- Internal Combustion Engine Theory
- Brake Systems and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering Systems
- Climate Control Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Manual Drive Trains and Axles
- Engine Performance
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale offers an online Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology. This degree program will give students the professional, research, and technical training they need to succeed in the automobile industry and other fields. The degree offers theoretical and hands-on application of knowledge through a combination of automotive technical studies, business or management courses, and computing and communication courses.
Southern Illinois University has an Automotive Technology Department that fosters an engaging learning environment that focuses on students’ academic and personal goals. To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours.
Here are some minors that you can combine along with your Automotive Technology online degree:
- Advanced vehicle systems and diagnostics
- Workforce training and development
- Automotive, truck, and equipment management
Minnesota State University
Graduates of Minnesota State University’s online Bachelor of Science – Automotive Engineering Technology are prepared for positions in original equipment and aftermarket product research. In this online degree, you’ll tackle design and structures for automobiles, luxury vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, construction, manufacturing equipment, and agricultural tools.
The automotive engineering technology program’s main objective is to give all its graduates the strong technical foundation they need to succeed in various employment prospects. The program outcomes and objectives are specified and evaluated for ongoing improvement to achieve this goal.
The BS In Automotive Engineering Technology combines academics and fieldwork with a 120 college credit requirement. It comes with a thesis option for those who want to pursue a master’s degree in automotive engineering technology and also a non-thesis alternative.
Some of the courses you’ll take in this online degree are the following:
- Automotive Driveability and Diagnosis
- Automotive Computers and Electronics
- Technical Communication
- Introduction to Automotive Engineering Technology
- Elementary Statistics
- Introduction to general chemistry
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Introduction to Parametric Modeling
- Automotive Technology & Systems
- Foundations of Writing & Rhetoric
Indiana State University
Indiana State University features an online Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology program. This online program is dedicated to training individuals in the automotive sector who base their decisions on ethical business practices and in-depth knowledge of automotive technology.
The curriculum emphasizes managerial abilities while ensuring students have a solid grasp of automotive operations. This online degree lets you learn to analyze technical issues and become familiar with computer programs. You will also be adept at information management techniques. Students in this degree are also required to take Indiana State University’s Foundational Studies Program, which builds learners’ soft skills, such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
While a minor is not necessary to get this degree, many students pursue one in a field that interests them more closely, such as business, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, packaging, or safety.
Some of the courses included in this program are:
- Service facility organization and management
- Fuels and lubes analysis
- Body computer systems
- Engine theory and service
- Physics and Chemistry
- Fixed operations management
- Diesel engine theory
- Automotive electronics
- Fluid power technology
- Industrial supervision
Professions that are Available for Automotive Majors
After earning your online bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, you will have many work choices. You will be qualified to find employment, including those in the following positions, given the rising demand for knowledgeable workers with a focus on auto maintenance procedures:
Operations Manager
As an operations manager, you’ll control a team that performs maintenance and repairs on various vehicles. In this role, you’ll be responsible for developing cost estimates and ensuring the repairs are finished on schedule. They should be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of business law and customer relations.
Car Rental Agent
Agents who handle automobile rentals assist clients who require temporary vehicle use and suggest rental cars. They collect consumer information and guarantee that the rental fleet’s vehicles are in good condition. Expertise and a vast knowledge of car varieties would be helpful for this kind of job.
Service Consultant
For a seamless customer experience, service consultants in automotive companies serve as a conduit between the servicing team and the demands of the vehicle owner. Automotive Technology Management majors can snag this customer relations position, which might be available in vehicle repair shops or parts distributor companies.
Car Detailer
Many car owners would want to revamp their vehicles at some point. Car detailers usually perform waxing, vacuuming, or changing details for the interiors and exteriors of a car. Car detailers interact with their clients to complete the job and determine the services they need.
Quality Assurance Expert
This person is responsible for ensuring the car is secure to drive or that the service fixes the engine problem. Automotive dealerships or car manufacturers often hire quality assurance experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should students expect in a bachelor’s degree in Automotive?
Many bachelor’s degree programs in automotive offer in-depth technical talks and expertise. Among the things you will learn are various automotive systems, repairs, and performance machining. Supervisory responsibilities require effective client communication, so you will also take courses to improve your abilities. Additional testing and research may be required.
In the same industry, an Automotive Dealership Management degree also offers the necessary communications, business, and leadership expertise.
Why enroll in an online Bachelors in Automotive degree?
Enrolling in an online bachelor’s in automotive degree is a big advantage, especially for working students committed to other things. Pre-recorded classes allow you to learn from anywhere and at any time. Another reason it’s a better choice is the cost of online courses. With few exceptions, most online programs are less expensive than their on-campus counterparts.
How much do automobile sector employees with bachelor’s degrees earn?
The Labor Statistics Bureau says the median wage for automotive service technicians is $46,970 yearly. However, many factors come into play. It is also important to remember that the salary differs depending on your industry of expertise, level of experience, and the employer you will be working for.
Key Points to Ponder
- The abilities needed for managing and operating auto service and repair facilities, dealerships, retailers, or manufacturers are the main focus of a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology or management.
- Motor vehicle design, manufacture, and sale fall under the umbrella of the automotive industry, which covers numerous businesses and occupations. Management in the auto sector can be the best choice for you if you want to work in a fast-paced business where you can use your leadership and management abilities.
- Some Automotive professionals hold general management, human resources management, administrative management, and technician supervisor jobs. Some graduates work in the car industry’s marketing and sales division.
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