Automotive Engineering Schools in Oregon
Are you ready to jump into the field of automotive engineering? You can study this field at two Oregon schools. Both of these schools have Bachelor’s degree programs and Master’s degree programs. Oregon has an average tuition cost of $7,300 per semester.
Your new career starts with a Bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering. While this degree is quite the time commitment, it pays you back with a comprehensive engineering education. Some of the courses you may take include Vehicle Diagnostics, Methods for Vehicle Testing, and Alternate Fuel Systems. You may be able to complete your 120 required credits in four to five years.
If you want to continue your education past the graduate level, consider earning a Master’s degree. This degree can be completed in two years on a full-time basis or four years on a part-time basis. Your curriculum will likely include advanced courses like Internal Combustion Engines, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, and Automotive Body Structures.
No matter what degree you pursue, you may be expected to spend 10 or more hours in your school’s engineering lab every week. Lab hours allow you to get hands-on experience with engineering tools and materials.
Tuition rates in Oregon vary significantly between schools, so it’s important to evaluate all of your options! Portland State University is one of the most affordable schools in the area, with a tuition rate of $147 per credit for residents and $485 per credit for non-residents. On the more expensive side of the scale, the University of Portland costs $18,350 per semester.
Consider applying for scholarships early and often to offset your educational costs. The PEO Educational Foundation awards scholarships to Oregon engineering students every academic year.
The final step to becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer in Oregon is applying to take the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam through the Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying. Once you pass this exam, you can get your PE license.
There are many professional organizations in Oregon that can help you meet your career goals. Consider joining the Oregon Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a group exclusively for mechanical and automotive engineers.
You may be able to earn an impressive salary as a new engineer. O*Net reports that the average salary for an automotive engineer in Oregon is $81,000 per year.