If you are ready to start an automotive engineering career in Utah, there is one school that can give you the education you need: Weber State University. With over 32,000 students, WSU is one of the largest colleges in Utah. The average cost of tuition is $4,600 per semester. You can earn an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, or Master’s degree at WSU.
To become an automotive engineer, you must complete at least a Bachelor’s degree at an accredited college. This degree requires you to complete 120 credits in general education courses and engineering classes. Some of the classes you may take include Fuel Management Systems, Aerodynamics, and Automotive Systems. You may spend lots of time in your school’s engineering lab as an undergraduate student! By the time you’ve completed all four years of your education, you’ll have a thorough understanding of engineering theories.
If you want a career in the research sector of this field, plan on earning at least a Master’s degree or PhD. Whether you complete a Master’s degree in two years or a PhD in seven years, you can gain a deep understanding of higher-level engineering topics. Some of the classes required at the post-graduate level include Power Electronics, Embedded Control Systems, and Vehicle Dynamics.
Tuition rates at Weber State University vary for residents and non-residents. Tuition starts at $480.68 for residents and $1,229.72 for non-residents. Once you reach full-time status, tuition is $2,495.18 per semester for residents and $6,655.62 for non-residents.
There are many local organizations and companies that offer scholarships to engineering students. The Utah Engineers Council awards three scholarships to high-performing college students every year. In addition, Weber State University awards many engineering scholarships. Some of the scholarships they give out include the ACI Intermountain Scholarship, the Cache Valley Electric Scholarship, and the James E. Kier Memorial Endowment Scholarship.
If you want to become a Professional Engineer after graduation, you can get your license from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. First, take and pass the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam. Then you can apply for your license!
Salaries vary widely in Utah, but O*Net reports that the average salary for an automotive engineer is $75,900 per year. You may be able to increase your earning potential by joining the Utah Engineers Council and working on your professional development.