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Study Automotive Mechanical Engineering Technology

Major in Mechanical Engineering Technology with an Emphasis in Automotive
automotive mechanical engineering psu 960w

Get hands-on experience in the maintenance, repair, and optimization of automotive technology.

Design and implement automation systems for automotive applications, utilizing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and other control systems in a controlled lab environment. Students learn how to integrate and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems in mobile platforms.

In a dedicated diesel engine performance lab, explore the operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of compression ignition engines through practical experiments and diagnostics. Simulate collision scenarios, covering damage assessment, body shop operations, and collision energy management.

Unique topics in the Automotive emphasis in the Mechanical Engineering Technology major:

  • Mobile Electrical/Electronics: Integrate electrical/electronic systems into mobile platforms. Then implement and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems in hands-on labs.
  • Industrial Automation Substitute: Study automation principles, control systems, and integration methodologies.
  • Collision Technology: Overview of the collision repair industry, body shop operations, along with the examination of crush zones and collision energy.
  • Manual Transmission and Drivelines: Study the theory and service procedures of automotive manual drive trains, including clutches, drive axles, and all-wheel drive systems, covering rear-wheel and front-wheel drive application.
  • Diesel Engine Fundamentals: Learn about the operation, maintenance, and performance of compression ignition engines.
  • Failure Analysis: Develop expertise in failure analysis techniques in component design, metallurgy and component operation.
  • Kinematics: Calculate displacement, velocity, and acceleration of machine elements using graphics, mathematical, and computer-assisted methods.

Mechanical Engineering Technology graduates with a focus in Automotive find jobs as:

  • Automotive Electrical/Electronics Technician: Integrate and troubleshoot electrical/electronic systems in mobile platforms.
  • Automation Systems Engineer: Design and implement automation systems for automotive applications.
  • Collision Repair Technician: Perform collision repair tasks in body shop operations, damage assessment, and collision energy management.
  • Manual Transmission Specialist: Specialize in the maintenance, repair, and optimization of automotive drive trains, focusing on manual transmissions and drivelines.
  • Diesel Engine Technician: Work on the operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of compression ignition engines.
  • Failure Analysis Engineer: Apply expertise in failure analysis techniques to ensure reliability and durability in automotive systems, particularly in component design, metallurgy, and operation analysis.

Our graduates gain the technical skills to succeed in diverse industries like automotive manufacturing, collision repair centers, and materials engineering firms. They can work in transmission and drivetrain services, diesel engine production, automation and control systems, and more!

Additional information
for the School of Automotive and Engineering Technology

Catalog – see program guides