What is the Automotive Engineering Department? What Do Graduates Do?

What is Automotive Engineering?

Automotive Engineering is a branch of engineering that manages the design, development, production, and maintenance processes of vehicles. Automotive engineers analyze, develop, and optimize all mechanical, electrical, and software systems of cars, trucks, buses, and other motor vehicles. These engineers work on improving vehicle performance, ensuring safety standards, optimizing fuel efficiency, and reducing environmental impact.

Automotive engineering is a high-tech field that is constantly evolving. Innovative areas like electric vehicles, autonomous driving systems, and fuel cell vehicles are important topics that expand career opportunities for automotive engineers.

How Long is the Education Period for Automotive Engineering?

The Automotive Engineering program is a 4-year undergraduate course. During this time, students take courses related to engineering fundamentals as well as topics specific to the automotive industry. The program includes courses in mathematics, physics, vehicle design, engine technologies, safety systems, and electronic equipment.

Automotive engineering education is enriched with theoretical lessons, laboratory work, internships, and projects, enabling students to develop skills to solve real-world problems.

What Courses Are in the Automotive Engineering Program?

Automotive Engineering students receive extensive education on the mechanical and electronic design of vehicles. Here are some core courses in this program:

• Mechanical Design and Analysis: Designing and testing vehicle mechanical systems.
• Engine Technologies: Design and operation of internal combustion engines and electric motor systems.
• Electronics and Control Systems: Electronic equipment, sensors, and control systems in vehicles.
• Automobile Safety Systems: Design and management of safety systems like airbags, ABS, and ESP.
• Efficient Fuel Systems and Sustainability: Developing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles.
• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Advanced manufacturing techniques used in vehicle production processes.
• Automotive Electronics: Design and integration of electrical equipment in vehicles.

These courses ensure that automotive engineers are well-equipped to integrate both mechanical and electronic systems seamlessly.

What Are the Minimum Scores for Automotive Engineering?

The Automotive Engineering program admits students based on numerical scores and is generally a highly demanded field. As of 2025, the minimum scores for this program may vary between universities, but a high score is necessary. At the top universities in Turkey, the minimum scores for this program typically range from 450 to 480.

Candidates should apply according to the minimum scores based on the results of the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS). You can visit our page for more information on the minimum scores for Automotive Engineering.

What Should Be Considered When Choosing Automotive Engineering in 2025?

Students planning to choose Automotive Engineering in 2025 should consider the following important factors:

• Quality of Education: The university's academic staff, laboratory facilities, and research related to the industry are crucial for providing students with a high-quality education.
• Practical Education and Internship Opportunities: Automotive engineering requires applied education. Internship opportunities allow students to gain industry experience and make it easier for them to find jobs after graduation.
• Job Opportunities and Industry Connections: The university's relationships with the automotive industry increase students' chances of finding a job after graduation.
• International Opportunities: Automotive engineering is a global field. Universities offering opportunities for study and internships abroad allow students to build international careers.

What Do Automotive Engineering Students Study, and What Areas Do They Specialize In?

Automotive engineering covers all aspects of vehicle technology. Students gain fundamental engineering knowledge about automotive design and production processes. Some areas of specialization in this field include:

• Engine Systems: Specializing in internal combustion engines and electric motors.
• Automotive Electronics: Designing electronic control systems and in-vehicle computer systems.
• Sustainable Automotive Technologies: Designing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
• Autonomous Driving Systems: Developing software and hardware for autonomous vehicles.
• Automotive Safety: Designing and developing safety systems in vehicles.

These specializations enable automotive engineers to work in a variety of sectors.

How to Become an Automotive Engineer?

To become an automotive engineer, you need to complete an undergraduate program in Automotive Engineering at a university. Afterward, internships can be done to gain industry experience. Automotive engineering education is enriched with theoretical courses, laboratory work, project-based applications, and internship opportunities. Additionally, graduate education in a specific area can help further specialize in the field.

What Does an Automotive Engineer Do?

Automotive engineers work on various tasks ranging from the design and production of vehicles to their maintenance. Their main duties include:

• Vehicle Design and Development: Designing the mechanical and electrical systems of vehicles.
• Managing Production Processes: Setting up car production lines and ensuring efficient operation.
• Engine and Powertrain Systems: Designing, testing, and improving engines and other powertrain systems.
• Vehicle Testing and Quality Control: Conducting performance tests and ensuring compliance with quality standards.
• Automotive Safety and Environmentally Friendly Systems: Ensuring vehicle safety and developing environmentally friendly production systems.

Automotive engineers can work for vehicle manufacturers, automotive suppliers, and R&D departments.

Career Opportunities and Challenges in Automotive Engineering

Automotive engineers can work in a wide range of sectors. However, the challenges in the automotive sector include rapidly changing technologies and the need to develop environmentally friendly vehicles. Those pursuing a career in this field need a strong engineering background and creative thinking skills to develop innovative solutions.

How Much Do Automotive Engineers Earn?

The salaries of automotive engineers vary based on the sector, experience, area of expertise, location, and the size of the company they work for. There is a noticeable salary difference between a newly graduated engineer and an experienced engineer. Generally, automotive engineers working in large cities and automotive firms tend to earn higher salaries.

Are you ready to take the first step in your Automotive Engineering career? Explore the latest Automotive Engineering job listings on Techcareer.net and start shaping your career!