2 answers
Cameron
Student
Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What high school classes do you need for automotive engineering ?
aslo, do you need any form of backround in mechanics?
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2 answers
Klaus Z
Senior QA atuoamtion engineer
17
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Klaus’s Answer
Hi Cameron,
Whether you need a background or not in mechanics depends on what field of automotive engineering you are interested. And mechanical engineering and mechanics are two very different subjects. I want to give you a bit of peek into automotive engineering, then answer your question.
Automotive engineering has evolved dramatically over the years. Today, it isn't solely about the mechanics of a car. We have specialized fields within automotive engineering, such as electrical engineering, vehicle electronics, software development, and integration of third-party hardware and software. This diversity means that an automotive engineer might find themselves working on a myriad of projects, from designing the engine's mechanical components to developing software for autonomous driving systems. My experience as a software engineer in the automotive domain had highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the field. For instance, working on a third-party automotive hardware product required me to understand electronic control units, onboard diagnostics, GPS systems, and other hardware components, even though my primary expertise is in software. Such overlaps are common in the industry, and almost all engineering will require you to know specialized software tools, or even a bit of coding.
If you're looking towards a future in automotive engineering, focusing on Mathematics and Science during your high school years is crucial. Both subjects form the bedrock of all engineering disciplines. They'll provide you with the foundational knowledge you'll build upon in more specialized college courses and later.
In conclusion, while having a background in mechanics can be beneficial, it's not a strict necessity for every facet of automotive engineering. However, a solid grasp of the principles of engineering, be it mechanical, electrical, or software, will undoubtedly serve you well in the industry. The more versatile your knowledge, the more avenues you can explore in this diverse field.
Hope my answer helps.
Whether you need a background or not in mechanics depends on what field of automotive engineering you are interested. And mechanical engineering and mechanics are two very different subjects. I want to give you a bit of peek into automotive engineering, then answer your question.
Automotive engineering has evolved dramatically over the years. Today, it isn't solely about the mechanics of a car. We have specialized fields within automotive engineering, such as electrical engineering, vehicle electronics, software development, and integration of third-party hardware and software. This diversity means that an automotive engineer might find themselves working on a myriad of projects, from designing the engine's mechanical components to developing software for autonomous driving systems. My experience as a software engineer in the automotive domain had highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the field. For instance, working on a third-party automotive hardware product required me to understand electronic control units, onboard diagnostics, GPS systems, and other hardware components, even though my primary expertise is in software. Such overlaps are common in the industry, and almost all engineering will require you to know specialized software tools, or even a bit of coding.
If you're looking towards a future in automotive engineering, focusing on Mathematics and Science during your high school years is crucial. Both subjects form the bedrock of all engineering disciplines. They'll provide you with the foundational knowledge you'll build upon in more specialized college courses and later.
In conclusion, while having a background in mechanics can be beneficial, it's not a strict necessity for every facet of automotive engineering. However, a solid grasp of the principles of engineering, be it mechanical, electrical, or software, will undoubtedly serve you well in the industry. The more versatile your knowledge, the more avenues you can explore in this diverse field.
Hope my answer helps.
Debbie Morton
Business Consulting
68
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Debbie’s Answer
Hi Cameron!
High School courses to consider. Classes to Take in High School for Mechanical Engineering
AP Science Classes. You should try to take a couple of higher-level science classes, especially Physics and Chemistry. ...
High-level Calculus. ...
Computer-Assisted Design and related courses. ...
Robotics. ...
Engineering Summer Programs. ...
Take an online course.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
About this section
Mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers analyze problems to see how a mechanical device might help to solve them.
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.
Education
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.
High School courses to consider. Classes to Take in High School for Mechanical Engineering
AP Science Classes. You should try to take a couple of higher-level science classes, especially Physics and Chemistry. ...
High-level Calculus. ...
Computer-Assisted Design and related courses. ...
Robotics. ...
Engineering Summer Programs. ...
Take an online course.
How to Become a Mechanical Engineer
About this section
Mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers analyze problems to see how a mechanical device might help to solve them.
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology. Mechanical engineers who sell services publicly must be licensed in all states and the District of Columbia.
Education
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technologies. Mechanical engineering programs usually include courses in mathematics and life and physical sciences, as well as engineering and design. Mechanical engineering technology programs focus less on theory and more on the practical application of engineering principles. They may emphasize internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in industry.
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative plans combine classroom study with practical work, enabling students to gain valuable experience and earn money to finance part of their education.
ABET accredits programs in engineering and engineering technology. Most employers prefer to hire students from an accredited program. A degree from an ABET-accredited program is usually necessary to become a licensed professional engineer.