Automotive Engineering at Clemson
Clemson · B.S.
Automotive Engineering
- Degree
- B.S.
- College / unit
- College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
- Locations
- Clemson, South Carolina
- Requirements updated
- 2026–27
About this major
At Clemson, Automotive Engineering students examine engineering analysis, design, systems, computation, and technical problem-solving. They learn through team design projects, laboratories, modeling, and applied mathematics. The program connects foundational ideas with methods used to investigate, design, measure, or improve work in this field. Linked requirements explain each credential, option, campus, and delivery path.
Clemson program overview (opens in a new tab)Decision snapshot
At a Glance: National Evidence
National evidence for related fields and occupations. It describes groups, not what will happen to one student.
View degree requirements (opens in a new tab)Most common positions
- Mechanical engineerDesigns and tests machines or thermal systems. Bachelor's typical. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
- Industrial engineerImproves how products and workplaces operate. Bachelor's typical. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
- Software developerBuilds and improves software systems. Bachelor's typical. Opens an occupation profile in a new tab.
National pay
$75,000
Median for full-time U.S. graduates ages 22–27 · 2024
New York Fed category: General Engineering
Generalized outcomes
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Underemployment
- 31.1%
- With a graduate degree
- 37.1%
Related Clemson majors
Clemson decision guide
Before You Choose
What studying it feels like
Expect engineering to feel physical and iterative. You’ll model vehicle systems and test ideas, then return to the design when the data shows that something still needs work.
One thing to know
The major is vehicle-focused, but the example careers remain broader engineering roles. Check whether that specialization matches the industries you actually want.
Ask yourself
- 1Do vehicle systems genuinely interest you beyond being a car enthusiast?
- 2Would you prefer specialized vehicle work or broader mechanical engineering?
Longer-term context
$105,000
National median for U.S. graduates ages 35–45 · 2024
General Engineering. Group evidence, not a prediction for one student.
Pay source (opens in a new tab)Career preparation
All three positions commonly begin with a bachelor’s degree. Internships and substantial project work can make the transition into industry smoother.
Clemson guide sources
Sources & How to Read This Guide
- Clemson undergraduate program inventory and degree requirements Opens in a new tab.
- Labor market outcomes by college major Opens in a new tab.
- ACS PUMS field-of-degree and occupation files, 2018–2024 Opens in a new tab.
- CIP-to-occupation crosswalk and occupation profiles Opens in a new tab.
Most common positions use Census weights in pooled 2018–2024 ACS PUMS data, excluding 2020. The sample covers employed degree holders ages 22–35 who weren’t enrolled. This guide uses Mechanical Engineering (FOD 2414; unweighted n=15,322; closest-field proxy). These are national patterns, not Clemson outcomes.
Engineering, General (CIP 14.0101) is compared with the New York Fed category General Engineering. National evidence describes groups and is not a prediction for one student. Future of STEM is independent and is not endorsed by Clemson University.