Online Education for Working Professionals
Learn the simulation skills needed for meeting vehicle performance requirements.

Vehicle Dynamics—Graduate Certificate

Vehicle Dynamics

Get an automotive engineering grip on lateral and longitudinal vehicle dynamics.

Vehicle dynamics is more than vehicle engines and parts. Construct a model, perform simulations, and assess performance of vehicle dynamics relative to specifications. Mix in vehicle propulsion system design and integration. Apply methods to move the vehicle with basic controls. Formulate calibration strategies for dynamics and energy consumption. Learn the roles of suspension, tires, propulsion system designs, and chassis system integration. Students will adopt the principles of controls systems for traction, propulsion, braking, and automated driving.

3 courses in 3 semesters.

Department Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics
Admissions requirement Acceptance to the Graduate School.
Contact Wayne Weaver
Length 3 courses in 2-3 semesters
Effort 3 hours per credit per week
Each course 3 credits
Total credits 9
Course type Online or on-campus
Modality Watch class recordings on demand
Cost Based on credits and course type
Already enrolled? Speak with your advisor.

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Progress quickly with a compact curriculum.

Work with the program advisor to select courses that fit your interests and pre-requisite skills.

Check your preparation.

Here are some of the pre-requisite courses for this certificate.

Take 6 credits of required courses.

EE 5812 may be taken instead of MEEM 5812.

Take a 3 credit elective course.

Take MEEM 5730 Dynamic System Simulation or MEEM 5701 Intermediate Dynamics. If selecting MEEM 5730 and it is not offered, take MEEM 5990.

The minimum completion time is two semesters.

Here is a typical schedule.

Fall Spring
MEEM 5701 MEEM 4450
MEEM 5812

Interested in taking a single, online course? Enroll as a non-degree seeking student.

Upon completion of the Certificate the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate core proficiency in vehicle dynamics through project-based assignments dealing with open ended design and synthesis of multi-degree and multi-body simulation of vehicle chassis, suspension and tire systems under various road and surface conditions.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the applications of vehicle dynamics, propulsion and control techniques to engineering problems through use of design problem solving using digital tools to model and analysis vehicle system and subsystems under dynamic loading scenarios.
  3. Demonstrate professional skills of vehicle dynamics (simulation, modeling, written, and oral communication) through design project(s) in the certificate courses that require the student to follow the engineering “V” diagram and meet performance objectives by satisfying specified design requirements.

Michigan Tech was founded in 1885.

The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and widely respected by fast-paced industries, including automotive development, infrastructure, manufacturing, and aerospace. Michigan Tech graduates deliver on rapid innovation and front-line research, leaning into any challenge with confidence.

The College of Engineering fosters excellence in education and research.

We set out as the Michigan Mining School in 1885 to train mining engineers to better operate copper mines. Today, more than 60 percent of Michigan Tech students are enrolled in our 17 undergraduate and 29 graduate engineering programs across nine departments. Our students and curriculum embrace the spirit of hard work and fortitude our founders once had. Our online graduate courses are the same, robust classes taken by our doctorate and masters candidates, taught directly by highly regarded faculty, with outstanding support from staff. We invite working professionals to join these courses, bring their own experience and challenges as part of the discussion. Leverage the national reputation of Michigan Tech to advance your career in tech leadership.

Meet the online certified instructors.

Students have the flexibility to review class recordings later.

Bo Chen

Bo Chen

Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Teaching Statement

Dr. Chen teaches on topics of embedded control system design and automotive control systems.

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Steven Ma

Steven Ma

Professor of Practice, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics

Teaching Statement

Dr. Ma teaches courses in mechanical system design and analysis, advanced CAD and CAM methods, mechanism synthesis, dynamic modeling, and vehicle dynamics.

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Gordon Parker

Gordon Parker

John and Cathi Drake Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering

Teaching Statement

Dr. Parker teaches courses in dynamic systems, control, robotics, and mechatronics, as well as linear and nonlinear system theory.

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