Online Automotive Systems and Controls Certificate

Improve Vehicle Performance Through Advanced Controls

The automotive industry is driving the future of automation, electrification, and mobility. As companies invest more time and money in autonomous automotive systems, there is an unprecedented need for skilled mechanical and electrical engineers who can design, maintain, and improve complex automotive control systems.

While earning an Online Automotive Systems and Controls Certificate from Michigan Technological University, you'll accrue skills and knowledge that cut across the automotive, transportation, and mobility industries. You'll also develop essential skills in major automotive engineering technology. For instance, you'll learn about control theory and applications suitable for self-parking systems, automatic cruise control technologies, integrated power train control, and autonomous vehicles.

What You'll Study

Each student in the online automotive systems and controls certificate program will begin their journey at MTU with the same required 9 credits of core courses. Thereafter, they will take 6 credits of electives.

Please check the course registration page for the availability of classes.

Required Core Courses (Two)

ME 5811 - Automotive Systems

Automotive systems for light duty vehicles are examined from the perspectives of requirements, design, technical, and economic analysis for advanced mobility needs. This course links the content for the automotive systems graduate certificate in controls, powertrain, vehicle dynamics, connected and autonomous vehicles.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Automotive Systems & Controls, Hybrid Elec. Drive Vehicle Eng, Mechanical Engineering

ME 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

Introduction to automotive control systems for engine, transmission, cruise and headway control, active suspension systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and autonomous driving. Advanced control methodologies include linear-quadratic optimal control, model predictive control, dynamic programming, and equivalent consumption minimization strategy.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775 or ME 4775

Choose Another Core Course

EE 4219 - Introduction to Electric Machinery and Drives

Provides a thorough understanding of how electric machines can be used to drive loads with control of speed, torque and position. Topics include basic electro-mechanics, rotating machinery, dc machines, ac machines, power electronics and load modeling. Applications include industrial systems, hybrid/electric vehicles and electric power systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): (EE 2112 or EE 3010) and EE 3120

ME 4220 - Internal Combustion Engines I

This course teaches the operational principles of spark-ignition and compression-ignition internal combustion engines through the application of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer. Course studies engine performance, efficiency, and emissions using cycle-based analysis, combustion thermochemistry, and compressible fluid flow.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3201 or ME 3201

ME 4450 - Vehicle Dynamics

This course will develop the models and techniques needed to predict the performance of a road vehicle during drive off, braking, ride, and steering maneuvers. Topics to be covered include: acceleration and braking performance, power train architecture, vehicle handling, suspension modeling, tire models, and steering control. Matlab, Adams Car, and Amesim, will be used as computational tools.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering; Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Junior, Senior
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3400 or ME 3400 or EE 3261

Consult the official program page to dive deeper into the curriculum and learn about electives.

Why Choose Michigan Tech?

When you study automotive control systems at Michigan Tech, you join a legacy of talented engineers and scientists dating back to 1885. You'll join a university that has a deep history of working with the automotive industry, one that is both respected and accredited. Employers regularly seek out MTU graduates for their rigorous training and in-demand skills. But when you earn your online automotive systems and controls certificate from MTU, you'll have several benefits.

Join Michigan Tech's largest department.
When you pursue this certificate, you'll be joining one of MTU's most respected and thriving academic communities: the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
Acquire industry connections that springboard your career.
Work with a faculty advisor to find relevant experience in your area. Earn credit toward your automotive certificate while accruing hours of real-life work experience and making personal and professional connections in the automotive engineering technology industry.
Get options: Pave the Way to a Future Graduate Degree.

Earn the certificate alone or apply the credits toward a future graduate degree — saving you both valuable time and money.

Learn more at the automotive engineering technology program website.

Program Website

Where You'll Apply Your Skills

Automotive engineering technology is evolving at a faster pace than ever. Companies are embracing electric vehicles and autonomous cars. So they need experienced automotive systems specialists to develop and improve these technologies.

Whether you already work in or want a career in original equipment manufacturing (OEM), supplies, or system design and testing, earning a graduate certificate in automotive control systems will help you excel at working with automotive engineering technology.

Whatever your career interests are, a graduate automotive certificate from MTU will prepare you with the skill set to contribute to one of the fastest-growing and most exciting engineering fields.

Michigan Tech and the Mobility Revolution

Get Started on Your Online Automotive Systems and Controls Certificate.

Take the next step on your educational journey at Michigan Tech. We are here to help you succeed in your online program.