Automotive designers
are responsible for designing safety features in cars.
Automotive design degrees are awarded through the engineering department. It is through this degree that students learn about the aesthetics of vehicles and create new designs for vehicles and vehicle components. In order to complete the degree, colleges require certain design courses in this specialty area.
Definition
Automotive designers are individuals who focus on designing the aesthetics and appearance of road vehicles. Designers focus on interior and exterior features including color and trim designs. Creating concept vehicles is also a part of being an automotive designer.
Degrees
Automotive design degrees are typically part of the mechanical engineering department. At Clemson University in South Carolina, a degree in automotive engineering is offered. In this degree, students learn both engineering and design aspects of the automotive field. At Kettering University in Michigan, an Automotive Engineering Design Specialty degree is offered. In this degree, students learn power train engineering, chassis design and vehicle performance.
Courses
Students pursuing an automotive design degree should expect to take courses in three-dimensional modeling, styling and ergonomics. At Clemson University, students are required to take courses in vehicle design and manufacturing project management, lightweight design, integration concepts and architecture methods, and automation. In the vehicle design and manufacturing project management course, students learn problem identification, design methods, project planning and targeting costs. In order to get a degree in Automotive Engineering Design from Kettering University, students must take 39 courses, four of which need to be in their specialty. Some of these courses include failure and material considerations in design, as well as analysis and design of machines and mechanical assemblies. These courses are rounded out by a required vehicle design project at the end of student's academic courses.
Careers
Automotive design degrees lead to many different career opportunities. Automotive designers are responsible for the safety, styling, quality and function of new vehicles. Designers are expected by the firms they are employed by to be able to use computer-aided software, be able to find new design influences and change with growing trends. Automotive designers can go on to have careers designing automotive safety features, new car styles, performance features and automotive interiors.
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