Your first year of college comes with a lot of decisions, and your major is probably the most important one. If you’re interested in cars and mechanics, then automotive engineering technology and advanced vehicle systems might be great options for you.
Because they’re so similar, they often appear side by side in college catalogs, but they’re designed with different skills and career paths in mind. Picking which one is right for you is no easy decision, so this article is here to break down what each major is all about and how they compare.
What Is Automotive Engineering Technology?
The automotive engineering technology degree teaches students how to apply engineering principles to vehicles. You’ll learn how to design vehicles, diagnose problems while in the development stages, come up with creative solutions, and actually implement them before the vehicle goes out on the market. This degree isn’t just for cars.
If you’re interested in the world of automobiles but want to go deeper than mechanics, then this is a really great major for you.
After graduation, you might find jobs like:
- Test Engineer: These engineers design tests for products and vehicles before they hit the market. They ensure quality, safety, and low costs so that consumers can get the best products.
- Service Engineer: This type of engineer ensures that every part of a vehicle, whether it’s a car or a bus, works properly. If there is a problem, they make sure it’s fixed for every vehicle on the market and in customers' hands. They’re responsible for the recall notice you might have received for a part in your car.
- Design Engineer: Professionals in this role are responsible for designing new products, systems, and structures. In automotive engineering, that can range from a whole new car to a more efficient fuel system.
This major will teach you the technical skills and creative thinking you need to thrive as an automotive engineer. Whether you’re the one designing cars or testing them for safety, your knowledge of engineering, diagnostics, and the inner workings of vehicles will be valuable.
What Is Advanced Vehicle Systems?
The advanced vehicle systems degree studies all kinds of vehicles, whether that’s in agriculture, motorsports, or public transportation. Instead of fixing problems during development, advanced vehicle systems diagnose and resolve common issues after vehicles are sold.
In this major, you might work on electrical problems, braking systems, climate control, hybrid and electric engines, and so much more.
After you earn your advanced vehicle systems degree, you can find work as:
- Advanced Vehicle Systems Specialist: These specialists are skilled in diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing complex electronic and mechanical systems in modern vehicles. It bridges the gap between traditional mechanics and computing technology.
- Automotive Service Technician: When a car breaks down or needs simple maintenance, these technicians are the first stop. They identify problems, test parts and systems, replace worn parts, and perform needed maintenance on cars.
- Automotive Electrical Specialist: These specialists focus specifically on electrical problems in vehicles. They might replace electrical components, repair wiring, or fix the onboard computer system.
As vehicles become more software-controlled and electrified, this major teaches students how to repair modern vehicles. A traditional mechanical program might not cover these advanced systems, so if you’re interested in working on electric, hybrid, or any type of computerized vehicles, this is a great major for you.
How Do They Compare?
Automotive engineering technology and advanced vehicle systems are similar majors, but they prepare you for different roles in the automotive industry. If you want to have a quick look at how they compare, check out this chart:
| Automotive Engineering Technology | Advanced Vehicle Systems | |
| Overall Focus | Applies engineering principles to the design, testing, and improvement of vehicles | Focuses on fixing modern vehicles, especially electrical, hybrid, or other alternative fuel problems |
| Depth vs. Breadth | Looks at the big picture for vehicles, from the first design to testing | Studies advanced components, like advanced sensor systems or climate controls |
| Hands-On Experience | Includes a lot of lab work with a focus on the engineering principles behind the vehicle | Also includes a lot of lab work, but with a focus on the aftermarket care and repair for vehicles |
| Engineering Emphasis | Stronger emphasis on engineering technology and application | Emphasizes hands-on, practical fixes and skills to repair vehicles |
| Typical Career Paths | Test engineer, service engineer, design engineer | Advanced vehicle systems specialist, automotive service technician, automotive electrical specialist |
| Best Fit For Students Who… | Want to use engineering and creative thinking to design new products | Want to specialize in fixing cutting-edge vehicles and emerging technologies |
Conclusion
Both majors are excellent options for students passionate about automotive careers, but they cater to different interests. If you’re interested in engineering, design, and testing vehicles, then automotive engineering technology is a great major for you. If learning about advanced vehicle components and new technology gets you excited for your degree, then advanced vehicle systems is the perfect fit.
Understanding these differences now can help you make the best decision for your major.
Sources
Test Engineer Randstad UK
Service Engineer Overview Illuminating Engineering Society
Career Map: Design Engineer U.S. Department of Energy
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Automotive Electrical Specialist Elgin Community College