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What Kind of Education Do I Need to Become an Automobile Designer?

Some schools offer degree programs specifically in transportation design, while others have an industrial design section that offers a concentration in transportation. As there are many aspirants wishing to pursue a career in auto design, coupled with relatively few educational programs of this type offered, getting into a good and reputable school can be very competitive. Students might contemplate first earning an associate degree in industrial design, as this will enable the student to see if this career path resonates, and it also offers a less expensive way to build up a design portfolio. Doing well at the trade school or community college level before applying to an automobile design program might be the smart choice for many. Again, having an impressive portfolio of car designs cannot be over emphasized.

A bachelor’s degree in transportation design normally requires four years to complete. During the first two years, the focus is on the fundamentals of design, drawing skills (both 2D and 3D), the investigation of interior and exterior design of cars, and the latest technology being the thrust of study. The last two years of instruction are devoted to model-making and various design projects with an emphasis in hands-on studio work. Many programs include computer training for drafting with CAD programs.

SOME OPTIONS FOR AUTOMOBILE DESIGN SCHOOLING

When considering schools, keep in mind that any of the colleges and universities that are actively involved in Formula SAE (FSAE), Supermileage, or Clean Snowmobile competitions would be an excellent way to narrow down the field of choices, especially if engineering is also your focus. Schools that have been a part of the DARPA Grand Challenge to produce driverless, automated vehicles or competed in the Automotive X Prize competition to create ever-cleaner, performance-oriented, and fuel-efficient cars would also be encouraged.

Two top tier examples of design-specific schools with extraordinary instruction and with established connections to industry heavy weights are Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA and College of Creative Studies in Detroit, MI in the United States. Outside of the U.S., Coventry University and Royal College of Art, both in the UK, are fantastic schools.