Program Overview

Introduction to the Vehicle Dynamics Certificate

The Vehicle Dynamics Certificate is a graduate program offered by Michigan Tech, designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to understand the behavior of vehicles in motion. This certificate program is ideal for qualified professionals seeking to enhance their skill set and for degree-seeking students looking to develop a concentration that gives them an edge in their career path.

Program Overview

The Vehicle Dynamics Certificate requires a minimum of 9 total credits and can be completed in one to three semesters. The program is taught by industry-connected faculty in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and is available both on-campus and online.

Admissions Requirements

To enroll in this certificate program, students must have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related technical field. Students with degrees in other fields may be required to take preparatory courses. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. GMAT/GRE scores are not required, but international students must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Program Structure

The certificate program consists of two required courses: Vehicle Dynamics and Automotive Control Systems, each worth 3 credits. Students must also complete one 3-credit elective course. The program focuses on topics such as modeling, analysis, and simulation of lateral and longitudinal vehicle characteristics, suspension, tires, propulsion system designs, and chassis system integration.

Accelerated Option

Michigan Tech offers an accelerated graduate certificate option, which allows current undergraduates or recent alumni to earn a graduate certificate in as little as one semester.

Online Option

The Vehicle Dynamics Certificate can be earned fully online, providing greater flexibility and convenience for students with busy schedules.

Career Opportunities

This certificate program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in the automotive industry, including positions in vehicle dynamics, propulsion system engineering, and automated driving.

Related Certificates

Students may also be interested in related certificate programs, such as:

• Automotive Systems and Controls
• Safety and Security of Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems
• Dynamic Systems
• Quality Engineering
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering

Accreditation

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928, ensuring that the Vehicle Dynamics Certificate program meets the highest standards of academic excellence.