Online Vehicle Dynamics Certificate

Put Your Career on the Fast Track to Success With Our Accredited Online Vehicle Dynamics Certificate.

Vehicle dynamics is the advanced study of how vehicles move and respond to objects on the road. Automotive engineers analyze the forces that act upon a vehicle, such as acceleration, braking, steering, and cornering, to design and engineer safe and energy-efficient road and high-performance vehicles.

An online vehicle dynamics certificate from Michigan Technological University will pave the way for you to address these challenges and enter the fast-paced field of vehicle dynamics. For professionals in the field, this certificate will also enhance your current skill set and help you stand out in your industry.

In our Michigan Tech's online vehicle dynamics certificate, you’ll build theoretical knowledge of advanced topics such as vehicle performance simulation, modeling, suspension, propulsion system design, and chassis system integration—among many other essential topics in automotive engineering.

Why Earn Your Online Vehicle Dynamics Certificate at MTU?

When you join the automotive engineering certificate program at MTU, you’ll be part of a historic program and a tradition of excellence. Since 1885, MTU has helped engineers develop the expertise and knowledge to find rewarding careers and make positive impacts on the world around them.

As a student in the online automotive engineering certificate in vehicle dynamics, you’ll have several benefits.

Access to State-of-the-art Research and Tools

The online vehicle dynamics certificate is part of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, which was ranked 16th in the nation among public institutions for total National Science Foundation research expenditures. You'll have access to cutting-edge training that will prepare for a career as an automotive engineer specializing in vehicle dynamics.

Industry Connections

You’ll also join a thriving community of expert faculty, insightful peers, and industry-connected alumni who are committed to helping each other achieve their career goals. MTU has a long tradition of working with some of the biggest and most innovative manufacturers in the automotive industry. These connections and partnerships can help you as you enter the job market and start your career.

Attentive and Supportive Faculty

Because we offer small class sizes in our vehicle dynamics courses, you’ll receive individualized attention from faculty mentors with decades of professional and educational experience in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and specific topics like vehicle performance simulation and analysis.

Take Practical Automotive Engineering Courses.

When you earn your vehicle dynamics certificate at MTU, you’ll master sophisticated concepts including propulsion system design, control systems for traction, and chassis systems. You’ll also learn practical applications, such as constructing vehicle performance simulations and models, formulating calibration strategies for dynamics and energy consumption, and assessing performance of vehicle dynamics relative to specifications.

Each of your vehicle dynamics courses will integrate project-based assignments involving realistic problems and vehicle dynamics skills, such as vehicle performance simulation and modeling. You’ll also strengthen and develop professional skill sets in written and oral communication to become an effective leader and team member.

When planning your program, remember to check class availability at the course registration page.

Required Courses

MEEM 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 EE 3261

MEEM 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

Introduction to automotive control systems. Modeling and control methods are presented for: air-fuel ratio, transient fuel, spark timing, idle speed, transmission, cruise speed, anti-lock brakes, traction, active suspension systems, and hybrid electric vehicles, Advanced control methodologies are introduced for appropriate applications.

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 Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775

EE 5812 - Automotive Control Systems

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): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261 or MEEM 4775

Electives (Choose One)

MEEM 5701 - Intermediate Dynamics

Intermediate study of several topics in engineering dynamics, including three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics, generalized coordinates, Lagrange's equation, and Hamilton's principle. Uses computer-aided dynamic simulation tools for analyzing dynamic systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

MEEM 5730 - Dynamic System Simulation

Methods for simulating dynamic systems described by ordinary differential equations using numerical integration are developed including error quantification and simulation verification. MATLAB, Simulink and Simscape are used to illustrate key concepts.

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, Vehicle Dynamics, Engineering Mechanics

MEEM 5990 - Special Topics

Study of selected subjects related to mechanical engineering or engineering mechanics.

Credits: variable to 4.0; May be repeated
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

Prepare for Graduate Studies.

The field of vehicle dynamics moves quickly. That’s why it’s important for automotive engineers to keep up with the latest theories and discoveries in the field, such as autonomous cars and trucks as well as hybrid and electric vehicles.

Our vehicle engineering certificate helps get you on the road to earning an advanced degree in engineering to increase your employment and salary opportunities. Whether you plan on entering graduate school immediately or years down the road, your vehicle dynamics courses can count toward completion of your graduate program—saving you valuable time and money.

This certificate is also available in-person.

What Can You Do with an Online Vehicle Dynamics Certificate from MTU?

About 92 percent of households in the U.S. own a car, according to the research and analysis site ValuePenguin.com. With that many cars being used every day, there’s an unprecedented need for automotive manufacturers to make sure that they are designing and building the safest and most efficient automobiles.

Earning an automotive engineering certificate from MTU will help you stand out among other engineers, allowing you to enter or transition into many possible roles.

Possible Careers

Vehicle loads and dynamics engineer
Vehicle performance simulation engineer
Engine loads engineer
Race engineer
Vehicle dynamics modeling engineer
Tire development engineer
Composites design engineer

Get Started on Your Online Vehicle Dynamics Certificate.

Want more information about online vehicle dynamics courses? Interested in how we can help you find the ideal position or career in automotive engineering? We are here to answer your questions and to help you succeed in your online program.