Clemson University celebrates nation’s first undergraduate degrees in automotive engineering
Clemson University has made history by awarding the nation’s first-ever Bachelor of Science degrees in automotive engineering. A brick-laying ceremony held this week at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) honored the inaugural graduating class—four students whose names are now permanently engraved in a brick pathway at CU-ICAR, symbolizing their role in paving the way for future automotive engineers.
This milestone comes more than two decades after the Clemson University Board of Trustees approved the creation of an automotive engineering degree program—the first, and still the only, academic program of its kind. Initially established as a graduate-level initiative, the program began enrolling students in 2006 and awarded its first master’s and Ph.D. degrees in 2009. Since then, over 1,110 graduate degrees have been conferred. In 2022, guided by input from leading industry partners, Clemson expanded its program to the undergraduate level, aiming to meet the growing demand for engineers with specialized automotive training.”
“Looking back now, after almost 20 years, I see a vibrant graduate program that has really found its footing and offers a unique learning experience to students from around the world. Launching the undergraduate program 3 years ago was the next step in providing one-of-a-kind experiences to an even broader cohort of students interested in learning about the automotive industry and building their skills in complex systems integration. Once again, the Automotive Engineering department has built something never before seen, and I could not be prouder to be a part of it.“
Laine Mears,
Director, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
BMW SmartState Chair of Automotive Manufacturing
The Automotive Engineering program is designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in the mobility industry. The interdisciplinary curriculum integrates deep technical training with a modern systems-engineering approach, while also incorporating leadership and business acumen critical to thriving in today’s global economy. Students are immersed in practical, hands-on experiences, as well as cutting-edge research in emerging areas such as autonomous vehicles, electrification, and sustainable transportation. The program’s effectiveness is evident: over 96% of graduates are currently employed in the mobility industry.
“This milestone is a testament to Clemson’s commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of industry. From concept to execution, the undergraduate program in automotive engineering was designed in close collaboration with our industry partners. I’m so proud to see our students stepping directly into impactful roles and advanced study, ready to drive innovation in a sector that shapes the future of mobility.”
Anand Gramopadhye,
Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
Although most of the first undergraduate cohort will graduate at ceremonies later this year or early 2026, these four students accelerated their path by applying previously earned credits and completing required senior-level courses early, becoming the first to finish the undergraduate program:
- Garrison Bishop (Spartanburg, SC) also earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and has accepted a role at Imperial Die Casting.
- Matthew Flaim (Yorktown Heights, NY) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.
- Trevor Levine (Irmo, SC) served on staff at the Makerspace at CU-ICAR and has accepted a position at Bertrandt US Inc.
- Colin Luongo (Oxford, GA) will begin graduate studies in Automotive Engineering at CU-ICAR this fall.
The brick-laying ceremony not only honored these students’ individual achievements, but also celebrated Clemson’s pioneering role in shaping the next generation of automotive leaders. As the field continues to evolve, Clemson remains at the forefront of innovation, education, and industry collaboration.
Key Milestones in Clemson’s Automotive Engineering Program:
- 2002: BMW, Timken and Michelin endow professorships to help establish Automotive Engineering program
- 2002: Graduate program approved by Board of Trustees
- 2006: First students enrolled in Automotive Engineering program
- 2007: Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research established
- 2009: First master’s & Ph.D. degrees awarded
- 2010: Department of Automotive Engineering formed
- 2010: Deep Orange education program established
- 2022: Undergraduate program approved by Board of Trustees
- 2023: Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering launched with 35 students
- 2025: First Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering degrees awarded
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