What Degree is Best for Car Design?
Updated- June, 2026
Car design is a multidisciplinary field that requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and industry knowledge. Aspiring automotive designers can pursue various auto design degree programs within their automotive design education, each with its own focus and approach. Given this, some may ask, “What degree is best for car design?”
While the ultimate goal, becoming a professional transportation designer is consistent, the path toward that goal varies based on the institution and the specific curriculum offered. Programs differ in focus, name, and approach, but each provides a platform for success. However, standing out in this competitive field requires you to work harder and smarter than your peers.
To help you navigate these options, we have compiled a closer look at common degree titles and the institutions that offer them. Use this list as a starting point to find the program that aligns with your professional aspirations. Be sure to check our comprehensive guide to automotive design schools to find the school that’s right for you. If you’re still in high school or looking to apply to a top design school, be sure to check out our automotive design course to take your skills to the next level.
MICHAEL’S PRO INSIGHT: RESEARCHING THE DEGREE IS The Beginning. This is how to be successful at the end.
“Knowing which degree you need to become a car designer is a starting point, but getting admitted and securing a merit scholarship, is a much steeper challenge. The competition for spots at top-tier programs is global and intense. By working with a mentor who has 3 production cars to his credit including the iconic Jeep Wrangler, you gain the ‘insider knowledge’ required to build a scholarship-worthy portfolio. My students are successful because my program works: 96% get accepted to a top design program and they have earned over $730K in scholarships. Through my Tailored Course Program, you will build a Tier-1 portfolio designed to get you funded. It is the single most effective way to ensure you aren’t just accepted, but have the financial backing to pursue your dream.”
1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Industrial Design
• Overview
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Industrial Design is a versatile degree that covers the broader field of product design, of which automotive design is a specialized branch. This degree program focuses on the principles of design, ergonomics, materials, and the process of bringing a product from concept to production.
• Relevance to Automotive Design
For students interested in automotive design, a BA in Industrial Design offers a strong foundation in design thinking and problem-solving. The skills learned in this program, such as sketching, 3D modeling, and understanding user needs, are directly applicable to automotive design. However, students may need to supplement their studies with automotive-specific courses or projects, either within their program or through extracurricular activities.
• Career Path
Graduates with a BA in Industrial Design can pursue careers in various design fields, but those focused on automotive design typically seek positions in automotive companies or design studios. Additional specialization or a master’s degree in transportation design might be beneficial for those wanting to focus exclusively on vehicles.
2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Transportation Design
• Overview
A BA in Transportation Design is more specialized than a general Industrial Design degree, focusing specifically on vehicles and mobility solutions. This program covers all aspects of vehicle design, including exterior and interior design, vehicle dynamics, and the use of advanced materials and technologies in transportation.
• Relevance to Automotive Design
This auto design degree is tailored for those who are certain that automotive design is their career path. Students learn about the specific challenges and considerations in vehicle design, such as aerodynamics, safety, and manufacturing processes. The curriculum often includes hands-on projects and collaborations with automotive companies, providing practical experience that is highly valued by employers.
• Career Path
Graduates with a BA in Transportation Design are well-prepared to enter the automotive industry directly. They may start as junior designers in car design studios, working on concept cars, production models, or interior features. The focused nature of this auto design degree makes it one of the best options for students committed to a career in automotive design.
3. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mobility Design
• Overview
A BA in Mobility Design is an emerging field that reflects the evolving nature of transportation. This program goes beyond traditional automotive design to include new forms of mobility, such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles, and urban transport solutions. The curriculum is designed to address the future of mobility, considering environmental sustainability, smart technologies, and the changing landscape of transportation.
• Relevance to Automotive Design
This degree is particularly relevant for students interested in the future of automotive design and how vehicles will integrate into broader mobility ecosystems. It provides a broader perspective on transportation, including the design of shared vehicles, micro-mobility solutions (like scooters and bikes), and even transportation infrastructure. This auto design degree is ideal for those who want to be at the forefront of the automotive industry’s transformation.
• Career Path
Graduates with a BA in Mobility Design are positioned to work in traditional automotive companies as well as in emerging industries related to urban mobility and smart cities. They may work on designing the next generation of electric vehicles, developing concepts for autonomous transport, or working on systems that integrate various forms of mobility into cohesive solutions.
4. Master’s Degree in Automotive Design
• Overview
For students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a master’s degree in automotive design or transportation design can offer further specialization. These programs are typically two years long and provide advanced training in design, research, and innovation. Students work on complex projects, often in collaboration with industry partners, and develop a deep understanding of the automotive design process.
• Relevance to Automotive Design
A master’s degree is not always necessary but can be a significant advantage, particularly for students who want to specialize in a niche area of automotive design or who aspire to leadership roles in design teams. These programs often attract students with diverse backgrounds, including those with degrees in industrial design, engineering, or even architecture, providing a rich, interdisciplinary learning environment.
• Career Path
Graduates with a master’s degree in automotive design are often well-positioned for senior roles in design studios, research and development departments, or as consultants. The advanced skills and industry connections gained during a master’s program can accelerate career growth and open up opportunities in leading automotive companies around the world.
What Degree is Best for Car Design For You?
So what is the answer to the question, “what degree is best for car design?” The best degree for car design depends on the student’s specific interests, strengths, and career goals. A BA in Industrial Design offers a broad foundation, while a BA in Transportation Design or Mobility Design provides focused, industry-specific training. Additionally, pursuing a master’s degree can further specialize a student’s skills and open up advanced career opportunities.
This section builds on the general information above. It covers individual degrees available at some of the world top car design schools.
1. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Transportation Design School
• School: College for Creative Studies (CCS)
• Overview: This car design degree is similar to a BA in Transportation Design but with a stronger emphasis on the fine arts aspect of design, including more courses in drawing, sketching, and visual communication. The program still covers all the necessary technical skills but places a heavier focus on the artistic side of automotive design.
2. Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Transportation Design
• School: Umeå Institute of Design
• Overview: This automotive design degree combines the artistic elements of automotive design with a strong foundation in the technical aspects of vehicle construction and design. It often includes courses on materials science, vehicle dynamics, and the integration of technology into design.
3. Bachelor of Design (BDes) in Transportation Design
School: National Institute of Design (NID)
Overview: The BDes in Transportation Design at NID is a professional degree focused on the creative and technical aspects of vehicle design. It includes comprehensive training in design thinking, digital tools, and the development of innovative transportation solutions.
4. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Automotive Design Engineering
School: Coventry University
Overview: This degree is more engineering-focused than a traditional car design degree. It combines engineering principles with automotive design, making it ideal for students who are interested in the technical challenges of vehicle design as well as the creative process.
5. Master of Arts (MA) in Vehicle Design
School: Royal College of Art (RCA)
Overview: The MA in Vehicle Design at RCA is a graduate-level program that emphasizes innovative thinking, creativity, and leadership in the automotive design industry. It’s designed for those who want to push the boundaries of what vehicles can be, with a focus on future mobility trends.
6. Master of Science (MSc) in Mobility and Vehicle Design
School: Strate School of Design
Overview: This program focuses on the future of mobility, including the design of electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and other emerging transportation technologies. It is interdisciplinary, combining design with engineering, business, and sustainability.
7. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Transportation Design
School: ArtCenter College of Design
Overview: The MFA in Transportation Design is a graduate program that dives deeper into the artistic and creative aspects of vehicle design. It’s ideal for students who want to explore new forms, materials, and concepts in automotive design.
8. Diploma in Transportation and Car Design
School: National Institute of Design (NID)
Overview: While not a car design degree, this postgraduate diploma is recognized for its specialized training in transportation design. It’s typically pursued by students who already have a degree in a related field and want to specialize in automotive design.
Car Design Degree
The variety of automotive design degree titles reflects the diverse approaches that different schools take in preparing students for careers in automotive design. Whether through a BA, BFA, BEng, or MSc, students can tailor their education to match their specific interests in the field, whether those interests lie in artistic expression, technical engineering, future mobility solutions, or a combination of these.
College for Creative Studies (CCS) and ArtCenter College of Design are ideal for those looking to break into the North American automotive industry with strong industry ties and a focus on practical, hands-on experience.
IAAD in Italy and Coventry University in the UK offer a blend of creative and technical education, rooted in rich automotive traditions. Royal College of Art (RCA) in London provides an interdisciplinary approach that challenges traditional design paradigms, pushing students towards innovation and leadership in the field.
National Institute of Design (NID) in India and Strate School of Design in Paris bring a global perspective, emphasizing sustainable and user-centric design practices. Umeå Institute of Design in Sweden is perfect for those interested in Scandinavian design principles and a human-centered approach. Pforzheim University in Germany combines a strong technical foundation with a focus on innovation and future mobility, backed by close industry connections.
Ultimately, the best place to study and get your car design degree depends on your personal interests, career goals, and the type of environment in which you thrive. All of these institutions offer top-tier education, so the decision comes down to finding the program that aligns with your vision for your future in car design.
Further Reading About Automotive Design Education
• What is the Best Major for Automotive Design?
• What Education is Needed for Automotive Designers?
About the Author – Michael Santoro
Michael Santoro is an award winning American automotive, transportation and product designer. He spent 6 years as an exterior designer for Chrysler where he created the the 1995 Car of the Year, Chrysler Cirrus and it’s sibling, the Dodge Stratus. Before leaving Chrysler, Mr. Santoro penned the exterior for the 1996 Jeep Wrangler returning the iconic vehicle to it’s roots. As part of his Jeep design, he created the first automotive “Easter Egg”. A practice now widely used throughout the industry to connect with owners and brand enthusiasts. In 1998 he created the Apple-specific case market with the launch of MacCase, a company he still runs today. He created the livery designs for a pair of Audi TCR RS3 race cars which went on to win the National Championship. Mr. Santoro has taught transportation design at Pratt Institute and guest lectured at College for Creative Studies (CCS) and Art Center College of Design. He recently expanded his tutoring efforts to 10 creative disciplines through Art College Prep.
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