Sustainable Transportation Courses
Ferris State Launched a Sustainable Transportation Program
Colin Smith — August 15, 2025The Sustainable Transportation Technology program at Ferris State University is structured to equip students with the technical expertise and industry awareness necessary for careers in the rapidly evolving field of sustainable transport. Scheduled to launch in fall 2025, the curriculum is supported in part by a National Science Foundation grant and developed in collaboration with business and industry partners to ensure alignment with real-world employer requirements. Coursework spans battery-electric systems, fuel-cell technologies, and other alternative propulsion methods, reflecting a full lifecycle approach to emerging vehicle powertrains. This initiative is embedded within Ferris State’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, underlining the university’s commitment to sustainability and its growing reputation as a national leader in electric vehicle and sustainable transportation education.
The program offers a seamless two-plus-two pathway, allowing students to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Transportation Technology before transitioning into the university’s Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology. Hands-on training is emphasized through advanced Electric Vehicle Level 4 sessions covering diagnostics, testing, and repair of electric and hybrid systems, which have drawn instructors and participants from across the United States and Canada. By integrating data-driven instruction, regulatory frameworks, and experiential learning, the curriculum prepares graduates to meet current and future industry demands, regardless of evolving powertrain technologies.