If you’re looking to become a leader in research and development of transportation issues, you can find qualified transportation colleges throughout the country that will take you from entry level to advanced research technicians in no time.

Studying transportation qualified transportation universities is the fastest way to getting a great job in the field of transportation. There are many great transportation design universities and other colleges that offer a full range of transportation studies in the United States. As you search for a university:

1. Look for a transportation university with award-winning programs and the best credentials possible.
2. Keep your transportation focus and career goals in mind when selecting a university.
3. Seek transportation studies programs that offer hands-on experience.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for transportation design colleges and universities with good credentials

If you find a transportation studies program that attracts millions of dollars in government and private sponsored research money each year, you should be assured that the organization maintains the highest level of educators, facilities and research tools for its students.

I recommend: At University of Minnesota's Center for Transportation Studies, the research, education and outreach programs are accredited with several distinguished programs and researcher awards. The Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley is an award-winning program that has been around since World War II and, just like the U of M program, attracts over $20 million each year in research funding.

Find a transportation univesity program with a focus on research

Look for university transportation studies facilities that offer the best in research opportunities, which can help you get the position you want upon graduation.

I recommend: Because of its strong research emphasis, UCLA's Intsitute of Transportation graduates are often placed in well-respected private sector and government research positions. For a smaller scale transportation research arena, consider the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Research there includes air, international trade and other logistics studies.

Seek out transportation colleges with hands-on programs

To be prepared for careers in international trade and transportation systems, you need actual experience in the field in the way of hands-on experience. Programs that help find students internships and hands-on experiences generally also have high post-graduate job placement.

I recommend: Located in one of the leading ports in the country, the Global Trade, Transportation, and Logistics Studies Program at the University of Washington offers in-state internship and career opportunities. At the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis, the hands-on research and development is top-notch.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for universities for the study of transportation that are federally designated as research facilities. There are only a handful, but all have excellent resources available to the staff and students.