Preparing Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Autonomous Transportation: Bridging Electrical and Civil Engineering Disciplines

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are transforming the future of transportation, yet current engineering education does not sufficiently prepare students for the interdisciplinary knowledge required to support this technology. This project aims to bridge that gap by integrating electrical and civil engineering concepts into a coordinated educational program that prepares undergraduate students for careers in AV-related fields.

The project was inspired by recent state-level initiatives, including California’s "Autonomous Vehicle Strategic Framework," which emphasizes workforce development and equitable job creation. However, current engineering curricula often treat AV-related topics in disciplinary silos. For instance, electrical engineering students may understand vehicle sensors but not traffic flow dynamics, while civil engineering students may design roads but lack insight into AV sensing and control systems.

To tackle this disconnect, the project will implement a series of integrated workshops and hands-on activities targeting undergraduate students in both fields at California State University, Sacramento. An initial online workshop will cover key AV concepts, with sessions split evenly between civil and electrical engineering topics. This will be followed by in-person, collaborative lab sessions using an advanced AV lab featuring a real-world autonomous vehicle platform (QCar) and simulated smart infrastructure.

The project is guided by a central research question: How can multidisciplinary education and hands-on experience in AV technologies effectively prepare students for careers in autonomous transportation? To answer this, student feedback will be collected through surveys, and materials will be evaluated by a panel of industry experts, including representatives from transportation agencies and AV companies. The project maintains a close collaboration with Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) as the external advisor to ensure that the project’s goals align with the current needs of the industry.

This work ultimately aims to create a replicable model for AV workforce training that blends technical knowledge, applied skills, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.