Who We Are
Forged from our history of training automotive engineers, Kettering University continues to educate industry leaders who drive innovation at the forefront of next-gen technologies, from AI and robotics to energy storage solutions and sustainable manufacturing.
Breakthroughs happen at Kettering University every day. Not every school can prove success after success driven by its students and alumni alike. Kettering can—and we do.
What Sets Us Apart
Founded in 1919, Kettering University has pushed the boundaries of technology and engineering. What began as a night school for automotive engineers and technicians has grown into a University that graduates leaders in the automotive industry, aerospace, biotechnology, finance, logistics, consumer products, banking, health care, and many others. Read more about our history.
In 2022, the University undertook an ambitious effort to reshape the institution to better meet the needs of future industries. Kettering identified five Focus Areas — advanced mobility, new energy vehicles, intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and sustainability — to not only align with cross-industry collaborations but to prepare students and graduates to be nimble as their next-gen careers unfold.
Kettering offers eleven undergraduate degree programs and 13 master’s-level progams, all of which provide an immersive, hands-on experience for students from throughout the country and around the world. In fact, we have over 25,000 alumni who live in 50 countries, and more than 1,000 of our graduates are currently CEOs, presidents, or C-level executives.
Finally, our approach to academics is grounded in integrating theory and practice with our our 50/50 approach to academics and cooperative education. All undergraduates alternate between 11-week sprints in the classroom and Co-op. That means spending time mastering theories and skills with faculty in our first-of-their-kind research labs, then applying them through a paid Co-op experience alongside industry leaders.
No other university demands as much from its students, and no other program equips them to achieve as much — see how Kettering does it.
Success by the Numbers
50/50
Our academic model seamlessly blends rigorous academics and paid professional Co-op experiences
Top 30
Ranked one of the country’s top “Best Bang for Your Buck” universities, according to Business Insider
Our Commitment to Excellence
The University shapes its culture based on a shared commitment to its mission, vision, and values.
Kettering University prepares students for lives of extraordinary leadership and service by linking transformative experiential learning opportunities to rigorous academic programs in engineering, computer science, and business.
Kettering University will be the first choice for students and all of our partners seeking to make a better world through technological innovation, leadership, and service.
Respect for teamwork, honesty, encouragement, diversity, and student partnerships.
Integrity, including accountability, transparency, and ethics.
Creativity, fostering flexibility and innovation.
Collaboration across disciplines and with all partners.
Excellence in all we do.
Learn About Kettering’s Leadership
Meet the people shaping Kettering’s future, from our President and University leadership to the Board of Trustees.
Kettering University President, Dr. Robert K. McMahan
Pillars of Success
We attribute Kettering’s success to four pillars that guide our decisions and fuel our growth.
Optimized Growth in Enrollment and Programs
Kettering has an extraordinary ability to attract top talent, whether award-winning students, world-class faculty members, or dedicated staff. We intentionally expand our enrollment through strategic financial aid packages and scholarships to attract and retain a more diversified student population. We also aim to reach out to students and families who value private, experiential, applied learning.
Global Leadership in STEM Education
We want to direct the conversation on global talent to what Kettering does better than any other institution in the world — delivering an unmatched education that couples theory with practice. We renew our commitment to experiential and applied learning in collaboration with our extraordinary faculty and industry partners to deliver amazing classroom and applied research experiences.
Community Vitality
The City of Flint and the surrounding area are integral to the Kettering University experience. By actively engaging in the economic renewal of our city and region, Kettering fuels innovation and entrepreneurship in our graduates and fosters collaboration with our educational partners.
Engaged Stakeholders
The University is only as strong as our relationships with alumni, corporate partners, educators, neighbors, and friends. We aim to strengthen our culture of engagement and giving with all of our stakeholders to further Kettering’s mission.
Discover More About Kettering University
Explore Kettering’s rich legacy of nurturing STEM interests, preparing exceptional students for industry, and collaborating throughout Michigan, 21 additional states, and Germany to provide world-class talent.
Founded in 1919, the University has a rich history of educating students in STEM fields. Dive into our archives to uncover the fascinating story of the automotive industry’s evolution and Kettering’s pivotal role in it.
Explore the legacy of Charles F. Kettering, the inventor of the electric self-starter and a pioneering advocate for professional cooperative education.
From the new Learning Commons to the C.S. Mott Engineering and Science Center to Atwood Stadium, Kettering’s campus supports a world of education and innovation.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news about Kettering, and check out our upcoming events.
Discover the distinguished individuals who have received Kettering’s highest honor for their exceptional achievements.
Review our accreditation details, including specialty accreditations that attest to our academic excellence.
Find contact details for faculty and academic departments.
Learn about our modern water infrastructure and independent tests to monitor quality every six months.
Experience Kettering’s Innovative Approach
At Kettering, we challenge driven students like you to push the limits. And if you embrace the challenge, you’ll reap the rewards.