The Automotive Technology curriculum prepares students for employment in the vast and broad automotive technology industry.
Students are provided with experiences emphasizing diagnostic and repair skills with extensive shop time. Students test, diagnose, adjust and repair automotive systems including automatic transmissions, brakes, driveability, electrical and electronics, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, and manual drivetrain and axles. Students’ abilities in communications, human relations and other aspects of general education are also enhanced through coursework.
Graduates gain employment as automotive repair technicians in automotive dealerships, independent automotive shops or automotive service centers. Graduates may choose to specialize in automatic transmissions, brakes, driveability, electrical and electronics, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, or manual drivetrain and axles. Many graduates have advanced from automotive repair technicians to team leaders, service writers, service managers, owners and automotive vocational teachers.
Students interested in pursuing additional education may return for advanced automotive classes or return for one additional year and earn a second major, Auto and Diesel Master Technician. Students interested in pursuing an advanced degree will find the Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology provides transfer options to four year colleges and universities in related fields.
The program is master certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AUTO 103 | Power Trains/Brakes | 3 |
| AUTO 143 | Steering, Suspension, and Wheel Alignment | 3 |
| AUTO 165 | Automotive Electrical and Electronics | 5 |
| AUTO 188 | Driveability Procedures I | 5 |
| AUTO 206 | Chassis Repair/Body Electrical Theory | 3 |
| AUTO 207 | Chassis Repair/Body Electrical Lab | 4 |
| AUTO 216 | Engine Repair Theory | 3 |
| AUTO 217 | Engine Repair Lab | 4 |
| AUTO 226 | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Theory | 3 |
| AUTO 227 | Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Lab | 4 |
| AUTO 265 | Advanced Automotive Electronics | 2 |
| AUTO 286 | Driveability Procedures Theory | 3 |
| AUTO 287 | Driveability Procedures Lab | 4 |
| MFGT 120 | Basic Welding I | 1 |
| TECH 109 | Air Conditioning | 2 |
| TECH 121 | Engine Fundamentals | 3 |
| A student must complete all of the above classes plus the following listed under the degree desired. | ||
| Related/General Education Courses | ||
| Diploma | ||
| CIS 101 | Computer Literacy | 2 |
| ENGL 105 | Technical Communications | 3 |
| PSYC 100 | Human Relations in Organizations | 2 |
| MATH 120 | Basic Mathematics I | 2 |
| MATH 123 | Basic Mathematics II | 2 |
| Wellness Elective | 1 | |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience | 1 |
| Associate | ||
| CIS 101 | Computer Literacy | 2 |
| ENGL 110 | College Composition I | 3 |
| English/Communication elective (choose one) | 3 | |
| Technical Communications | ||
| College Composition II | ||
| Intro. To Professional Writing | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| PSYC 100 | Human Relations in Organizations | 2 |
| MATH 120 | Basic Mathematics I | 2 |
| MATH 123 | Basic Mathematics II | 2 |
| MATH 125 | Basic Mathematics III | 2 |
| Wellness Elective | 2 | |
| AUTO 297 | Cooperative Education 324 hours | 2 |
| FYE 101 | First Year Experience | 1 |
| Total Required Credits for Diploma | 65 | |
| Total Required Credits for Associate Degree | 73 | |
| Specialty Options: (Fifth Semester) | ||
| AUTO 209 | Advanced Chassis Repair and Body Electrical | 4-8 |
| AUTO 219 | Advanced Engine Rebuilding | 4-8 |
| AUTO 229 | Advanced Automatic Transmission/ Automatic Transaxle | 4-8 |
| AUTO 289 | Electronics and Computer Systems | 4-8 |
| NOTE: Students may enter this program at the beginning of any semester. A student may be able to start in the middle of a semester; for information please contact the Automotive Department. | ||
The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Helpful high school courses to prepare for this program are automotive technology, small engines, agriculture, communications and computer classes. Applicants may be required to complete a basic skills evaluation during the admission process.
Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.
Going Green: With growing concern about environmental pollution, the automotive industry has responded by developing alternative drive and fuel systems such as electric, hybrid and fuel cells. Automotive Technicians will have to have a working knowledge of these systems to be a viable employee in this field.
