The automotive technology program provides a career-focused route for students who want to work as service technicians or mechanics on vehicles powered by gasoline, electricity, or alternative fuels. Grounded in practical shop experience and diagnostic training, the curriculum is designed to meet rigorous industry expectations, including alignment with Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) benchmarks. From the first week of class students begin developing mechanical and electronic troubleshooting skills that reflect modern vehicle complexity.
Graduates leave with both the hands-on competence and the communication skills employers expect. The program teaches how to use computerized diagnostic tools alongside traditional hand tools and covers safety practices, problem-solving strategies, and the technical vocabulary needed in professional repair environments.
Program structure and delivery
The degree is offered as a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) totaling 62 credit hours. Instruction blends classroom theory with abundant lab time in a well-equipped shop. Students progress from controlled bench units to engines on stands, then to school vehicles and finally to customer-owned cars as they demonstrate readiness. The program is delivered in partnership with a regional career center and is taught by instructors with industry experience, ensuring the training reflects real-world workflows.
Schedule and enrollment
New entrants are admitted in the fall and are expected to enroll full-time. The schedule is arranged into morning and afternoon blocks to accommodate lab access. High school students may begin through articulated coursework that counts toward the AAS, allowing a smoother transition into the college-level general education block. General education requirements include courses in math, English, and communication totaling approximately sixteen credit hours, which can be taken on campus or online.
Certificate option and academic progression
For students seeking a shorter, skills-focused credential, there is a 35 credit-hour Certificate of Achievement that covers the core automotive courses. Credits from the certificate apply to the AAS degree for students who choose to continue. Both pathways emphasize the same program learning outcomes, ensuring consistency whether a student completes the certificate or the full associate degree.
Program learning outcomes
Graduates are expected to meet several measurable outcomes. Under technical and equipment competence, students demonstrate proper use of industry tools and diagnostic gear. Under safety, they consistently apply current shop safety standards. Under problem solving, they use diagnostic strategies and varied techniques to identify and fix automotive issues. Finally, under communication, graduates present technical information clearly in both written and oral formats.
Skills, job roles, and career outlook
Automotive service technicians and mechanics perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs on cars and light trucks, including those with conventional and alternative powertrains. Modern responsibilities go beyond mechanical fixes to include electronic diagnostics, software updates, and working with hybrid and electric systems. Employers look for candidates with a blend of mechanical aptitude, diagnostic reasoning, strong reading and math skills, and the ability to communicate findings to customers and colleagues.
Typical workplace locations include independent repair shops, dealership service departments, parts stores, and government fleets. Technicians must be adaptable: they need to work with computerized shop equipment one moment and apply hands-on mechanical techniques the next. This versatility is central to long-term employability in an evolving field.
Professional traits and preparation tips
Successful candidates usually have a natural mechanical curiosity, an aptitude for troubleshooting, and solid basic skills in reading, mathematics, and computers. To maximize readiness, students should take advantage of early lab work, practice with diagnostic scanners and multimeters, and cultivate clear documentation and customer communication habits. Safety awareness and adherence to industry standards are non-negotiable daily practices in any shop.
Next steps for prospective students
Interested applicants should request program information and confirm enrollment deadlines. Those seeking immediate employment after focused training may begin with the Certificate of Achievement, while others who want broader career mobility or supervisory prospects should complete the full AAS degree. Both options prepare students to pursue ASE-aligned credentials and to adapt as vehicle technology continues to change.
Overall, the program balances technical instruction, hands-on practice, and core academic skills to produce technicians ready for today’s complex automotive environment. With structured labs, industry-aligned outcomes, and experienced instructors, students gain the foundations needed to enter the workforce or continue their education.
