The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics or to allow students to continue toward a Baccalaureate degree in other advanced schools of technology in preparation for future management and teaching careers in the automotive industry.

Associate in Science (AS) Degree and Certificate of Achievement Programs:

It is recommended that these courses be completed prior to enrollment in any of the “major” Auto Mechanics classes:

- Completion of ENGL 268A-268B or ESL 253A-253B, or equivalent with a grade of “C” or better.

- One year of high school algebra or completion of MATH 225 with a grade of “C” or better.

Career Opportunities

The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics. Upon registering for a class in the automotive major area, a student will receive a list of required basic tools. The student will be expected to purchase tools that relate to the course in which he/she has enrolled. The purpose of this requirement is to assure that all students graduating from the program possess tools in a quantity sufficient for trade entry as an apprentice. Upon graduating with an Associate in Science (AS) degree, the beginning apprentice will have the union four-year night school requirement waived. The graduate with only a Certificate of Completion will have two of the required four years of night school waived. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will give one-year experience credit for our two-year program towards the ASE certification program in Auto Mechanics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

- Be ‘lifelong learners in the field of automotive technology, keeping up with changes in vehicles, in diagnostics and in repair procedures through a commitment to continual learning and training.

- Communicate effectively with customers, supervisors and co-workers.

- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the process of diagnosing and repairing vehicles.

- Competently perform industry-standard automotive repair procedures, using proper tools, procedures and diagnostic techniques, as specified in the NATEF program certification process.