Automotive Technology - Associate Degree
Highly skilled automotive technicians and specialists are needed to keep pace with the increasingly complex vehicles being manufactured for today's consumer. In the Automotive Technology program, you'll learn to diagnose and service automobiles under conditions similar to an actual repair facility. Plus, you'll develop repair facility management skills to increase your employment potential. Career opportunities for you include automotive service technician, shop foreman, parts manager, warranty claims person, repair facility owner/operator, plus all of the career opportunities offered by the Automotive Technician program. This two-year program is ASE Certified to National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation Standards.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
All credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Automotive Technician, 314042
Some of the credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Automotive Maintenance Technician, 304041
Some credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Service Writer, 906021
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Please note that all new students apply to the technical diploma program. While attending you may later have the associate degree added.
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Automotive Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101, is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.
Program Outcomes
- Automotive Technology graduates will demonstrate technical aptitude and proficiency by diagnosis and repair of the following ASE service areas:
- A1 Engine Repair
- A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- A3 Manual Drive Train & Axle
- A4 Suspension & Steering
- A5 Brakes
- A6 Electric/Electronic Systems
- A7 Heating & A/C
- A8 Engine Performance
- In addition, graduates will also be able to:
- Communicate positively and effectively with the customer
- Create and complete customer repair orders accurately
- Organize a daily work schedule for him/herself and for team members
- Tabulate a daily time sheet of technicians repair work
What careers are in my future?
Graduate Employment
with 100% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Automotive Service Technician: Diagnoses vehicle malfunctions, performs appropriate repairs, and recommends/conducts regular vehicle maintenance.
- Automotive Electronics Specialist: Utilizes hi-tech equipment to troubleshoot complex electrical and computer malfunctions. Replaces and reprograms engine, body and transmission controllers.
- Brake Specialist: Performs complete brake system safety inspections, diagnoses brake system concerns and makes necessary repairs.
- Steering, Suspension & Alignment Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs steering and suspension system concerns, utilizes computerized equipment to perform suspension and steering system adjustments.
- Transmission and Drive Train Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs concerns related to automatic and manual transmissions, drive trains and differentials.
- Engine Performance Specialist: Utilizes hi-tech equipment to diagnose and repair engine drivability concerns relating to engine mechanical, ignition and fuel systems.
- Heating & Air Conditioning Specialist: Diagnoses and repairs heating and air conditioning control systems.
- Engine Repair Specialist: Diagnoses engine mechanical failure. Disassembles, inspects, and measures engine components. Recommends/ conducts component replacement.
- Shop Foreman: Works with the technician and customer to get vehicles repaired correctly.
- Parts Manager: Organizes and oversees the parts department. Works with the technicians to get the correct parts to repair the vehicles.
- Warranty Claims Person: Calculates the amount of time spent repairing a vehicle compared to what the manufacturer will allow.
- Owner/Operator: Owns and operates his/her own repair facility, may have employees working for them.
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Accreditation
All NWTC Automotive programs are ASE Certified to NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Standards. | All instructional staff in the NWTC Automotive Programs are, at a minimum, Master, ASE Certified Technicians. | NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation)
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.
Defy expectations and follow your passion
Dream jobs have nothing to do with gender. Discover the benefits of nontraditional occupations.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.