Automotive Technology

Overview

Programs in automotive technology prepare people to repair and service all types of vehicles and their engines.

Students learn to fix transmissions, brakes, and other vehicle systems.

Automotive technology programs include topics such as:

Engine performance
Suspension and steering systems
Automatic and manual transmission
Heating and air condition systems
Electric controls and instruments
Computerized diagnostic equipment

Concentrations

In automotive technology programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Engine machinist technology
Vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance technology
Alternate fuel vehicle technology
High performance and custom engine technology

Schools

Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in automotive technology. A certificate program usually takes six months to one year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.

A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in automotive technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Automobile Mechanics

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Applied Math
Automotive Service
Business Computer Applications
Diesel Mechanics and Repair
Technical Writing

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

A certificate program in automotive technology typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Automatic Transmissions
Automotive Air Conditioning and Heat Systems
Automotive Electricity and Electronics
Chassis, Brakes, Steering, and Suspension Systems
Engine Performance and Diagnosis
Internal Combustion Engine Theory
Manual Transmissions
Service Advising and Customer Relations

An associate degree program typically includes courses similar to those for a certificate, plus the following subjects:

College Algebra
English Composition
Principles of Physics
Speech Communication

An automotive or diesel technology program always includes a large amount of hands-on learning. You will learn most of your skills in a garage, rather than in a classroom.

Things to Know

Look for programs approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

The military may also provide training. The armed forces use a large number of vehicles and diesel generators, so they need to train specialists to do the maintenance and repair work.

Most programs require that students purchase their own tools, safety equipment, and work clothes.

In your work you may specialize in specific areas of repair such as front-end alignment or exhaust system maintenance.

As auto technology continues to advance, you will need to keep your skills up to date. Expect to take classes throughout your career.

You can become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To be certified, you need work experience and must pass an exam.

East Side Area

Big Bend Community College

Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology--Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Repair
Automotive Technology--Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
Automotive Technology--Brake Repair
Automotive Technology--Electrical/Electronic Systems
Automotive Technology--Engine Performance

Walla Walla Community College

Automotive Repair Technology
Automotive Repair Technology--Advanced Certificate

Walla Walla University

Technology--Automotive Management
Technology--Automotive Technology

Wenatchee Valley College

Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology--Light Diesel

King-Snohomish Area

Green River College

Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology--Brakes, Steering, & Suspension
Automotive Technology--Electrical Systems
Automotive Technology--Engine Performance
Automotive Technology--Heating and Air Conditioning
Automotive Technology--Transmission and Transaxle

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Auto General Service Technician
Auto General Service Technician (I-BEST)
Auto Repair Technician

Renton Technical College

Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
Automotive Technology
Automotive--Ford ASSET Program

Shoreline Community College

Automotive General Service Technician
Automotive Service Technician
Automotive Service Technology (Factory Sponsored) MOPAR College Automotive Program
Automotive Service Technology (Factory Sponsored)--General Motors
Automotive Service Technology (Factory Sponsored)--Honda PACT
Automotive Service Technology (Factory Sponsored)--Toyota T-TEN
Automotive--Brakes Specialist
Automotive--Electric Vehicle Technician (Tesla)
Automotive--Electrical Specialist
Automotive--Engine Specialist
Automotive--FAC MOPAR CAP Electrical, HVAC and Chassis Specialist
Automotive--FAC MOPAR CAP Powertrain Specialist
Automotive--Honda Electrical, HVAC and Chassis Specialist
Automotive--Honda Powertrain Specialist