Automotive Technology, A.A.S

Graduates of the Automotive Technology Programs will have the skill- set to enter into employment in the U.S. Automotive Industry. This program includes technical hands-on skills in gasoline and light duty engines; automatic and manual transmissions; up-to-date scanners, scopes, meters, probes for diagnostic analysis; diagnostic and re-charge of A/C systems; braking tools, lathes and application and four wheel alignments. Graduate will also learn soft skills required to be successful and complete in the U.S. Automotive industry including: safe and productive utilization of shop tools and machinery; automotive information and data retrieval using national databases; interpersonal communication techniques in individual and group settings and critical thinking skills.

Objectives:

Diagnose, service, and repair automotive systems using industry-standard tools and procedures in accordance with safety and manufacturer specifications.
Demonstrate professional work practices, including safe tool use and compliance with environmental and industry standards.
Apply critical thinking and systematic troubleshooting to diagnose mechanical and electrical issues.
Use technical resources (e.g., service manuals and databases) to support accurate automotive repair.
Communicate technical information clearly in written and oral formats.
Work effectively as a member of a team to complete automotive projects.
Demonstrate readiness for entry-level employment through hands-on or work-based learning experiences.

Outcomes:

Apply automotive knowledge and technical skills to perform service and repair tasks consistent with entry-level industry expectations.
Use industry-standard hand tools and diagnostic software to diagnose and repair automotive systems, achieving accurate results and completing tasks according to manufacturer specifications and established lab performance criteria.
Demonstrate problem-solving, information literacy, critical thinking, and communication skills related to technical subject matter in both team-based and individual learning exercises.

1st Semester

AST 102 - Introduction To Automotive Service 3 credits *
AST 118 - Brakes & Chassis 3 credits *
AST 119 - Brakes & Chassis Lab 3 credits *
AST 136 - Automotive Electrical/Electronics Systems 3 credits *
AST 137 - Automotive Electrical/Electronics Systems Lab 3 credits *
M 105 - Contemporary Math 3 credits
-OR-
M 111 - Technical Mathematics 3 credits
-OR-
M 121 - College Algebra 3 credits (recommended for students who plan on pursuing a BAS degree)

Total: 18

2nd Semester

AST 160 - Automotive Engine Repair (Lec) 3 credits **
AST 161 - Automotive Engine Repair (Lab) 3 credits **
AST 166 - Engine Performance & Diagnostics 3 credits **
AST 167 - Engine Performance & Diagnostics Lab 3 credits **
WRIT 100 - Composing Mindfully: Writing Fundamentals 3 credits
-OR-
WRIT 101 - College Writing I 3 credits (recommended for students who plan on pursuing a BAS degree)
-OR-
WRIT 121 - Introduction To Technical Writing 3 credits (recommended for students who plan on pursuing a BAS degree)

Total: 15

3rd Semester

DST 260 - Diesel Engine Diagnostic Troubleshooting 3 credits *
DST 265 - Applied Lab Experience 3 credits *
AST 172 - Automotive Air Conditioning (Lecture/Lab) 3 credits *
CAPP 131 - Basic MS Office 3 credits
-OR-
CAPP 156 - MS Excel 3 credits

Total: 12

4th Semester

AST 298 - Automotive Internship 1 - 6 credits (Variable) **
-OR-
AST 299 - Automotive Capstone 1 - 6 credits (variable) **
BGEN 105 - Introduction To Business 3 credits
AST 230 - Electrical/Electronics Sys II (Lecture/Lab) 4 credits **
AST 270 - Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles 3 credits **
AST 271 - Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles Lab 3 credits **
COMX 106 - Communicating in a Dynamic Workplace 3 credits
-OR-
COMX 115 - Interpersonal Communication 3 credits
-OR-
BGEN 235 - Business Law 3 credits (recommended for students who plan on pursuing a BAS degree)
-OR-
HEO 100 - Commercial Truck Driver 3 credits

Total: 17

Minimum credits for an AAS degree in Automotive Technology: 62

Completion of the first two semesters may result in a Certificate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology. Student must complete a course in each of the following areas: English and Math to receive a certificate.This program is designed for fall entry. If a spring entry is desired, it will take longer than two years to complete.

* Offered only in the Fall
** Offered only in the Spring