Program Overview

Automotive Technology

Our Automotive Technology program prepares you to become an automotive technician and get people’s vehicles back on the road.

Program Duration

2 Year Program

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Total Credit Hours

62

About This Program

As the automotive industry has undergone a parts and service revolution, the increased complexity of the modern automobile has created a demand for highly skilled, technologically advanced automotive professionals. This program prepares students to work as mechanics, safety inspectors and shop supervisors.

Quick Information

• Program Entry Requirements: Students interested in automotive fields may enroll in this curriculum. Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students who are identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as part of their degree program.
• General Education Requirements: All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology, a student must complete a minimum of 62 credits as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).

Overview

Our Automotive Technology program prepares you to become an automotive technician and get people’s vehicles back on the road. You will learn industry-standard computer software training; practical, hands-on automotive skills; and team building skills. Students have the opportunity to:

• Work towards an associate degree plus professional manufacturer automotive certifications
• Receive instruction from experienced, industry-certified instructors
• Hone techniques in a state-of-the-art facility
• Have access to the most modern diagnostic and repair equipment
• Have opportunities for internships and work experience

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Apply a basic foundation in theory, maintenance, diagnosis and repair of automotive systems.
• Integrate and analyze online service data, written repair material and technical service bulletins to repair and service a vehicle.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of specialized automotive service tools, electronic diagnostic equipment and basic hand tools.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior, professionalism and the ability to work as a team.

Semester 1

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 100 - Introduction to Automotive Technology (3 credits)
• ENGL 101 - English Composition I or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors) (3 credits)
• CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)
• AT 121 - Principles of Automotive Electricity and Electronics (3 credits)
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) or HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era or HIST 102 - United States History: The Civil War and the 19th Century or HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century and Beyond or HIST 103H - United States and Pennsylvania History: The 20th Century (Honors) or HIST 176/ADC 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning (3 credits)

Semester 2

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 181 - Auto Engine Mechanical Repair (4 credits)
• AT 131 - Automotive Manual Transmissions and Drivelines (4 credits)
• FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)
• AT 150 - Automotive Braking Systems (2 credits)

Summer 1

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 221 - Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems (4 credits)

Semester 3

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 261 - Engine Performance & Diagnosis (4 credits)
• AT 271 - Air Conditioning and Heating Systems (3 credits)
• CHEM 101 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Lab Based) or PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics or STS 101 - Introduction to Science, Technology and Society or EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or EASC 111H - Environmental Conservation (Honors) (3 or 4 credits)
• AT 250 - Advanced Braking Systems & Controls (2 credits)

Semester 4

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 241 - Auto Transmissions and Transaxles (4 credits)
• ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) (3 credits)
• ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication or ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication or ART 111 - Three-Dimensional Design I (3 credits)
• AT 111 - Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems (4 credits)

Summer 1

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

• AT 281 - Advanced Automotive Engine Performance (4 credits)

Launch Your Career in Automotive Technology

• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: $73,801
• Automotive Engineering Technicians - est. salary $54,503
• Automotive Body and Related Repairers - est. salary $47,738
• Maintenance and Repair Worker - est. salary $47,486

Career Outlook

• Median Salary of a First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers: $73,801
• Number of Jobs in the Region: 1,392
• 10-year Job Outlook in the Region for First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers: +4%

Featured Career

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Supervise and coordinate assignments of mechanics, installers and repairers.

• Starting Pay: $48,010

Typical Tasks

• Determine schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities, based on work priority, quantity of equipment, and skill of personnel.
• Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
• Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.
• Investigate accidents or injuries and prepare reports of findings.
• Evaluate data pertaining to costs to plan budgets.

Explore Related Programs

• Automotive Service I Proficiency Certificate
• Automotive Service II Proficiency Certificate
• Advanced Automotive Repair Professional Proficiency Certificate