Automotive Technology, A.A.S.
Entry Time
Fall
Award
Associate of Applied Science degree
2 years (5 terms including 1 summer)
The Automotive Technology program provides entry-level skills and knowledge for students who want to work in the automotive technology field. The curriculum emphasizes automotive electronics and features courses in body electrical, engine electrical and computerized fuel delivery systems. This program is MasterTM-certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and the National Institute of Automotive Services Excellence certifies our instructors as Master Technicians. Kirkwood is an authorized SnapOn Certified Training Center.
After you complete the SnapOn Diagnostic products training and pass the rigorous test, you are considered a power user of SnapOn diagnostic tools, with an efficiency of 90-100 percent. Achieve master status (top 10 percent nationwide) and be one of the most sought after technicians in the field.
This program provides the opportunity to take eight ASE certification tests. Graduation from this program requires Automotive Arc Flash and 300 hours of faculty-approved industry work.
A tool set is required for this program.
Career Opportunities
- automotive service technician
- insurance adjuster
- service writer
- parts professional
- service director/shop foreman
Degree Requirements
| Term 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AUT-502 | Automotive Brake Systems | 2 |
| AUT-614 | Automotive Electrical I | 3 |
| AUT-888 | Technical Lab I | 4 |
| MAT-715 | Industrial Math I | 3 |
| Communications Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Graduation from the AAS degree requires 300 hours of faculty approved industry work | ||
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| Spring | ||
| AUT-308 | Manual Drive Train & Axles I | 2 |
| AUT-310 | Computer Engine Controls I | 2 |
| AUT-402 | Auto Suspension and Steering | 2 |
| AUT-658 | Automotive Electrical II | 3 |
| AUT-702 | Auto Heat & Air Conditioning | 2 |
| AUT-889 or AUT-100 | Technical Lab II or Maintenance & Light Repair | 4 |
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| Summer | ||
| AUT-309 | Manual Drive Train & Axles II | 2 |
| AUT-708 | Adv Auto Heat & Air Condition | 2 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | |
| Communications Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 10 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| AUT-164 | Automotive Engine Repair | 4 |
| AUT-311 | Computer Engine Controls II | 3 |
| AUT-406 | Adv Auto Suspension & Steering | 2 |
| AUT-536 | Advanced Auto Brake Systems | 2 |
| AUT-680 | Automotive Electrical III | 3 |
| Term Totals: | 14 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| Spring | ||
| AUT-204 | Automatic Transmissions/Axles | 4 |
| AUT-221 | Hybrid Electric Vehicle Fund | 4 |
| AUT-312 | Computerized Engine Controls III | 4 |
| Humanities or History/Culture Course | 3 | |
| Term Totals: | 15 | |
| Program Totals: | 69 | |
- 1
Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should consider substituting some or all of the following courses into the curriculum:
ENG-105 Composition I and
ENG-108 Comp II: Technical Writing or
ENG-106 Composition II
for Communications Electives
Optional Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AUT-924 | Honors Project | 1 |
| AUT-928 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
Automotive Technology Tool Requirements
Students in the Automotive Technology program are required to have a tool set and storage for lab activities during their second year in the program. Instructors will provide students with a list of minimum requirements. Students can purchase their tool set through the Industrial Technologies Department or on their own. Payment plans can be arranged with the financial aid office.