Automotive Technology Degree
Prepare for or advance your career in the automotive service industry with an automotive technology degree from Montgomery College.
The ASE-NATEF Master Certified curriculum prepares students for employment in the automotive service industry as a repair technician. The curriculum also prepares students for seven ASE automobile technician certification exams: ASE A-1, A-4, A-5, A-6, A-8, and L-1.
Students are exposed to the following areas of expertise: undercar (brakes, suspension, steering, and alignment), electrical (engine and chassis/body), engineer performance (computer controlled fuel injection, ignition, and emission control systems, ) engine repair and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). All automotive classes consist of a lecture section and a lab (shop) section. Some classes also include a lab discussion section.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Identify and describe operation of automotive components and systems.
- Demonstrate safe and effective use of tools and equipment related to the automotive service and repair industry.
- Diagnose, service, and repair automotive systems and components.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Employment opportunities exist in new vehicle dealerships, independent automobile repair facilities, vehicle fleet maintenance and government agencies. In addition, students may pursue opportunities in performance, upfitter and after-market installer shops.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for Automotive Technology majors follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- AUTO 101 - Introduction to Automotive Technology 3 semester hours
- AUTO 161 - Automotive Electricity I 4 semester hours
- AUTO 150 - Brakes 5 semester hours
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- Mathematics Foundation 3 semester hours (MATF)
- AUTO 180 - Basic Engine Performance 4 semester hours
- AUTO 262 - Battery/Starting/Charging 3 semester hours
Third Semester
- AUTO 111 - Engine Repair 4 semester hours
- AUTO 282 - Engine Performance II 4 semester hours
- AUTO 140 - Suspension and Steering 5 semester hours
- CHEM 105 - Chemistry and Society 3 semester hours (NSLD)
-
AND
- CHEM 106 - Chemistry and Society Laboratory 1 semester hour (NSLD)
-
OR
- Natural Sciences Distribution with Lab 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Fourth Semester
- AUTO 200 - Auto Tech Practicum 1 semester hour
- AUTO 283 - Engine Performance III 4 semester hours
- Arts or Humanities Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)
- General Education Elective 4 semester hours (GEEL)
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or elective.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.