Degree Outline: Associate’s Degree in Automotive Maintenance Technology
Majors Overview November 3, 2013Those who enjoy solving problems and working with their hands, on cars, would ideally fit as an automotive technician. Initially, you must be trained in automotive maintenance technology. Earning an A.A. in automotive maintenance technology offers the knowledge and skills needed to work as an automotive technician.
A.A. Programs in Automotive Maintenance Technology
Schools offer this program as either an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology or an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Maintenance Technology. Students enrolled in these degree programs are provided with the technical skills and knowledge necessary for the diagnosis, repair and performance of routine maintenance on all models and makes of automobiles. Once they graduate from the program, students can seek entry-level jobs in independent auto repair shops, fleet services, transmission shops or car dealerships. Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework not only prepares students to seek entry-level jobs but also helps students prepare to write the examination for Automotive Service Excellence certification that most job givers expect candidates to pass. Students are required to complete some sort of field experience such as an internship before they graduate from the program. Coursework may commonly include:
•Automatic transmissions
•Braking systems
•Automotive heating and cooling
•Manual transmissions
•Automotive service procedures
•Automotive electrical systems
•Engines and engine performance
•Steering, alignment and suspension
Career Choices
Graduates of an associate degree program in automotive technology or automotive maintenance technology are trained to seek entry-level occupations in the automotive industry, including popular career options such as:
•Automotive service technician
•Automotive engineering technician
•Auto body repairer
Continuing Education Choices
Some associate’s degree graduates may commonly seek continued education by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program in either automotive technology or automotive performance technology. Enrollment in these degree programs allows students to select focus areas of study such as field service, vehicle systems or collision repair. Students enrolled in these programs may have to complete 22 to 60 credit hours focusing on the major – these include courses such as safety management, improvement of vehicle performance or environmental controls.
