While universities or 4-year colleges are unlikely to have auto mechanic training programs, such programs are widely offered at community colleges. Students typically select a school based largely on proximity to where they live, but program length is another important consideration for aspiring automobile technicians.
Automotive Mechanics Programs
These schools offer auto mechanic programs at varying levels.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered* | Tuition and Fees (2015-2016)** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln College of Technology - West Palm Beach | West Palm Beach, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Private for-profit | Diploma, Associate's | $15,650 |
| SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | $8,057 in-state, $14,617 out-of-state |
| Daytona State College | Daytona Beach, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Certificate | $3,282 in-state, $12,352 out-of-state |
| South Texas College | McAllen, TX | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $3,486 in-district, $3,770 in-state, $4,440 out-of-state |
| Indian River State College | Fort Pierce, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Associate's | $2,764 in-state, $10,201 out-of-state |
| Chipola College | Marianna, FL | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Certificate | $3,120 in-state, $8,950 out-of-state |
| Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, TX | 4-year, primarily associate's, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $2,385 in-district, $3,405 in-state, $5,025 out-of-state |
| Southern Adventist University | Collegedale, TN | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Associate's | $20,650 |
Sources: *School website, **National Center for Education Statistics
College or University Selection Criteria
Considerations when choosing an automobile mechanics program include:
- If students aren't interested in taking general education courses, they may want to choose a certificate program in automobile mechanics.
- Some associate's programs require students to take business courses, which will prepare them to own or manage a business.
- In the final semester of an associate's degree program, a student may have the opportunity to complete an internship with a local dealership or garage.
- Some schools have car manufacturer partnerships and certification exam preparation.
Certificate
A certificate program in automobile technology can be completed in a year of full-time study. Some of the courses required for the completion of the certificate include automotive brake systems, automotive engines, engine performance, electrical systems and automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The program focuses on the different aspects of automobile engines and systems. Students take classes that emphasize the theoretical aspect to mechanics and then enroll in workshop courses that provide hands-on experience. Graduates of a certificate program are qualified for entry-level automobile mechanic positions with garages and car dealerships.
Associate of Applied Science
An associate's degree takes two years to complete, and prepares graduates to diagnose and repair a variety of issues associated with automobile engines and systems. These programs include courses on advanced automobile mechanics, such as hybrid electrical vehicles, steering and suspension, manual transmission, engine performance and powertrain electronics, as well as general education courses. A graduate of an associate's degree program in automobile mechanics is qualified to work as a service specialist, repair shop operator, parts department manager or service equipment representative.
Auto mechanic programs are typically available at the certificate and associate's degree levels. Prospective students should consider what courses a program offers and the possibility of an internship.
