Certificate and associate's degree programs in automotive service, automotive service advising, and automotive service sales and marketing all provide instruction in service writing. They can be found at two-year community and technical colleges throughout the U.S.
10 Schools with Automotive Programs
Service writing students will find programs suitable for their learning needs at the following colleges:
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Programs Offered | Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe Community College | Littleton, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate | $3,918 in-state, $15,006 out-of-state |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $4,158 in-state, $15,246 out-of-state |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | 4-year, Private | Associate's | $29,856 |
| Pennco Tech | Blackwood, NJ | 2-year, Private | Certificate | $18,000 |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $3,547 in-state, $8,914 out-of-state |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | 4-year, Public | Associate's | $16,740 in-state, $23,880 out-of-state |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $4,368 in-state, $8,402 out-of-state |
| Hill College | Hillsboro, TX | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | $2,382 in-district, $2,982 in-state, $3,382 out-of-state |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College | Cincinnati, OH | 2-year, Public | Associate's | $4,126 in-state, $8,026 out-of-state |
| WyoTech | Blairsville, PA | 2-year, Private | Associate's | $25,000 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for a service writer school:
- Determine whether the program has been accredited by the National Institute for Auto Service Excellence, which is required to obtain certification as an Automotive Service Consultant.
- Some schools may offer internships or other networking opportunities.
- Service writing is offered through many different programs, so be sure to read through the curriculum closely and ensure your chosen school meets your needs.
Automotive Service Certificate
These programs consist of an average of nine classes and last approximately three months. Students take a core sequence of classes in which they learn about general auto mechanics, including braking, suspension, engine and electrical systems.
Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Service
Students in these 2-year programs complete general education and field-specific courses. Some programs emphasize management skills. Internships at local repair shops or dealerships are usually included.
Community and technical colleges are the most likely to offer programs suitable for aspiring service writers, providing students with the means to work in the field. Certificate programs generally last a few months and give a broad overview of auto mechanics, while associate's degree programs give a more thorough introduction as well as providing students with more real-life experience through internships.
