Best Associate Degrees in Automotive Technology

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Associate degrees in automotive technology represent an ideal qualification for prospective automotive technicians, and also meet the educational and career requirements for automotive mechanics, as they provide training in all aspects of automotive technology and the business practices associated with running an automotive service center. Therefore, any budding automotive worker with plans to work as a diagnostician, engine machinist, auto mechanic, engine management specialist, dealership service manager, equipment salesperson, test technician or automotive business administrator, among many other automotive industry roles, should see an associate's degree in automotive technology as a highly credible option for assisting the pursuit of their career goals.

Certain automotive technology associate degree programs can be even more attractive for aspiring automotive workers as they allow the program to be completed on a part-time basis, thus providing flexibility for students with family commitments and/or those wishing to continue working while they study. Of course, completion on a part-time basis will mean the time for completion will be longer than the usual two years.

The process of choosing an automotive technology associate program is very important and requires a bit of research to make sure the student is confident that the program will provide the training and support they need during their studies. Students with existing family and/or work commitments should check the flexibility the program offers, including seeing if the program offers part-time study and perhaps classes in the evening. Additionally, students should check the cost of the programs, and those on a tight budget may want to check whether any financial aid is available for their potential program of choice.

Students should also carefully consider the course content of the program, and also how much practical training is offered, perhaps in the form of internships. Candidates who wish to become an auto mechanic or service technician may wish to choose a program that is heavy on technical courses, such as engine repair, brake systems, and electrical systems. Candidates who have a specific idea about who they might want to work for after completing their course may want to check whether programs are affiliated to well-known motor manufacturers or auto service providers, and who previous graduates of the program went on to work for. Additionally, prospective auto shop owners, automotive administrators, and dealership managers may want to check whether the program offers courses in business administration and communication.

Application and Admissions for Automotive Technology Associate Degree Programs

The application process for an automotive technology associate degree program is usually very straightforward. Most programs will allow applications to be made online and colleges usually only require one or two documents to be submitted with the application, such as an official high school transcript and a letter of recommendation. Some application forms may also request candidates to provide a personal statement outlining their motivation and suitability. Applicants should also check whether enrollment takes place at numerous times of the year or perhaps just in the fall.

In terms of entry requirements, associate degree programs generally require applicants to have a high school diploma (with around a 2.0 GPA for automotive technology programs) or GED, and some automotive programs will recommend that candidates should have completed courses in algebra and geometry.

Automotive technology degree programs typically take two years to complete, encompassing four semesters and usually around 60 to 65 credit hours. These credit hours are spread over general core education courses and specialized automotive technology courses, with each course normally worth 3-5 credit hours. Some programs allow students to undertake the associate degree in a part-time fashion, and it is not uncommon for students to take 3 to 4 years to complete the program in these instances.

The cost of undertaking an associate degree in automotive technology can vary quite widely depending on the institution. Tuition fees for in-state students are usually not much more than $7000 per year and in some instances can be as low as $5000 per year. Out-of-state tuition is typically much higher, ranging from $12,000 to as much as $20,000. On top of tuition fees, program providers will ask for additional fees, such as technology and infrastructure fees, which, over the duration of the course, can add up to $3000-4000.

Almost all associate degree programs, regardless of the subject area, require students to complete a similar general coursework component, which is completed at the beginning of the program and may include:

• Mathematics
• English composition
• Communication
• Cultural diversity

As the program progresses, a student's schedule will become more dominated by specialized automotive technology courses, such as:

• Engine repair
• Alignment and suspension
• Manual transmission
• Electrical systems

Optional courses may include topics such as automatic transmission, service management, advanced engine performance, and automotive air conditioning.

Automotive technology associate degree holders enter a number of job roles upon graduation; however, perhaps the most common job destination for a graduate is as an automotive service technician or auto mechanic, although others may take up positions as auto body repairers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has calculated that the median wage for these types of roles, as of May 2020, was $44,050, with the District of Columbia and California being the highest paying districts/states. The top 10% of auto technician/mechanic earners made more than $71,940 and the bottom 10% made less than $25,790. The BLS forecasts a 4% decrease in available jobs over the period from 2019 to 2029, perhaps due in part to the self-diagnostic properties of newer cars.

Begin a Career as an Automotive Service Technician

An automotive service technician inspects, repairs, and maintains cars and trucks. While technicians and mechanics are competent in dealing with traditional car components and systems, owing to the increasing sophistication of cars, they are also now highly trained in dealing with electrical systems that are controlled by computers. The role is highly technical and involves the use of a number of tools, some advanced and some potentially dangerous, such as pneumatic wrenches, welding torches, jacks, and lathes, as well as more basic hand tools, such as pliers and ratchets. Auto technicians/mechanics can eventually specialize in particular systems, such as brakes, transmission and diagnostics.

Automotive technicians/mechanics primarily work in dealerships or repair shops, but some are self-employed and may operate as mobile technicians who can often work at a client's own home. These roles require a decent level of physical fitness as technicians/mechanics will spend much of their day standing up and will often need to handle heavy auto parts and equipment.

Begin a Career as an Automotive Body Repairer

Another option for automotive technology associate degree holders is as an automotive body repairer. Body repairers essentially repair damage caused by vehicle collisions. They carry out body damage inspections, refinish, restore, and replace the bodies and frames of vehicles, and work in body shops. The BLS reports that the median salary for body repairers, as of 2020, was $44,190, with Washington and Virginia paying the highest salaries on average. The job outlook for body repairers is slightly better than for automotive service technicians/mechanics, with the BLS predicting that job growth will increase by 2% over the period from 2019 to 2029, which is still slightly lower than nationwide job growth for all occupations. The top 10% of body repairers earn more than $56,760 and the lowest 10% earn less than $26,610.

Although certification/licensure is often not necessary to be considered for entry-level positions, a number of employers may prefer their workers to have certification. The most well-known certification is the ASE certification administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. A number of automotive technology associate degree programs structure their courses to prepare students for taking the ASE certification test. ASE certification provides confidence for customers and employers that a technician/mechanic has the required skills for carrying out their role competently. There are a number of ASE certification tests (52 in total) covering specialty areas such as auto and truck parts, school and transit buses, and collision repair. In addition to passing the test, candidates must also demonstrate hands-on experience (usually one or two years experience) to obtain certification.

It is important that budding automotive service technicians and/or auto mechanics check that their potential choice of associate degree program is appropriately accredited, usually by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation or the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. Accreditation by a reputable body ensures a program meets educational quality standards and means employers can be confident that graduates from that program are appropriately trained and are well-equipped to succeed in their careers. Some employers may insist on employing graduates only from accredited programs, so checking accreditation before enrollment is crucial for prospective students and their future career chances.

Although an automotive technology associate degree from an accredited institution is a good qualification to open up the possibility of securing entry-level automotive technician jobs, some graduates may wish to further their education by enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in a similar subject area. Associate degree holders may be able to enter bachelor's degree programs in the junior year if they meet certain transfer credit criteria. For example, some bachelor's program providers may allow associate degree holders to transfer straight to the junior year if they have completed math and English courses of a certain level, and accrued a minimum number of credits or units in transportation-related courses (in some instances 32-35 units, with C or above grades, or even D in certain cases). Typically, transfer applicants must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 in their associate degree program.

Although an automotive technology associate degree is an excellent qualification for opening up entry-level automotive technician/mechanic positions, other educational routes to a similar goal exist, perhaps particularly for those with an eye on future career advancement. More advanced qualifications take longer to complete (usually four years for a bachelor's program and two years for a master's program), but transfer options may exist for associate degree holders to speed up time to completion. More advanced degrees, such as a bachelor's, allow students to learn about the research and design of vehicles and their associated systems, in addition to the maintenance, service, and repair aspects covered in an associate degree.

Bachelor's Programs in Automotive Technology

Bachelor's degree programs in automotive technology equip students with in-depth knowledge and skills in advanced automotive engineering technologies, as well as introduce them to related research and development aspects. Bachelor's program curricula also tend to place a little more emphasis on automotive administration and marketing. However, key courses also cover topics such as automotive electronics, collision repair, fuel systems, and suspension. Automotive technology is a common program title but variations, such as automotive engineering technology and automotive management, do exist and offer prospective students the choice to focus on technical aspects or management aspects.

Master's Programs in Automotive Technology

Master's degree programs specifically entitled automotive technology are difficult to find. However, some master's programs in automotive engineering are available and are designed for holders of bachelor's degrees who have expertise in electrical, computer, and electrical engineering. These programs focus much more on research and development, and are intended to prepare students so that they are ready to develop innovations in the industry. Therefore, state-of-the-art engineering concepts are covered in courses addressing topics such as hybrid electric vehicles and self-driving vehicles.

Doctoral Degrees in Automotive Technology

Although automotive technology or engineering may not be the most obvious subject area for a doctoral program, PhD programs in automotive engineering do exist and represent the most advanced qualification for academic automotive engineers who wish to teach at higher education institutes and conduct research. PhD programs allow students to undertake the most cutting-edge research in automotive engineering, including in areas such as advanced vehicle propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing, and the design of complex systems. PhD programs take at least four to five years to complete and a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for entry.

Certificate Programs in Automotive Technology

Certificate programs are a common type of automotive repair technology adult education program, and are a valid alternative to an associate degree as they also prepare students for entry-level automotive technician/mechanic jobs and cover similar topics, although often in less depth. Certificate programs can vary in length, ranging from a few months to two years. In some instances, the credits accrued during certificate programs can be transferred to an associate degree program. The completion of algebra courses at high school is recommended and applicants with deficiencies in math may have to enroll in preparatory math courses.

A range of funding schemes, from federal and state government, and professional organizations, may be available for automotive technology associate degree students. Students who would normally struggle to finance their studies may be eligible for aid from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through FAFSA, the federal government offers a wide range of grants, scholarships, and loans to students with the greatest need. Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens, and show that they have been accepted into an eligible educational program. They must also maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving any financial support. Students should also check whether their prospective college offers any funding opportunities or scholarships. Another potential source of funding may be offered by their local state government. Finally, a number of funding opportunities and scholarships may be offered by professional organizations, such as the Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central.