Industrial and Engineering Technologies and Engineering Transfer  

Automotive Technology

Technological advances in the automotive field and the introduction of computer controlled systems and components have mandated a technician who is highly skilled and professionally trained. Automotive technicians make up the largest service and repair group in the country, and the increasing application of computerized systems in cars and trucks has created a great demand for highly trained professionals.

The Automotive Technology program at Midlands Technical College is designed to provide theory and hands-on training to prepare students to be well-rounded entry-level automotive technicians. Specialization areas emphasize diagnostic and engine performance service, engine overhaul, manual and automatic transmission reconditioning and repair, heat and air conditioning, and all phases of chassis service. Graduates of the Automotive Technology program work in dealerships, independent garages and other related businesses as technicians, parts personnel, services writers and field representatives for manufacturers.

Six separate certificate programs have been developed based on eight ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) categories -- engine repair; drive train repair; heating and air conditioning repair; electrical systems repair; brake, suspension and steering repair; and engine performance -- to prepare you for the ASE certification exam.

Graduates of this program earn an associate degree in Automotive Technology. The individual certificate programs are also available.

Special Requirements

Students are required to purchase their own safety equipment and tools. A tool list for each course is available upon request.

Major: Automotive Technology (84 credit hours)
Degree: Associate in Industrial Technology

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A.  GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS 
(15 CREDIT HOURS)

Credit Hours

ENG 101 English Composition I

3.0

ENG 165 Professional Communications

3.0

MAT 155 Contemporary Mathematics

3.0

PSY 201 General Psychology

3.0

Approved Humanities Course

  3.0

Subtotal

15.0

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Major courses meeting other college general education core requirements are starred (*) below.
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B.  MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS (21 CREDIT HOURS)

Credit Hours

AUT 105  Beginning Engine Repair 

4.0

AUT 112  Braking Systems 

4.0

AUT 115  Manual Drive Train/Axle 

3.0

AUT 131  Electrical Systems 

3.0

AUT 221  Suspension and Steering Diagnosis 

3.0

AUT 241  Automotive Air Conditioning 

  4.0

Subtotal

21.0

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C.  OTHER HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION (48 CREDIT HOURS)

Credit Hours

AUT 106  Intermediate Engine Repair

4.0

AUT 116  Manual Transmission and Axle

4.0

AUT 132  Automotive Electricity

4.0

AUT 133  Electrical Fundamentals*

3.0

AUT 141  Introduction to Heating and Air Conditioning

4.0

AUT 145  Engine Performance

3.0

AUT 151  Automotive Transmission/Transaxle

3.0

AUT 153  Automatic Transmission Diagnosis

3.0

AUT 222  Four-Wheel Alignment

2.0

AUT 245  Advanced Engine Performance

5.0

AUT 262  Advanced Auto Diagnosis and Repair

4.0

CPT 101 *  Introduction to Computers

3.0

PHS 111  Conceptual Physics I*

3.0

General Elective

  3.0

Subtotal

48.0

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Total Credit Hours:

84.0

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