Industrial Technologies

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 six (6) individual certificate programs are also available.

The Automotive Technology Program is Master Certified by NATEF, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.  NATEF accreditation validates the quality of the curriculum, facilities and competency of the instructors.  NATEF is nationally recognized as the benchmark of automotive education.

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Major courses meeting other college general education core requirements are starred (*) below.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Total Credit Hours:

84.0