What is Automotive Technology?
The Automotive Technology program at Somerset Community College prepares students to be employed in the automotive industry. The program is ASE Education Foundation Master Auto Service Technician accredited for Spring 2023 to 2028 and prepares students in basic technical knowledge, repair knowledge, and testing and diagnostic knowledge.
Completers of the SCC program can expect increased employment opportunities in the coming years. The reasons for more jobs in the automotive industry include advancements in technology, the increasing number of vehicles on the road, and the increasing average age of vehicles in service.
What are my career choices?
Jobs in the industry include more than repair technicians at new vehicle dealerships. Opportunities are also available in fleet service, with independent repair facilities and as service writers and parts sales.
What are my degree, diploma or certificate options?
Certificate
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 170 - Climate Control | 3 |
| ADX 171 - Climate Control Lab | 1 |
| Transitional Reading or Gen-Ed Course if needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 4
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 130 - Manual Transmissions | 3 |
| AUT 131 - Manual Transmissions Lab | 2 |
| Transitional course if needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 5
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 180 - Automatic Transmissions | 3 |
| AUT 181 - Automatic Transmissions Lab | 2 |
Total certificate credit hours: 5
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 110 - Brake Systems | 3 |
| AUT 111 - Brake Systems Lab | 2 |
| Transitional course if needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 5
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 150 - Engine Repair | 3 |
| ADX 151 - Engine Repair Lab | 2 |
| Transitional course if Needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 5
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 160 - Suspension and Steering | 3 |
| AUT 161 - Suspension and Steering Lab | 2 |
| Transitional course if needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 5
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 120 - Basic Automotive Electricity | 3 |
| ADX 121 - Basic Automotive Electricity Lab | 2 |
| ADX 260 - Electrical Systems | 3 |
| ADX 261 - Electrical Systems Lab | 2 |
| Transitional Reading if needed | (3) |
Total certificate credit hours: 10
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 120 - Basic Automotive Electricity | 3 |
| ADX 121 - Basic Automotive Electricity Lab | 2 |
| ADX 260 - Electrical Systems | 3 |
| ADX 261 - Electrical Systems Lab | 2 |
| AUT 142 - Emission Systems | 3 |
| AUT 143 - Emission Systems Lab | 2 |
| Required Transitional Reading |
Total semester credit hours: 15
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 140 - Basic Fuel and Ignition | 3 |
| AUT 141 - Basic Fuel and Ignition Lab | 2 |
| AUT 240 - Computer Control Systems & Diagnosis | 3 |
| AUT 241 - Computer Control Systems & Diagnosis Lab | 2 |
| Required Transitional Math |
Total semester credit hours: 10
Total certificate credit hours: 25
Diploma
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 120 - Basic Automotive Electricity | 3 |
| ADX 121 - Basic Automotive Electricity Lab | 2 |
| ADX 260 - Electrical Systems | 3 |
| ADX 261 - Electrical Systems Lab | 2 |
| ADX 170 - Climate Control | 3 |
| ADX 171 - Climate Control Lab | 1 |
| General Education Course Area 1 | 3 |
Total semester credit hours: 17
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 140 - Basic Fuel and Ignition | 3 |
| AUT 141 - Basic Fuel and Ignition Lab | 2 |
| AUT 142 - Emission Systems | 3 |
| AUT 143 - Emission System Lab | 2 |
| AUT 240 - Computer Control Systems & Diagnosis | 3 |
| AUT 241 - Computer Control Systems & Diagnosis Lab | 2 |
| General Education Course Area 2 | 3 |
Total semester credit hours: 18
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| ADX 150 - Engine Repair | 3 |
| ADX 151 - Engine Repair Lab | 2 |
| AUT 160 - Suspension and Steering | 3 |
| AUT 161 - Suspension and Steering Lab | 2 |
| AUT 110 - Brake Systems | 3 |
| AUT 111 - Brake Systems Lab | 2 |
| Computer Literacy Course | 3 |
Total semester credit hours: 18
| Class | Credit hours |
|---|---|
| AUT 180 - Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles | 3 |
| AUT 181 - Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles Lab | 2 |
| AUT 130 - Manual Transmissions | 3 |
| AUT 130 - Manual Transmissions | 2 |
| AUT 198 - Practicum or Any approved work experience component | 1 |
Total semester credit hours: 11
Total credit hours for program: 64
Special Notes: Area 1: Writing/Accessing Information, Oral Communications, Humanities, or Heritage. Area 2: Social Science, Behavioral Science, Natural/Applied Science, or Mathematics. Area 3: Computer Literacy course or demonstrated competency.
Instructors Joseph Zimmerman and Sy Gammage are ASE Master Certified Technicians, each with over 23 years of work experience in the field. Both have an AAS Degree in Automotive Technology.
Students enrolling in SCC's program will receive instruction in numerous automotive systems, including: engine repair, transmissions, steering and suspension, climate control, electrical systems and brakes. Students also develop skills in diagnosis, maintenance and repair. Hands-on opportunities in the fully equipped labs further develop the skill level of students and prepare them for employment.
And, just as there are many areas of automotive technology to pursue, they are also several study options for students in the program. Completion points in the program include certificates and a diploma.
If you would like a PDF copy of a program plan, please email the program coordinator.
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
