Automotive Technology
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About Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology is designed to give students a basic understanding of automotive construction, theory of operation, and standard industry service and repair procedures. This instruction gives them not only the knowledge to perform vehicle service but to develop the skills necessary to diagnose unit malfunctions. Two of the most important skills that will be developed are problem solving and critical thinking.
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is ranked No. 10 on Best Accredited Colleges’ list of Best Associate Degrees in Automotive Technology in its 2022 rankings.
What you’ll learn
- Diagnose and repair common malfunctions of the following automotive systems: engine lubrication and cooling; brake, suspension, steering, wheels and tires, electrical (including wiring, batteries, starting, charging, and ignition), fuel, onboard electronics/computers, and engine assemblies; and power train components including manual and automatic transmissions and transaxles.
- Develop the knowledge and skills to operate the latest generation of computerized test and diagnostic equipment, including digital storage lab scopes, onboard scan tools, and a chassis dynamometer, as well as develop skills in the safe operation of a chassis dynamometer.
- Develop sound, basic, and safe automotive shop practice skills, including environmental protection.
- Develop good basic shop habits, including demonstrating a good attendance record, punctuality, a willingness to work, and an ability to work with others as a team.
- Apply basic laws of physics/scientific principles to automotive systems and components when performing in-shop testing exercises and diagnosing problems. This includes exam questions containing diagnostic questions.
- Record diagnostic testing data and reports using necessary mathematics; solve basic problems using elementary algebra.
- Locate and interpret technical data represented in shop repair manuals, diagnostic charts, and wiring diagrams. This data will be in hard print and/or various electronic media sources.
- Demonstrate good automotive shop management practices, including student management, customer relations, shop procedures, and writing repair orders.
- Prepare to take and pass the ASE automotive tests series after successful completion of this program and having at least one additional year of on-the-job experience in the particular area or areas that will be tested.
- Prepare to accept the challenge of continuous training in the automotive field, that is, learning to learn, which will be necessary to adapt to new technologies and to become a problem solver and a critical thinker.
- Obtain the Pennsylvania Auto Safety Inspection Certificate and the Pennsylvania Emissions tester certificate.
Sample Job Titles
Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech), Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech), Heavy Line Technician, Lube Technician, Master Automotive Technician (Master Auto Tech), Mechanic, Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech), Service Technician (Service Tech).
Essential Skills Needed
This program requires a variety of foundational skills for students to thrive. Click the button below to view the full list of essential skills you’ll need before enrolling.
Quick facts
Location
Thaddeus Stevens College Transportation Center
Type of program
Associate Degree
Job/Salary Outlook
See industry data
Cost of program
$4,500/semester tuition
$3,105 – $3,623/semester housing
$1,915 – $2,417/semester meal plan
Tools List
Download PDF
Program details
Courses
MODEL SCHEDULE FOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Semester 1
- AUTO 106 – Automotive Service Fundamentals (2 credits)
- AUTO 111 – Internal Combustion Engine Service (4 credits)
- AUTO 116 – Chassis Service/Steering & Suspension (3 credits)
- MATH 126 – Technical Math I (or higher) (3 credits)
- CIS 111 – Intro to Computer Applications (3 credits)
Semester 2
- AUTO 156 – Automotive Brake Systems (3 credits)
- AUTO 161 – Automotive Electrical/Electronic Principles (4 credits)
- AUTO 166 – Engine Electrical/Electronic Principles (4 credits)
- AUTO 171 – Fuel and Emission Systems (4 credits)
- PHYS 106 – Physics for Everyday Life (or higher) (3 credits)
- ENG 106 – English Composition (3 credits)
Semester 3
- AUTO 206 – Advanced Engine Diagnosis (3 credits)
- AUTO 211 – Advanced Chassis Service (3 credits)
- AUTO 216 – Independent Diagnosis and Repair (3 credits
- AUTO 223 – Pennsylvania Safety Inspection/Enhanced Emissions Inspection Certification (3 credits)
- ENG 221 – Public Speaking, OR (3 credits)
- ENG 216 – Technical Writing* (3 credits)
- Humanities Elective (3 credits)
Semester 4
- AUTO 256 – Heating and Air Conditioning (2 credits)
- AUTO 261 – Drive Train and Manual Transaxle Service (3 credits)
- AUTO 266 – Advanced Engine Computer Control Analysis (3 credits)
- AUTO 271 – Automatic Transaxle Service (4 credits)
- AUTO 276 – Fuel Injection Systems (3 credits)
Additional General Education Requirements
- Health/PE Elective (1 credit)
- Elective – General Studies Elective (3 credits)
- Elective – General Studies Elective (3 credits
Total Credits 76
Faculty
Martin Christian
Associate Professor, Automotive Technology Second-Year Students, ’91 christian@stevenscollege.edu
Occupational Advisory Committee
The Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as a vital link between the Program of study and industry, ensuring that the program remains aligned with current workforce needs, technological advancements, and best practices in the field. Composed of employers, educators, and other community members, the committee provides guidance, feedback, and recommendations to enhance the curriculum, instructional methods, and student learning experiences.
Purpose and Responsibilities:
- Curriculum & Industry Alignment
- Workforce Readiness
- Student & Faculty Support
- Internship & Employment Connections
- Accreditation & Program Evaluation
- Facilities & Equipment Recommendations
By fostering a strong relationship between academia and industry, the OAC helps ensure that Thaddeus Stevens College programs maintain the highest standards in CTE (career and technical education).
- Duane Bushong, Arconic
- Jade Malehorn, Ciocca Automotive
The outcomes speak for themselves
This program gives students not only the knowledge to perform vehicle service but also to develop the skills necessary to diagnose unit malfunctions. The numbers below are three-year averages across program cohorts.
92%
in-field placement:
jobs in field or
pursuing con’t education
$42.5K
median first-year salary
You can also view Institutional Performance Data here.
People of TSCT
Success stories
Our graduates work with the industry’s best
