AAS in Automotive Technology
Northampton Community College
Key Information
Campus location
Bethlehem, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
5 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 2,535 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* Northampton County PA: $2,535 Monroe County PA: $3,990 Other PA County: $5,325 Out of State/Country: $7,410. Additional fees may apply
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Your friends and family know the best place to find you - under the hood of a vehicle. But your love for cars doesn't have to be only a hobby, it can be a career. If you enjoy fixing things and know how to problem-solve by understanding how things work, you have what it takes to study mechanics at NCC.
The automotive industry is one of Pennsylvania's largest - from manufacturers and suppliers to dealers and repair shops - skilled workers with a passion for cars are in demand and our graduates have a high rate of placement after graduation. As a result, automotive technology is one of NCC's most popular career training programs. We teach a high level of technical understanding of the current developments in the automotive service field, and all ASE-certified automotive service areas are covered in the program, including electronics, drivetrains, and engine management systems. We've also partnered with several manufacturers to offer courses based on best practices for repair and maintenance, with a focus on advanced technology.
NCC is currently partnered with: FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), MCAP, General Motors ASEP, and Subaru-Subaru U. Since we provide the manufacturer's required training, they provide us with components, vehicles, and specialized tools.
Admissions
Curriculum
As a student in NCC's associate's degree program, you can choose among three different options: the GM ASEP, Chrysler MCAP, and global programs. The ASEP and CAP options focus on courses devoted exclusively to current GM or Chrysler vehicles. Global students may select courses that provide product-specific information from either GM or Chrysler or non-product-specific automotive courses. Our specialized diploma in Automotive Technology can be completed in just two semesters.
Our program requires practicums so you can apply their classroom theory in the real world. During your practicum, you will work under the guidance of a mentor at an approved sponsoring automotive service facility. The knowledge and skills gained in this setting are extremely valuable.
First Semester
- COLS101College Success
- AUTO100Automotive Fundamentals
- AUTO101Automotive Engines
- AUTO103Automotive Brakes
- AUTO104Automotive Suspension & Alignment
- AUTO105Automotive Electrical Systems
- AUTO106PA Safety Inspection Certificate
AUTO100: or ASEP100/AUTC100
AUTO101: or ASEP101/AUTC101
AUTO103: or ASEP103/AUTC103
AUTO104: or ASEP104/AUTC104
AUTO105: or ASEP105/AUTC105
Second Semester
- AUTO145Winter Practicum I
- AUTO121Automotive Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
- AUTO125Advanced Automotive Electronic Systems
- CMTH102Introduction to Communication
- ENGL101English I
- MATH103Technical Mathematics
AUTO121: or ASEP121/AUTC121
AUTO125: or ASEP125/AUTC125
Summer Session
- AUTO175Summer Practicum
Third Semester
- AUTO203GAutomotive Shop Management Practices
- AUTO211Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems
- AUTO221Advanced Engine Performance
- AUTO224Advanced Automotive Studies
- ENGL151REnglish II
- PHYS152Physical Science II
AUTO211: or ASEP211/AUTC211
AUTO221: or ASEP221/AUTC221
AUTO224: or ASEP224/AUTC224
Fourth Semester
- AUTO245Winter Practicum II
- AUTC225Chrysler Mechanical Drive Train Systems
- AUTC226Chrysler Automatic Transmission Systems
- GEOG121Environmental Sustainability
- HUMA121American Work Experience
AUTC225: or AUTO225/ASEP225
AUTC226: or AUTO226/ASEP226
ASEP are GM-specific courses and AUTC are Chrysler-specific courses.
Completion of AUTO230G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement for this program.
Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program; thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
Recommended additional non-credit course: Welding for Auto Techs.
AUTO110, Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles, and AUTO230, Hybrid Vehicles, are offered as electives.
Program Outcome
- Have the ability to demonstrate a positive attitude toward the efficacy of professionalism in the workplace.
- Diagnose and repair mechanical systems of automotive engines; automatic transmissions and transaxles; manual drive trains and axles; suspension and steering systems; braking systems; electrical and electronic systems; heating and air conditioning systems; and engine performance systems.
- Exhibit logical thinking throughout essential areas of automotive diagnostics, using published technical information to repair a vehicle while meeting the manufacturer's specifications.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of general and highly specialized tools and equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively on both technical and lay levels.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Automotive technology encompasses careers in the technical diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of a vehicle's mechanical and electronic systems. Common job titles include automobile service technician, shop foreman, team leader or service manager. Workers in this field may also choose to specialize in specific automotive areas such as drivetrains, fuel injection/engine management, electronics, or hybrid vehicles. Most automotive service technicians work in highly professional atmospheres with additional technical training provided by employers throughout a technician's career.
Future Career Paths
- Automotive Service Technician
- Transmission and Drive Train Specialist
- Service Writer
- Shop Foreman
- Specialty Repair Shop Owner
- Auto Electronics Specialist
- Engine Performance Specialist
- Service Manager
- Specialty Technician