The Automotive Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become professional automotive technicians and fill the need of area dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program trains students in all eight areas of automotive repair to prepare students to become ASE Master Technicians. The program builds a foundation of knowledge allowing graduates to adapt to new technology and grow as an employee. The program also provides the opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field of study.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Applied Science

Diagnose and repair components of systems such as electrical and electronic, automotive engine and power transmission, steering and suspension, hydraulic and anti-lock brake, climate control, and electronic power-train control. You will learn how to adapt to new technology and service procedures as they are developed, and thus, build a professional foundation in all aspects of automotive systems and service techniques.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

64-65 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed less than 50% online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

  • This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus) and at QCC at Burncoat (the QCC Automotive Technology Laboratory located at Burncoat High School in Worcester).
  • This program may be completed face-to-face; some required courses may be completed online.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Certificate

Advanced Automotive Certificate

The Advanced Automotive Certificate program is designed to prepare students to become professional automotive technicians and fill the need of area dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program trains students in the advanced areas of automotive repair to prepare students to become ASE Master Technicians. The program builds a foundation of knowledge allowing graduates to adapt to new technology and grow as an employee. The program also provides the opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field of study.
Certificate

Automotive Technology - Ford Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate

The QCC Ford Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate curriculum is designed by Ford Motor Company to prepare certified light line technicians for Ford/Lincoln dealerships. The program features hands-on training on late model vehicles, as well as classroom instruction.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: AT).
  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters.
  • Complete AUT 102, AUT 111, and AUT 131.
  • Complete ENG 101.
  • Complete prerequisite(s) for the Mathematics Elective or Science Elective or Lab Science Elective.
Fundamentals of Automotive ServiceAUT 102F3Coreq: AUT 111, AUT 131
Automotive Electrical SystemsAUT 111F4Coreq: AUT 102, AUT 131
Brake SystemsAUT 131F3Coreq: AUT 102, AUT 111
Composition IENG 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total13 

Semester 2 (Spring)

  • If considering transfer, meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer.
  • Complete ENG 102 or ENG 105.
Basic Gasoline EnginesAUT 121S4AUT 102, Coreq: AUT 125
Engine Testing/Performance AnalysisAUT 125S4AUT 102, AUT 111, Coreq: AUT 121
Composition II ORENG 102F/S/SU3ENG 101
Technical WritingENG 105F/S
Mathematics Elective or Science Elective or Lab Science Elective---F/S/SU3-4 
  Total14-15 

Semester 3 (Summer)

  • Complete AUT 133 and AUT 141.
  • Complete FYE 101 or PSY 158.
Suspension, Steering & AlignmentAUT 133SU3AUT 102, Coreq: AUT 141
Climate Control SystemAUT 141SU3AUT 121, Coreq: AUT 133
First Year Experience ORFYE 101F/S/SU3 
Human Relations in OrganizationsPSY 158Placement into college level English
  Total9 

Semester 4 (Fall)

  • Meet with Program Coordinator to discuss readiness for AUT 299.
  • Contact Career Services to complete all requirements of CPS 298 (required prior to registration for AUT 299). See www.QCC.edu/career-services.
  • If considering transfer, meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process; or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Automotive Drive TrainAUT 251F4AUT 121, Coreq: AUT 253
Automatic Transmission & TransaxleAUT 253F4Coreq: AUT 251
Pre Cooperative Education SeminarCPS 298F/S0 
Elective---F/S/SU3 
Liberal Arts Elective---F/S/SU3 
  Total14 

Semester 5 (Spring)

  • Continue with/complete the transfer application process; or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Automotive ElectronicsAUT 113S3AUT 111, Coreq: AUT 211
Electronic Powertrain Control SystemsAUT 211S5AUT 125, Coreq: AUT 113
Cooperative Work Experience ORAUT 299F/S/SU3CPS 298, Approval of Program Coordinator
Business Elective--- 
Speech Communication SkillsSPH 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total14 
Total Credits Required:  64-65 

Program Goals:

The Automotive Technology associate degree program is designed to prepare students to become professional automotive technicians and fill the need of area dealerships and independent repair facilities. The program trains students in all eight areas of automotive repair to prepare students to become ASE Master Technicians. The program builds a foundation of knowledge allowing graduates to adapt to new technology and grow as an employee. The program also provides the opportunity to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in a related field of study.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Diagnose and repair components of the electrical and electronic systems.
  • Diagnose and repair automotive engine and power transmission systems.
  • Diagnose and repair components of the steering and suspension systems.
  • Diagnose and repair components of hydraulic and anti-lock brake systems.
  • Diagnose and repair components of the climate control system.
  • Diagnose and repair electronic power-train control systems.
  • Sit for the ASE Master Technician certification examinations.
  • Adapt to new technology and service procedures as they are developed, and thus, build a professional foundation in all aspects of automotive systems and service techniques.
  • Grow as an automotive technician, moving up the career ladder.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

  • Enrollment in Automotive Technology programs is restricted to 20 full-time students per academic year on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning each Fall semester.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

  • Applicants should be aware that some employers may require CORI/SORI checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students enrolled in AUT 299 may incur an additional expense for professional liability insurance.
  • Students are responsible for the purchase of tools prior to enrollment in AUT 299 and/or employment.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 47.0604.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

Additional Information:

  • Applicants should be aware that some employers may require CORI/SORI checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing as part of the hiring process.
  • Applicants to this program must have a valid learner’s permit and a driving record that is suitable for prospective employer’s insurance requirements. A Request for Driving Record will be forwarded to the MA Department of Transportation on behalf of each student accepted to the program each Fall semester.
  • Students should note that a valid driver’s license will be required for employment in this field; individuals with driving and/or legal infractions should be aware that their actions may impact their employability.
  • Students may earn NC3: Multimeter Certification (EEDM504D).
  • Students may earn credits from Subaru University by completing online training.