Automotive Technology Degree (ATD)

The Automotive Technology Degree prepares you for a variety of technical and managerial positions in transportation-related industries. MWCC’s comprehensive program in computerized automotive service technology is not manufacturer specific. The combination of specialized and general training gives students maximum employment flexibility. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities are expected to be very good for those who complete formal automotive training. The Automotive Technology program has National ASE Certification in the areas of brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, and suspension and steering from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), in accordance with standards developed and recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Campus/format: A majority of this program can be completed during the day at the Gardner Campus.

Helpful hints: Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology Degree curriculum may gain work experience through cooperative education.

Transfer options: This program prepares students for immediate career entry. However, for a complete list of transfer agreements visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu and www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE.

Special requirements: Students are required to purchase safety glasses, safety shoes, and a basic tool set which can cost $2,500. Also, students will be required to enroll in late afternoon classes.  Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: Service technician; service manager; race team pit crew member; diesel mechanic; shop manager or owner; repair service writer; motorcycle, boat, and small engine mechanic; or other automotive industry career.

Earning potential: $11.96 to $21.56 per hour.

Program Competencies for ATG and ATD

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

• Diagnose and repair steering and suspension systems.
• Diagnose and repair wheel alignment, wheel, and tire.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic system.
• Diagnose and repair brake drum and disc.
• Diagnose and repair power assist units.
• Diagnose and repair wheel bearings, parking brakes, and electrical.
• Diagnose general electrical system.
• Diagnose and service battery.
• Diagnose and repair gauges, warning devices, and driver information systems.
• Diagnose and repair horn, wiper washer, and accessories.
• Perform general engine diagnosis and related service.
• Diagnose and repair ignition and fuel/exhaust systems.
• Diagnose and repair emission control systems.
• Remove and reinstall engine.
• Diagnose and repair cylinder head, valve train, engine block, lubrication, and cooling systems.
• Diagnose and repair clutch, transmission, trans axle, drive shaft, universal joint, rear axle, and 4-wheel drive component.

Technical Standards* for ATG, ATC and ATD

* For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see page 66.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
• Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
• Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
• Stand, stoop, and walk for a minimum of three hours.
• Lift 25 pounds to waist high, shoulder high, and above the head.
• Manipulate small objects without dropping or damaging them.
• Determine by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, or
• motion/non-motion.
• Distinguish all colors.
• Work indoors in the presence of loud, repetitious noise levels (not to exceed regulatory standards).
• Function in a standard workplace environment that contains monitored hydrocarbons and vehicle emission vapors.