Automotive Technology
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer
Two-year Degree
113 Units
The Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree program provides students with training in the automotive repair industry, including maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing a variety of different automobiles.
Through the program’s close industry connections, experienced automotive professionals provide insight into industry trends, allowing students to learn what is expected of them in the workplace. Students also have the opportunity to study towards an ASE certification, increasing their employability. The Automotive Technology program is a NATEF/ASE certified training program.
This degree is designed for students to learn technical skills for employment, but who may also want to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or a four-year institution. This program is full-time only. We don’t offer a part-time option.
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College Application Steps
Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).
Additional Program Specific Steps
Students must meet with an advisor for entry into this program. English and Math placement is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success.
Watch an Automotive Technology Info Session.
Watch on YouTube to view transcript.
College Tuition
Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.
Save money at South. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.
Extra Cost
- Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter.
- Required materials: hard-toed boots, coveralls, and tools (minimum $300).
- Tool kit: $200 to $3,000 depending on quality chosen
- ASE testing: $189
Please contact 206.934.5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for information on equipment fees in this program.
Financial Aid
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Workforce Funding
This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:
- Basic Food Employment And Training
- Work First
- Worker Retraining
- Opportunity Grant
Visit Start Next Quarter to see what funding you could receive.
- In-person
Introductory Automotive Technology (AUT) courses are offered in fall or spring quarters.
Program Information
The Automotive Technology pathway can lead to various career opportunities.
Examples include:
Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.
This degree prepares students for transfer into Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree programs. The Seattle Colleges offer compatible bachelor’s degrees that create educational pathways, build on two-year technical degrees, and expand career opportunities.
Students should contact the appropriate college division dean or Advising Center for a current list of baccalaureate institutions accepting the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) degree.
Math and English placement are required. Use South’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.
Eligibility for MATH 110 or higher placement
Eligibility for ENGL 107 or higher placement
113 Units
Core Requirements
Complete 21 courses. 2.0 minimum grade.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MVM 100 | Introduction to Automotive Technology I | 3 |
| MVM 102 | Introduction to Automotive Technology II | 6 |
| AUT 100 | Introduction to Electricity | 6 |
| AUT 122 | Steering and Suspension | 4 |
| AUT 124 | Tires and Wheel Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 126 | Basic Brake Systems | 3 |
| AUT 127 | Advanced Brake Systems | 4 |
| AUT 128 | Automotive Engine Diagnose / Remove and Replace | 4 |
| AUT 130 | Automotive Engine Rebuild | 8 |
| AUT 134 | Introduction to Engne Performance | 3 |
| AUT 102 | Advanced Electrical Systems | 4 |
| AUT 104 | Automotive Electronics | 3 |
| AUT 106 | Basic Power Accessories | 3 |
| AUT 116 | Air Conditioning and Heating | 6 |
| AUT 138 | Advanced Drivability and Fuel Systems | 4 |
| AUT 140 | Engine Computers | 4 |
| AUT 142 | Emission Controls and Diagnostic Test Equipment | 6 |
| AUT 112 | Manual Transaxles and Clutches | 3 |
| AUT 114 | Manual Transmissions, Transfer Cases & Drive Axl | 3 |
| AUT 118 | Automatic Transmission Diagnosis and Service | 4 |
| AUT 120 | Advanced Automatic Transmission Service | 6 |
General Education Requirements
Complete 1 course from each of the following groups. 1.0 minimum grade.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Choose a course | 5 |
| Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning | 5 | |
| Human Relations | Choose a course | 5 |
Elective
Complete 1 course. 1.0 minimum grade.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Transferrable Elective | Choose a course | 5 |
Units
A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start.
Before you begin:
- Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships. Visit the Benefits Hub.
Quarter 1, 20 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 100 | Introduction to Electricity | 6 |
| MVM 100 | Introduction to Automotive Technology I | 3 |
| MVM 102 | Introduction to Automotive Technology II | 6 |
| MATH& 107 or Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 2, 20 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 122 | Steering and Suspension | 4 |
| AUT 124 | Tires and Wheel Alignment | 4 |
| AUT 126 | Basic Brake Systems | 3 |
| AUT 127 | Advanced Brake Systems | 4 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
Quarter 3, 20 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 128 | Automotive Engine Diagnose / Remove and Replace | 4 |
| AUT 130 | Automotive Engine Rebuild | 8 |
| AUT 134 | Introduction to Engne Performance | 3 |
| SOC 253 or SOC& 101 | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 4, 16 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 102 | Advanced Electrical Systems | 4 |
| AUT 104 | Automotive Electronics | 3 |
| AUT 106 | Basic Power Accessories | 3 |
| AUT 116 | Air Conditioning and Heating | 6 |
Quarter 5, 19 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 138 | Advanced Drivability and Fuel Systems | 4 |
| AUT 140 | Engine Computers | 4 |
| AUT 142 | Emission Controls and Diagnostic Test Equipment | 6 |
| Academic Transfer Elective | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 6, 18 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AUT 112 | Manual Transaxles and Clutches | 3 |
| AUT 114 | Manual Transmissions, Transfer Cases & Drive Axl | 3 |
| AUT 116 | Air Conditioning and Heating | 6 |
| AUT 120 | Advanced Automatic Transmission Service | 6 |
- Inspect, service, diagnose, repair, or replace each of the major systems in various types of vehicles.
- Locate sources, estimate costs and explain repair or service
- Handle customer needs, complaints, questions and special challenges.
- Demonstrate computer competency by accessing data and documentation used for repair and apply manufacturer's specifications in repair or replacement.
- Work safely and responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards.
- Demonstrate ability to pass the ASE test required for ASEEF certification
- Communicate and document service records.
- Compute costs, time and measurements.
- Work independently and in groups to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles.
- Use technology to test vehicles. Work with accuracy, dependability, proficiency and in a timely manner, when servicing and repairing vehicles.
Maintenance and Repairs
If you are a South Seattle College staff, faculty or student member and are interested in having your vehicle repaired or maintained through the automotive program, you can approach one of the automotive faculty members to see if the students in their class will be able to work on your vehicle.
Faculty will determine if the work that needs to be done will enhance the learning experiences needed at that time. If the faculty determine that they are able to work on your vehicle, you will be required to pay the cost of the parts involved in the job.
In-Kind Gifts
In some cases the South Seattle College Automotive Technology program is willing to accept gifts of used, recent-model automobiles and related instructional equipment. Some restored vehicles are kept as educational tools; others are sold to raise money for scholarships or other purposes. Currently, the program is in need of newer vehicles with computer-controlled systems and up-to-date shop equipment, supplies and hand tools.
For more information on gifts of automobiles and equipment, and to determine whether a particular automobile is a good fit to our curriculum needs please contact the Seattle Colleges Foundation at 206.934.2939 or email advancement@seattlecolleges.edu.
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: AUMATAAS
- Degree: AAS-T
- Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Applied Science-Transfer - Automotive Technology
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 47.0604
New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.
Prospective Students
Welcome Center, RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943
Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.
Current Students
Advising Center, RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387
Faculty and Staff
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