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Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

The Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) 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.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Full Time: 6 to 7
Part Time: Part Time Option Not Available		 104.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Students must meet with an advisor for entry into this program. A placement test is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success.

  • 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.

Job tests this program will prepare you for:

  • ASE Certification

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Full Time Cost

Quarter Credits Resident Non-Resident International
1 18 $1,779.58 $1,969.34 $3,850.58
2 20 $1,813.92 $2,003.68 $3,945.08
3 18 $1,779.58 $1,969.34 $3,850.58
4 16 $1,653.66 $1,841.48 $3,708.26
5 14 $1,527.74 $1,713.62 $3,565.94
6 16 $1,653.66 $1,841.48 $3,708.26
7 12 $1,401.82 $1,585.76 $3,423.62

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter

Equipment Fee associated with this program:

  • Required materials: hard-toed boots; coveralls; and tools (minimum $300). : Please contact (206) 934-5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for information on equipment fees in this program.
  • Tool kit : $200.00 - $3,000.00 depending on quality chosen
  • ASE testing : $189.00

Quarter Start Dates: Automotive Technology classes begin in Spring and Fall.

Students may still enroll in the program during other quarters to begin their related academic classes (Not required if a student has already completed these classes. Students must provide an official transcript.).

Class Times: Check the online class schedule. Students will meet during the class timeframe listed, however in order to maintain safe distances in on-site labs students will be grouped and have specified times on campus. Please check with your instructor for more information.

Other related academic classes are required that meet outside of these class times. These classes can be completed online and/or in-person depending on availability. Check with an advisor regarding when to take related academic classes.

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

This introductory course covers skills required by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF) including electrical theory; testing series and parallel circuits using a multimeter; diagnosing electrical system problems using schematics and component locators; Testing battery, starting and charging systems on vehicles including safety procedures. MATH 110 is embedded in this course.

AUT 100 6.0

This course focuses on skills required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) including safety; nomenclature of components and parts; performing preventive maintenance procedures; tools and equipment; repair manuals; parts and time estimating guides; fasteners and equipment; and how they relate to the automotive industry.

 MVM 100 3.0

This course builds on MVM 100 to meet Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF) standards by covering vehicle inspection; lube, oil and filter; cooling system; belts and hoses; heating and air conditioning system; driveshaft; manual and automatic transmission service and using a scan tool to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).

MVM 102 6.0

Course Substitute : MATH 102 - College Alegbra (5 credits) or MATH& 141 - PreCalculus I (5 credits) or MATH& 142 - PreCalculus II (5 credits) or any other MATH course with MATH 098 as a preqrequisite

Emphasizes application of mathematics in professional technical courses.

 MATH 110 3.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Steering and suspension theory, diagnosis and repair or replace including but not limited to chassis design, wheel bearings, steering and suspension components function and construction.

AUT 122 4.0

Tire and wheel construction, materials, application, remove & install, balance, diagnosis and repair. Performing a 4 wheel alignment, understanding all the components on the vehicle and road conditions that can affect alignment. Repair or replacement of those components on the vehicle as well as how aftermarket components can affect ride and safety of the vehicle.

AUT 124 4.0

This course covers all of the components of disc brake, drum brake and mixed systems. We cover how each component works both in theory and in reality in the shop. We teach how to service, diagnose and to repair or replace each of the components.

AUT 126 3.0

Covers operation, diagnosis and service of disc brakes, power brakes and Antilock braking System (ABS) brake components.

AUT 127 4.0

This course designed to help students from a variety of majors to master the composition skills needed for careers in business and industry. Students will learn the principles and conventions of technical writing and practice those conventions in a variety of assignments that would typically be encountered in the work place. Attention will also be paid to strengthening the surface and stylistic aspects of their writing.

 ENGL 107 5.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course covers automotive gasoline engines operation, lubrication and cooling systems. It also covers removal and installation.

AUT 128 4.0

Covers engine disassembly, cleaning of engine parts, inspection and measuring of engine components, cylinder head rebuilding, overhauling engine blocks and reassembly of an automotive engine.

AUT 130 8.0

Automotive engine performance theory, operation and diagnosis of engine performance components, as well as removal, repair or replacement of components from vehicles. Coreqs: AUT 128, AUT 132.

 AUT 134 3.0

Course Substitute : 3 credit class: PSYC 240 - Psychology of Human Relations or 5 credits classes: Psychology courses: PSYC& 100, PSYC 120, PSYC 160, PSYC& 200, PSYC 207, PSYC 210, PSYC& 220 , PSYC 222, PSYC 230, PSYC 245, PSYC 250 or Sociology courses: SOC& 101, SOC 230, SOC 245, SOC 253

course taken must be college transferable

No Description available

 Z999_ 73 3.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Covers understanding and using schematics. Includes battery, starting and charging system operation and testing.

AUT 102 4.0

Contents include: safety, automotive lighting, gauges and warning devices, horns, windshield wipers and washers, defoggers, power accessories diagnosis and repair or replacement of the components. In addition the function and construction of each component.

AUT 104 3.0

Covers basic computer operation and applications on the vehicle, using scan tools to diagnose electronically controlled components and accessories. Coreqs: AUT 102, AUT 104.

 AUT 106 3.0

Basic principles involving air conditioning and heating systems; troubleshooting and diagnosing of air conditioning and heating systems; removal and reinstalling of air conditioning and heating components in vehicles. In addition, the function and construction of each component, as well as their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered. Instruction in safety, environmental awareness.

AUT 116 6.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course will cover gasoline ignition and fuel systems. Included are distributor waste spark and coil on plug ignition systems also fuel pumps both electric and mechanical, fuel injection throttle body, port fuel sequential and gasoline direct injection systems.

AUT 138 4.0

Covers automotive engine computer, its multiple power and ground supplies and how these affect the running of the vehicle. Includes inputs and outputs of the vehicle, how each contributes to the running of the engine and how to diagnose each one.

 AUT 140 4.0

Covers all emission-related items on the vehicle and the federally mandated OBD II system. Includes use and operation of super charges and turbo charges on cars.

AUT 142 6.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Power flow and principles involving manual transaxles; troubleshooting and diagnosing manual transaxles noises, clutch issues and shifting problems, removal and reinstall manual transaxle in vehicle. In addition the function and construction of each component, as well as their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

AUT 112 3.0

Covers basic principles involving manual transmissions, transfer cases and drive axles, including function and construction of each component, diagnosis and service procedures.

 AUT 114 3.0

This course covers power flow and principles involving automatic transmissions. Teaching how to diagnose, service and make adjustments to automatic transmissions. Teaching will include understanding electronic control systems, and how to locate and repair external transmission leaks. Students will be taught to perform a proper road test for transmission problems. In addition, the function and construction of each component, as well as their diagnosis and service procedures will be covered.

AUT 118 4.0

This course covers bench tear down inspection and reassembly of the transmission. In addition it covers the function and construction of each component. We will also remove and reinstall automatic transmissions in vehicles.

AUT 120 6.0


Sample Schedule