Advanced Automotive Technology

Mr. Adam Frazar, Chairperson

256.352.8151

adam.frazar@wallacestate.edu

Associate in Applied Science Degree (4 semesters)

Certificates (4 semesters)

Short-Term Certificates  (2 semesters)

At a Glance

Students will learn to use effective diagnostic strategies and modern test equipment to monitor and evaluate vehicle system data for correct function and operation.

Program Description

Advanced Automotive Technology (auto mechanics) offers two short-term certificates, one being the Undercar/Chassis Specialist which takes one complete semester offered in the fall and two courses in the following spring semester. Completion requires 24 credit hours. The second short-term certificate is the Underhood/Drivability Specialist which begins in the spring semester and includes three courses and continues through summer semester and concludes the following fall semester. Completion requires 27 credit hours with no academic course requirements. The courses offered in these two short-term certificates are stackable and count toward the requirements for both the Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in General Technology.

The Certificate is a four (4)-semester program and is structured so a student may begin at any semester and accomplish the requirements for the Certificate in four consecutive semesters. It includes four academic courses and ORI 110 Freshman Seminar. The academic requirements for the Certificate are tailored to graduates who are planning on immediate employment in the automotive service industry and these courses will not meet requirements for the A.A.S. Degree in General Technology, nor will they provide transfer credit at any other college.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in General Technology is a full two-year track (six semesters) which includes the entire automotive curriculum and all the academic course requirements for an A.A.S. Degree. These academics are higher-level academics and are completely transferable to any college or university. 

The automotive curriculum focuses on all systems of the vehicle and is structured to allow students to be successful working in automotive repair facilities where vehicle technology is ten years old and newer. Our program is partnered with Snap-on Tools to offer each student in the program industry certification in the latest electrical and electronic testing and diagnostic equipment. These certifications are obtained from Snap-on Tools and are in addition to all college awards. The certifications are highly recognized by vehicle repair facilities all across the country.

Admission Requirements

Students must meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC for the level of award being sought.

Program Expectations

Students are exposed to the industry requirements for today’s automotive service technicians. This means, in addition to the curriculum requirements, students will develop professional skills and processes used by today’s highly successful technicians. Students must be prepared to invest time and effort into their education and training. The program focuses on producing confident, qualified graduates for employment in fast paced, late model technology, vehicle repair facilities.

Career Path

Graduates will seek employment with quick service shops, independent full repair facilities (all makes and models), self-employed entrepreneur opportunities, new vehicle franchise dealerships, governmental and utility fleet repair shops, and used vehicle restoration shops (like CarMax).

Individuals completing formal training and educational programs are highly sought after by employers. Shop and dealership owners have difficulties finding highly skilled and qualified technicians. They are seeking persons with good diagnostic and problem solving abilities with training in electronics and computer controlled systems with a prerequisite of mechanical and base system repairs. Automotive service technician careers offer an excellent opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work with vehicles incorporating the latest technology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2021 that the median annual wage of automotive service technicians was $46,880. Technicians with higher levels of training and education can earn higher wages.

NOTE: The Advanced Automotive Technology Department will limit acceptance of automobiles for repair under the following terms: 1) vehicles must be within the last ten model years; 2) vehicles must be owned by currently enrolled students, faculty, staff or employees; 3) repairs to the vehicle must relate to the courses being taught during the semester; 4) ALL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE REPAIR MUST BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE REGAINING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE.