Automotive Technology Degree (AAS)

Program Description

When you encounter a problem, do you see it as a challenge? Do you want to work with your hands in an industry that’s essential to everyday life?

When you study Automotive Technology at SPSCC, you’ll receive both formal training and real-world experience diagnosing and repairing automotive problems. Take classes in a modern, industry-standard shop facility that has been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). We also offer an in-depth curriculum designed to prepare you to reach success in all eight ASE areas.

Career Opportunities

The automotive industry employs more than 17,800 persons in the state of Washington. There is a shortage of qualified journey-level workers. Studies show many employers are reluctant to hire trainees without on-the-job or live shop experience. Job prospects are best in high population centers. Some mechanics specialize in one aspect of repair work while others become technicians or general mechanics. Car dealers, garages, service stations, industrial plants, and public agencies are potential employers.

  • Service Technician or Mechanic
  • Maintenance & Repair Worker
  • Transportation Vehicle, Equipment & Systems Inspector

Program Information

Length of Program

The Automotive Technology Program takes a minimum of two years of full-time studies for the Associate in Applied Science degree. The beginning certificate can be completed in a minimum of three quarters leading to the advanced certificate for an additional three quarters.

Additional Costs

The required set of first-year professional grade tools will typically cost anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000 depending on quality and brand from the vendor.  Second-year purchases of professional-grade tools are highly recommended before graduation and can cost between $3,000 and $4,200 depending on quality and brand from the vendor. Books will cost approximately $300 for the two-year course.

Special Program Note

Students with previous automotive background or completion of high school automotive training can receive advanced placement credit for AUTO 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology and enroll directly into AUTO 141 Chassis Systems. Students who have had no previous automotive training must enroll in AUTO 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology or have instructor’s permission. Students may enroll in AUTO 100 Introduction to Automotive Technology concurrently.

The program is certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. For the technician in the field, single classes may be taken for update upon instructor approval. For information during summer quarter please contact the Counseling/Career Center, (360) 596-5261.

Advanced Placement of Credit

Students with a previous automotive background or completion of high school automotive training can receive advanced placement credit for AUTO 100 and enroll directly into AUTO 141/142/143 depending on the quarter the student is starting. Students with no previous automotive training must enroll in AUTO 100 or have the instructor’s permission. Students may enroll in AUTO 100 concurrently.

For the technician in the field, single classes may be taken for update upon instructor approval. For information during summer quarter, please contact the the Advising, Career & Transfer Center at 360-596-5261.

Accreditation

The Automotive Technology Program curriculum is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). They are also certified through Boeing's Pre-Employment Training (BPET) program where students are eligible to bypass the interview process when applying for certain manufacturing jobs at Boeing.