About Our Program

This program prepares students for employment in the areas of computerized engine controls, air conditioning, transmissions, alignments, brakes, control systems diagnostics, and engine service. Certification is possible in Automotive Service Excellence/Certified Automobile Technician.

Nature of Work and Employment

Program graduates may find jobs repairing and servicing mechanical and electrical systems of passenger vehicles and light trucks. Job openings in the automotive field may be for general technicians or specialists in computer controlled systems, engines, brakes, drive lines, transmissions, steering/suspension, electrical systems, tune-up/emission control, or heating and air conditioning. The outlook for employment in this occupation is excellent due to the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the growing complexity of automotive technology.

Special Considerations

Completion of this certificate will provide all of the courses needed to help the student become an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified Automobile Service Technician.

Requirements

Plan of Study Grid

First Semester		Hours
AUTM 231	Fundamentals of Electronics 1	3
AUTM 233	Fuel Systems 1	3
AUTM 235	Electronic Engine Controls 1	3
AUTM 242	Automotive Body Electronics 1	3
Select one of the following:		3
BUSN 141	Business Communications 1
COMM 101	Technical Communications 1
ENGL 121	Rhetoric and Composition I 1
	Hours	15
Second Semester
AUTM 237	Engine Performance 1	3
AUTM 238	Adv Automotive Data Analysis 1	3
AUTM 240	Automatic Transmissions 1	4
AUTM 248	Auto Heating/Air Conditioning 1	3
Select one of the following:		3
MATH 111	Technical Math 1
BUSN 125	Math of Business 1
	Hours	16
	Total Hours	31

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Course has a prerequisite. See course description.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes meet or exceed ASEEF requirements and satisfy industry entry-level skill sets. At the end of the year, students will have the following skill sets:

• Work safely in the shop environment.
• Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills.
  • Generate and complete repair orders
  • Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette and face-to-face customer interaction
• Demonstrate professionalism (work ethic, soft skills).
• Use the correct tool(s) for needed maintenance.
• Develop and utilize necessary problem solving skills to determine and perform basic vehicle maintenance & inspection.
• Perform vehicle safety inspection(s).
• Students that complete the two-year program will gain more advanced service techniques, which include the following: Utilize diagnostic equipment to investigate issues with the following systems:
  • Powertrain control systems
  • Understanding vehicle network systems
  • Diagnosing computer/network systems
  • Electrical/electronic circuit repair
  • Interpret specific system data

Program Contacts

Call Highland at 815-235-6121 for the following program contacts:

• Dr. Matt Magee, Dean of Agriculture, Business & Technology
• Kristin Akins, Automotive Technology Faculty
• David Albrecht, Automotive Technology Faculty
• Vicki Schulz, Student Advisor/Transfer Coordinator