A degree in automotive technology opens doors to a variety of careers, from field technician to service manager to automotive engineer. The right program will depend on your own personal career ambitions, interests, and work environment. On-campus programs offer students face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers, as well as access to the latest tools and equipment in specialized facilities that simulate real-world environments.
An associate degree in automotive technology prepares students for entry-level jobs at dealership service departments and other automotive repair shops. This two-year program gives students a general understanding of the mechanical, electrical/electronic, and environmental systems found on contemporary cars and trucks. Students also learn to use a range of specialized tools and equipment, including digital storage lab scopes and onboard scan tools. They will also be able to operate a chassis dynamometer.
In a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology, students study everything they learned in an associate program plus more. This four-year program can lead to management positions in the field, or it can serve as a gateway to further studies, like a master’s degree in automotive engineering.
The ability to solve complex problems using a combination of technical knowledge, interpreted data and previous experiences is an important skill in the field. In addition, technicians must be flexible and adaptable to changes in technology as the industry evolves. For example, new electric vehicle technologies and autonomous driving features are currently transforming the automotive landscape.