Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science

About the Program

The Automotive Technology two-year degree program is designed for students seeking a career in today’s automotive service industry. The program builds rapidly from fundamentals and theory into diagnosis and repair of today’s modern automobiles based upon Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) standards.

The design of the program places heavy emphasis upon actual hands-on work in the automotive labs. Approximately two-thirds of the time spent in the program is in a lab (shop) environment where the student applies theory to diagnosis and repair of a wide variety of domestic and import automobiles. As the level of student skill develops, so does the difficulty of the repairs performed.

If students intend to transfer to Oregon Tech’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program, transfer courses should be chosen from the list of electives where possible. See an adviser for more information or visit Oregon Tech’s agreements/articulations page.

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science are:  

Diagnose, repair and document advanced vehicle systems.

Effectively locate and utilize technical information required for vehicle repairs.

Work safely and responsibly within all shop standards and environmental guidelines.

Apply employer expectations and ethical work practice.

Successfully pass at least two student-level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technical skill assessments.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the Placement Process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading, and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined through the Placement Process. Students must also meet certain program requirements in the first and third terms, and complete any prerequisites before advancing in the program. 

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over five years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department Chair before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit will be accepted in accordance with current agreement. Verified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification and industry experience may be substituted for some coursework in accordance with college policy and the department chair’s approval.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all courses in this program with a grade of “C-” or better to receive their degrees. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade. 

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note, some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.