Automotive Technology

Do you want to become an automotive maintenance and repair technician? The instruction, course of study, facilities and equipment of the Automotive Technology Program have been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and meet the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Standards of Quality for the training of Automobile Tec.

The Automotive Technology program emphasizes technical training and development of skills through the study of the various systems of the automobile. The certificate programs have been designed to be completed in one year and the degree programs in two years, and they offer training for auto body repair and auto machine shop, including courses in auto heating and air conditioning, welding, general education courses and Cooperative Work Experience. Students in the degree program must attend full time.

This program has special admission requirements and enrollment limits. For additional information, contact the Counseling and Career Services at 503.399.5120. There are entry-level expectations for skill levels in reading, writing and mathematics.

To help you work effectively with people, the program also includes written and oral communications classes and general education electives. The curriculum emphasizes related scientific, mathematical, and general mechanical principles.

Program outcomes

Students completing the Certificate will:

Perform tasks related to collision repair, painting, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, suspension and steering, and heating and air conditioning systems.
Analyze, diagnose, and perform repairs related to auto body systems in I-CAR areas.
Identify and use tools and testing and measuring equipment required to perform automotive body repair.
Perform personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing, eye protection, hand tools, power equipment and handling, storage and disposal of chemicals in accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
Practice professional and ethical behaviors as applied to the workplace environment.
Use industry standard automotive terminology and clarifying language to communicate orally and in writing with customers, suppliers, supervisors, and co-workers.

Students completing the AAS will:

Perform tasks related to brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance and repair, suspension and steering, automatic transmissions and transaxles, heating and air conditioning systems, and manual drive train and axles.
Analyze, diagnose, and repair automotive components and systems in the Automotive Service Excellence areas.
Identify and use appropriate tools and testing and measuring equipment required to perform automotive service.
Perform personal and environmental safety practices associated with clothing, eye protection, hand tools, power equipment and handling, storage and disposal of chemicals in accordance with local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations.
Practice professional and ethical behaviors as applied to the workplace environment.
Use industry standard automotive terminology and clarifying language to communicate orally and in writing with customers, suppliers, supervisors, and co-workers.

Getting started

This program has special admission requirements and enrollment limits. The first step to entering this program is to take the college's free placement test and meet with Counseling and Career Services staff. You may need to complete pre-program courses. Then, your advisor will help you develop an individualized program of study, which may include one or more of the following:

Course	Title	Credit Hours
Automotive Orientation:
MTH020	Basic Mathematics	3
RD090	College Textbook Reading	3
WR049	Basic Writing	4

For admission to the program, an application is required. This is a separate step from the testing and assessment steps. Applications are available in Counseling and Career Services, Admissions, and program offices.

Enrollment in the program is limited, and there is an early deadline for applications. All applicants must attend the Automotive Technology Orientation as a pre-requisite for acceptance into the program. We recommend that you contact Counseling and Career Services at 503-399-5120, or the Automotive Technology Program Chair at 503-399-6521 for details if you are considering the Automotive Technology program, Auto Body Repair or Automotive Machining Certificate programs.

To enroll, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Successful completion of the Automotive Technology program requires that you earn a grade of C or better in all courses.

You may be interested in our Cooperative Work Experience program which allows you to earn college credit for work you do relating to your program. To be eligible for on-site Cooperative Work Experience, students must maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA in Automotive Technology courses. With the approval of the program chair, you may enroll in AUM280A-L Cooperative Work Experience and earn college credit hours. For more information, look under Cooperative Work Experience in the catalog index.

Automotive Body Repair
^{Certificate of Completion}

In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $305; class fees, $57; universal fee, $276; equipment and supplies, $1,800. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.

You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 46 credit hours with a grade of C or better in AUM courses:

Course	Title	Credit Hours
General Education requirements (12 credit hours):
COM051	Communications Skills 1+	3
	or
WR121	English Composition—Exposition+ (or higher)	3
CS101	Introduction to Microcomputer Applications (or higher)	3
MTH052	Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ (or higher)	3
PSY101	Psychology of Human Relations (or higher)	3
Automotive Body core requirements (19 credit hours):
AUM168	Automotive Electrical Systems 1	4
AUM184	Automotive Materials and Resources	1
AUM280L	Cooperative Work Experience	12
WLD097	Welding	2
	or
WLD061	Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)	3
Automotive Body Repair electives (select 15 credit hours):
AUM151	Basic Automotive Engines	5
AUM157	Automotive Brake Systems	5
AUM158	Automotive Steering and Suspension	5
AUM286	Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning	5

Automotive Machining
^{Certificate of Completion}

This certificate emphasizes machining and rebuilding automotive engines. A significant portion of the training is done on the job as well as specific training on campus.

In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $290; class fees, $209; universal fee, $330; equipment and supplies, $1,800. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.

You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 55 credit hours with a grade of C or better in AUM courses:

Course	Title	Credit Hours
General Education requirements (12 credit hours):
COM051	Communication Skills 1+	3
	or
WR121	English Composition—Exposition+ (or higher)	3
CS101	Introduction to Microcomputer Applications (or higher)	3
MTH052	Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ (or higher)	3
PSY101	Psychology of Human Relations+ (or higher)	3
Automotive Machining core requirements (43 credit hours):
AUM151	Basic Automotive Engines	5
AUM184	Automotive Materials and Resources	1
AUM185A	Automotive Machining Fundamentals	3
AUM186A	Automotive Lathe Fundamentals	3
AUM187A	Automotive Milling Machine Processes	3
AUM188	Auto Machine Shop—Upper Engine	3
AUM189	Auto Machine Shop—Lower Engine	3
AUM190	Auto Machine Shop—Engine Assembly	3
AUM253	Automotive Engines 2	3
AUM280L	Cooperative Work Experience	12
WLD077	Welding Processes	4

COM051, WR115, WR121, MTH052, MTH062, PSY101, PSY104 meet related instruction requirement.