Colleges for Automotive Technology: Charting Your Course to a Successful Career

The allure of fast cars and the intricate engineering behind them have captivated many, leading to a growing interest in automotive technology. Whether you dream of designing the next generation of vehicles or keeping existing ones running smoothly, a solid education is the first step. This article explores colleges offering automotive technology programs, providing a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right path.

Why Automotive Technology?

The automotive industry is a dynamic field with diverse opportunities. From designing and manufacturing to maintenance and repair, there's a niche for every skill set. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced technologies further fuels the demand for skilled technicians and engineers.

Types of Automotive Degrees

The type of degree you pursue will depend on your career aspirations. Here's an overview of the different degree focuses:

Automobile/Automotive Engineering (B.S.): This degree path focuses entirely on the design, manufacturing, and operation of motorcycles, automobiles, and trucks.
Mechanical Engineering (B.S.): This degree path branches out into any mechanical system, making it the broadest degree available in the engineering field. While it will encompass some specifics for vehicles, it will also overlap aerospace, metallurgical, civil, electrical, chemical, manufacturing, industrial, and even biomedical engineering.
Certificates and Diplomas: These programs typically focus on hands-on skills and prepare you for entry-level positions in repair shops.
Associate Degrees: Provide a broader understanding of automotive technology and can lead to technician roles.
Bachelor's Degrees: Open doors to managerial, design, and research positions.

Automotive Engineering Technology at Seminole State College

The Automotive Department at Seminole State College enables students to earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or career certificate while gaining valuable experience and preparing for successful careers in the automotive industry. The SSC Automotive curriculum - accredited by ASE Education Foundation - combines the latest in automotive technology education, relevant industry internships and strong academic coursework to prepare graduates for successful careers in the automotive services industry.

Program Overview

The Automotive Engineering Technology program at Seminole State College (SSC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree designed to prepare students for successful careers in the automotive services industry. The curriculum is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation and blends the latest in automotive technology education with relevant industry internships and strong academic coursework.

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Program Tracks

Students can choose from several manufacturer-specific tracks or a more generic track:

GM-ASEP: Focuses on General Motors vehicles.
Ford-ASSET: Focuses on Ford vehicles.
TACT (Non-Manufacturer Specific Track): Offers a broader education, with eligibility for Nissan Technician Training Academy (NTTA) training.

Course Highlights

The program includes a comprehensive range of courses, including:

Electrical Diagnostics: Teaches students to read schematic drawings and understand how circuits work, reinforcing electrical concepts and enhancing diagnostic skills.
Introduction to Automotive Systems: Introduces students to various automobile systems and shop practices, covering minor repair procedures, lubrication, wheel and tire service, and pre-delivery services.
Internal Combustion Engine: Covers the principles of operation and problem diagnosis of internal combustion engines, including disassembly, inspection, measurement, and reassembly.
Steering and Suspension Systems: Develops knowledge and skills related to the operation, function, alignment, testing, diagnosis, and repair of modern vehicle steering and suspension systems.
Brake Systems: A study of the theory and operation of brake systems, including diagnosis, repair, and testing of drum and disc brakes, power brake operation, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control systems.
Automotive Electricity and Electronics: Introduces the principles of electricity and electronics as applied to electrical systems, using digital volt ohmmeters and oscilloscopes for troubleshooting and repair.
Chassis Electrical Systems: Covers automotive chassis-related electrical and electronic systems, including instrumentation, ride control, supplemental restraint systems, four-wheel steering, and power accessories.
Heating and Air Conditioning: Develops an understanding of the theory and operation of modern heating and air conditioning systems, including diagnostic and repair procedures, and recycling and storage of CFCs.
Transmission and Drivetrain: Covers the operation of modern transmission and drivetrain components, including overhaul, testing, diagnosis, and repair procedures for both automatic and manual systems.
Advanced Electricity and Electronics: Continues the study of electricity and electronics, focusing on digital devices, microprocessors, and vehicle communication systems, including hybrid and high voltage safety procedures.
Driveability Diagnostics: Classroom and lab experiences related to approved techniques for diagnosing driveability problems, covering various computer-controlled systems.
Engine Control Systems: Teaches the theory and operation of engine control systems, emphasizing diagnostic procedures, testing, and repair of fuel-injected gasoline engine controls.
Emerging Technology and Alternative Fuel Propulsion Systems: Introduces students to emerging technology and alternative fuel propulsion systems, emphasizing safety, theoretical operation, and service procedures.

Hands-on Experience

Seminole State emphasizes hands-on experience. Students apply their knowledge to real-world situations through internships at new car dealerships, fleet operations facilities, municipalities, or independent garages.

Modern Training Facility

Seminole State boasts a 55,000-square-foot automotive training center with 40 bays for hands-on training and high-tech classrooms equipped with computerized workstations and simulators.

Faculty

The faculty in the automotive program are ASE-certified master technicians with extensive industry experience.

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Job Placement

Graduates of the automotive program enjoy high job placement rates with dealership sponsorship.

Additional Courses

The curriculum also includes courses designed to provide students with a well-rounded education:

Cooperative Education: Provides students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications through internships and seminars.
Rhetoric and Composition: Introduces students to rhetorical concepts and audience-centered approaches to writing, including composing processes, language conventions, and style.
Humanities Courses: Develops an appreciation of culture and the ability to think critically about visual art, material culture, and the creative ideas and accomplishments of various cultures.
Mathematics Courses: Develops problem-solving skills, critical thinking, computational proficiency, and contextual fluency through the study of equations, functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals.

Other Colleges with Automotive Programs

Here's a list of other institutions offering automotive programs, organized by various factors:

Brigham-Young University-Idaho (Rexburg, Idaho): Offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology, Advanced Vehicle Systems, and Automotive Technology Management. Students can participate in the SAE Supermileage Team.
Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina): Offers Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and PhD degrees in Automotive Engineering. The "Deep Orange" framework immerses students in the world of future OEMs and suppliers.
Ferris State University (Big Rapids, Michigan): Offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Automotive Engineering Technology and Automotive Management, as well as certificate programs in motorsports and machinery.
Idaho State University (Pocatello, Idaho): Offers programs in Automotive Technology and Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing.
Indiana State University (Terre Haute, Indiana): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology.
Kettering University (Flint, Michigan): Offers a Mechanical Engineering Bachelors with concentrations in Automotive Engineering Design, Machine Design & Advanced Materials, and Alternative Energy.
McPherson College (McPherson College, Kansas): Offers a unique automotive program focusing on automotive restoration.
Minnesota State University-Mankato (Mankato, Minnesota): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology.
Montana State University-Northern (Havre, Montana): Offers a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, and a minor in Automotive Technology, as well as an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree.
Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, Pennsylvania): Offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Automotive Technology Management, Automotive Service, Sales, and Marketing, and Automotive Technology.
Pittsburg State University (Pittsburg, Kansas): Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology with an emphasis in Automotive Mechanical Design.
Purdue University (Indianapolis, Indiana): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Motorsports Engineering.
Southern Adventist University (Collegedale, Tennessee): Has a full-service auto shop that repairs cars for the community, and students can take the ASE test and become certified.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (Carbondale, Illinois): Offers a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology.
SUNY Morrisville (Morrisville, New York): Offers a B.Tech (Bachelor of Technology) in Automotive Technology.
University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, Missouri): Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology Management.
University of Northwestern Ohio (Lima, Ohio): Offers diplomas, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in Automotive Technology, as well as majors in Automotive Management and High-Performance Automotive Technology.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, Michigan): Offers an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering program with courses relevant to the automotive industry.
The University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, Texas): Offers a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering with an Automotive Engineering Certificate.
Utah Valley University (Orem, Utah): Offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas in Auto Tech, Collision Mechanics, Street Rod, and Power Sports.
Walla Walla University (College Place, Washington): Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology or Automotive Management, as well as an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree.

Auto Mechanic Schools in Florida

Florida is a great place to find and attend an auto mechanic school, but it is also a great place to find a career after graduating. The auto industry in Florida is one of the largest in the country and is projected to continue growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Florida is $39,410 with the top 10% earning over $62,000 per year. The BLS also tells us that there are over 46,000 total technician and mechanic positions in the state of Florida. This is significantly higher than most of the states in the United States. One of the great advantages of the mechanic schools in Florida is that they offer a wide variety of degrees and specializations. Attending a school in Florida can earn you a mechanic degree with a specialty in diesel, marine, motorcycle, general automotive and more.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) - Orlando

UTI’s Automotive & EV Technology program at their Orlando campus helps students gain the skills and industry connections needed to pursue a career in the automotive industry after graduation. This 51-week training program starts with core concepts and builds your knowledge from there, so no prior experience is required.

Automotive Skills Students Will Learn

Students at UTI’s auto mechanic school in Orlando learn to diagnose malfunctions in automotive mechanical and electrical systems and make necessary repairs and replacements. To stay current with the industry, they also train on hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles.

Here’s a look at the courses included in the program:

Introduction to Automotive Physical Science: Engine Design and Function
Introduction to Automotive Physical Science: Undercar Systems
Automotive Physical Science Principles: Electrical Fundamentals
Electrical Applications
Manual Transmissions
Technology Principles and Consumer Communication of Automotive HVAC
Advanced Electrical Applications
Power & Performance I: Engine Build
Power & Performance II: Bolt-On Performance
Braking Systems
Steering and Suspension Systems
Automatic Transmissions
Introduction to Driveability
Applications of Drivability
Power & Performance III: Computer Performance Tuning
Advanced Technology/Hybrid & Service Advising
Battery Electric Vehicle Technology

Automotive Credentials and Certifications in Orlando, Florida

As a graduate of Orlando’s automotive training program, you’ll earn an occupational associate degree (OAD). Additionally, you’ll be prepared to take the exams required to earn ASE certifications, which are highly valued in the industry. Your training will also substitute for one of the two years of work experience required to become ASE certified.

Specialized Automotive Programs

The Orlando campus offers two Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs that can follow your core auto training: Ford Accelerated Credential Training (FACT) and BMW FastTrack.

Career Outlook & Opportunities

Completing UTI’s automotive mechanic training in Orlando prepares graduates to pursue a variety of career opportunities. Our grads are prepared to pursue entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work.

Some entry-level and advanced roles could include:

Entry-level
- Automotive technician
- Service writer
- Smog inspector
- Parts associate
Advanced
- Service manager
- Diagnostic technician
- Fleet technician
- Shop owner

The Difference Between an Automotive Engineer and an Auto Mechanic

While both are crucial in the automotive world, they operate at different stages. Automotive engineers focus on designing, updating, researching, and developing vehicles. Auto mechanics, on the other hand, handle repairs and maintenance at shops and dealerships.

Gaining Admission

Seminole State College Automotive Program Tours and Automotive Information Sessions are offered throughout the year to help prospective students learn more about the Automotive Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree program and determine the best path forward.

Automotive Program Tours

Ideal for Students Exploring the Program

During your Automotive Program tour, you will:Learn about the Automotive A.A.S.

Automotive Information Sessions

Recommended for Students Planning to Apply

During the session, you will:

Learn about the two-year Automotive A.A.S. degree program and available tracks (Ford ASSET and GM ASEP).Review program expectations, scheduling requirements, and time commitments.Learn about the steps to securing a required sponsoring dealer.Receive details about the application process and timeline.Have the opportunity to ask questions of program faculty and staff.

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