Automotive Technology

Degrees & Classes

Home

Degrees & Classes

Programs & Degrees

Automotive Technology

Request Info

Campus Tour

Apply

Financial Aid Estimate

Links

Associate Applied Science - Transfer

Choose this program to prepare for a rewarding career as an automotive service technician or mechanic. Occupational choices are extensive in this specialized field; you could work as an automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical specialist.

If you’re looking for a program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills you’ll use with employers such as automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses, then check out Automotive at BTC!

The entry point for the Automotive Technology program is fall quarter. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to enroll in this associate degree and certificate program.

Employment Information

84% BTC graduate placement rate

$32,656 starting annual wage

$43,763 average annual wage

$56,098 potential annual wage

Employment and wage data sources

Estimated Program Costs:

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Jobs & Employment

About 84% of BTC Automotive students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in this field is $43,763, with an earning potential of about $56,098 per year.*

BTC’s General Automotive Repair and Vehicle Service Technician certificates prepare graduates to work in entry-level automotive positions like lubrication, tire, and muffler service positions.

Potential Positions

Most program graduates work as automotive service technicians. In larger shops, positions have become increasingly specialized. Opportunities for specialty positions include automatic transmission specialist, brake specialist, engine performance specialist, front end specialist and electrical specialist.

Potential places of employment include automotive dealerships, independent service garages, federal and local government repair shops, rental industry, service stations, specialty shops, tire and service industry, and fleet maintenance.

Courses

Courses are from the 2017-18 Catalog

Quarter 1
TRANS 101 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 101 5 credits
Basic Transportation is a hybrid class. A portion of the lecture component will be delivered through an on-line "textbook". Students will be introduced to basic automotive and diesel repair practices. Proper interaction with customers, shop managers and fellow employees will be emphasized. NOTE: Students are required to complete all General Education courses before entering DET 139, DET 240, DET 242.
Prerequisite:
Program admission; or instructor permission

Future Offerings
9/19-10/12 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 8
9/19-10/12 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 2
TRANS 102 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 102 5 credits
Basic Transportation is a hybrid class. A portion of the lecture component will be delivered through an on-line "textbook". Students will begin to apply tool use and shop practices that are introduced in Basic Transportation 102. These practices will be demonstrated on shop and customer vehicles. NOTE: Students are required to complete all General Education courses before entering DET 139, DET 240, DET 242.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 101 with a grade of C (2.0) or better; or instructor permission

Future Offerings
10/17-11/7 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 9
10/17-11/7 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 2
TRANS 103 Basic Transportation Service & Systems 103 5 credits
Basic Transportation is a hybrid class. A portion of the lecture component will be delivered through an on-line "textbook". Student will continue to implement the knowledge they have gained in Trans 101 and 102 to more advanced vehicle systems. Students at this point will have the basic knowledge of dealing with customer concerns, verifying their concerns and beginning to diagnose basic problems. NOTE: Students are required to complete all General Education courses before entering DET 139, DET 240, DET 242.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 102 with a grade of C (2.0) or better; or instructor permission

Future Offerings
11/9-12/5 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 9
11/9-12/5 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 2
MATH& 107 * Math in Society 5 credits
College level coverage of practical applications in many fields of study. Topics will include probability, statistics, finance, geometry, graphing, growth & decay, and right triangle trigonometry.
Prerequisite:
BTC College Level Math score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 099.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/8 Online MOYLE V Openings: 5
ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.
Prerequisite:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or B grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 86 or B grade in ENGL 092 or C grade in AENGL 100.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/5 T 5:30p-7:40p NELSON N Openings: 23
9/20-12/8 MWF 10:10a-11:30a RICHARDS J Waitlisted: 1
9/20-12/6 MW 8:30a-9:50a RICHARDS J Openings: 5
9/19-12/8 Online NELSON N Openings: 11
9/19-12/8 Online NELSON N Openings: 19

Quarter 2
AUTO 104 Engines Light Mechanical 7 credits
An introductory look at the 4 stoke gasoline engine followed by in depth study and practice of industry standard minor engine service procedures including gasketing and sealing. This course will also cover theory, diagnosis and repairs to the cooling and lubrication systems. Prerequisite: TRANS 103
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103.
AUTO 105 Engines Major Mechanical 5 credits
An in depth practice of diagnostic methods relating to mechanical component failures within the engine such as power balance testing, compression and leak down testing. This course will center on a thorough exploration of internal engine components, measurements and major repairs to those components.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103
AUTO 106 Applied Engines Technology 6 credits
This lab-based course will cover diagnosis and repairs to the cooling system, lubrication system and all major mechanical systems relating to the engine. This course will serve to apply theories learned in other engine related coursework.
AUTO 151 Electricity/Electronics 2 credits
A comprehensive and thorough introduction to electrical theory as applied to the automobile. This course will focus on electrical behavior in automotive circuits, understanding and using wiring schematics and basic trouble shooting procedures on simple automotive circuits.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103.
CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communications 5 credits
Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and diversity issues.
Prerequisite:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/7 TTh 8:00a-10:10a ZAMORA A Openings: 11
9/20-12/8 MWF 10:10a-11:30a ZAMORA A Openings: 1
9/20-12/6 MW 2:10p-3:30p SMITH M Waitlisted: 0
9/19-12/7 TTh 5:30p-7:40p MUDD S Openings: 22
9/19-12/8 Online SMITH M Openings: 6
9/19-12/8 Online ZAMORA A Openings: 17
9/19-12/8 Online BURNS J Openings: 14

Quarter 3
AUTO 107 Brakes 6 credits
Students will be introduced to the theory and operation of vehicle braking systems. Students will demonstrate the understanding of these systems. Students will then diagnose and perform the needed repairs to the brake and anti-lock brake system on customer vehicles.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103
AUTO 113 HVAC 4 credits
Students will be introduced to the operation of a heating, circulation and air conditioning systems. Students will demonstrate the understanding of these systems. Students will then diagnose and perform the needed repairs to the vehicle HVAC systems on customer vehicles.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103
AUTO 122 Basic Drive Train 4 credits
Students will be introduced to the operation of vehicle drive train systems. Students will demonstrate the understanding of these systems. Students will then diagnose and perform the needed repairs to the drive train system on customer vehicles. P
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103
AUTO 161 Steering and Suspension 6 credits
Students will be introduced to the operation of a vehicles steering and suspension system. Students will demonstrate the understanding of these systems. Students will then diagnose and perform the needed repairs to the steering and suspension system on customer vehicles.
Prerequisite:
TRANS 103
PSYC& 100 * General Psychology 5 credits
An overview of the factors affecting behavior including topics related to theories of learning, the senses, perceptions, nervous system, emotions, personality theory, motivation, abnormal behavior and therapy, and social psychology.
Prerequisite:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or B grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 86 or B grade in ENGL 092 or C grade in AENGL 100.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/7 TTh 1:10p-3:20p MUDD S Openings: 23
9/20-12/8 MWF 8:30a-9:50a SMITH M Openings: 17
9/20-12/6 MW 12:30p-1:50p SMITH M Openings: 18
9/19-12/8 Online MUDD S Openings: 8
Note: Five (5) credits from AAS-T Acceptable Transferrable Courses List in Humanities, Social Science or Natural Science.

Quarter 4
AUTO 219 Field-Based Experience I 12 credits
This is the first in a series of four internships for the program. Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via a blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
All General Education (Related Instruction) courses required by degree.

Quarter 5
AUTO 229 Field-Based Experience II 5 credits
This is the second in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the first internship (AUTO 219). Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 219 or instructor permission.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/8 DAILY BEESON D Openings: 23
AUTO 255 Electricity/Electronics 2 7 credits
An introduction to a variety of electronic systems found on a modern vehicle. AUTO 255 provides an in-depth study of starting & charging systems. This course will also cover body and chassis control systems such as ABS, body computers, low tire pressure warning and airbags. Extensive troubleshooting practice by the application of industry standard troubleshooting techniques will be provided in AUTO 255.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 151, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100

Future Offerings
9/19-11/13 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 23
AUTO 265 Engine Performance 2 3 credits
AUTO 265 will cover computerized engine management systems including OBD2 and diagnostic trouble code interpretation. This course will also cover vehicle computer networks including typical topologies and troubleshooting techniques.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100; Co-requisite AUTO 255

Future Offerings
11/14-12/8 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 23

Quarter 6
AUTO 250 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles 7 credits
This course will focus on theory, description and operation of automatic drive systems. This will include diagnosis and trouble shooting hydraulic, electrical/electronic controls and mechanical systems and practicing proper R&R techniques.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 122, AUTO 265, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100
AUTO 259 Field-Based Experience III 5 credits
This is the third in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the first two internships. Students also continue to expand their classroom experience by applying skills learned in previous quarters to this internship. Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via a blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 229 or instructor permission.
AUTO 260 Manual Transmission/Transaxle 3 credits
This course will focus on theory, description and operation of manual drive train systems. This course will include clutches, transfer cases and differentials.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 122, AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100

Quarter 7
AUTO 275 Engine Performance 3 11 credits
This course will offer instruction in the operation, diagnosis and repair of fuel systems, ignition systems and emission control systems including exhaust gas analysis. In addition there will be more in-depth study of the OBD2 system and how it relates to other systems on the vehicle. This course also includes an introduction to alternative fuel vehicles.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100.
AUTO 279 Field-Based Experience IV 5 credits
This is the fourth in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the other three internships. Student also continue to expand their classroom experience by applying skills learned in previous quarters in this internship. Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via a blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 259 or instructor permission.
See instructor regarding alternative options for AUTO 229, AUTO 259 and AUTO 279.

Electives
Electives 15 credits
Requirement is to complete THREE of the Field-Based Experience or Shop Practicum classes listed below.
AUTO 229 Field-Based Experience II 5 credits
This is the second in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the first internship (AUTO 219). Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 219 or instructor permission.

Future Offerings
9/19-12/8 DAILY BEESON D Openings: 23
AUTO 259 Field-Based Experience III 5 credits
This is the third in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the first two internships. Students also continue to expand their classroom experience by applying skills learned in previous quarters to this internship. Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via a blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 229 or instructor permission.
AUTO 279 Field-Based Experience IV 5 credits
This is the fourth in a series of internships required by the program and builds on the industry skills and experience acquired in the other three internships. Student also continue to expand their classroom experience by applying skills learned in previous quarters in this internship. Students interview for, obtain and maintain an internship experience at an automotive repair (or related industry) business. The student is normally working under the direct supervision of an experienced, journeyman-level technician. The student will report weekly via a blog post that includes personal reflection. The internship site is a real-world extension of the classroom and the student will be able to apply knowledge gained previously in the program to an actual workplace environment. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AUTO 259 or instructor permission.
AUTO 291 SHOP PRACTICUM 1 8 credits
Students will work in the automotive lab on various projects as assigned, under the direct instruction of the instructor and shop manager. This is a self-paced course, allowing students to apply the fundamental principles and competencies in the coursework up to and including the current quarter of enrollment. The lab will attempt to duplicate a working shop environment including all aspects of industry employability. This course is taken in lieu of an off-campus internship.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100
AUTO 292 SHOP PRACTICUM 2 8 credits
Students will work in the automotive lab on various projects as assigned, under the direct instruction of the instructor and shop manager. This is a self-paced course, allowing students to apply the fundamental principles and competencies in the coursework up to and including the current quarter of enrollment. The lab will attempt to duplicate a working shop environment including all aspects of industry employability. This course is taken in lieu of an off-campus internship.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100.
AUTO 293 SHOP PRACTICUM 3 8 credits
Students will work in the automotive lab on various projects as assigned, under the direct instruction of the instructor and shop manager. This is a self-paced course, allowing students to apply the fundamental principles and competencies in the coursework up to and including the current quarter of enrollment. The lab will attempt to duplicate a working shop environment including all aspects of industry employability. This course is taken in lieu of an off-campus internship.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS130 credits

* Minimum requirement. List of other AAS-T class options and alternatives

Program Entry Information

This program admits students once a year, in the fall quarter.

Program Application/Start

Prior to registration for the program, admitted students will be required to submit the following documentation:

Copy of your valid Driver's License (with no restrictions due to driving offenses);
Current complete 3-year driving record from Washington State DOL. This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;
Signed Industry Expectations form indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards.

Important Program Notes:

You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;
Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;
Driving records (abstracts) can be obtained for a fee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for and order his/her driving records. You may obtain a copy of your current "Abstract of Driving Record" at your local Department of Licensing or by accessing the Washington State Department of Licensing;
A renewed copy of your valid driver's license (with no restrictions due to driving offenses) will again be required at the start of your second year in the program;
All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year.

Testing Requirements

These requirements are for the AAS degree and are lower than those for the AAS-T degree. Please see the AAS-T Entry Page for AAS-T requirements.

Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 38 or a C grade in MATH 090 or ABE 050.
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to use appropriate clothing and protective gear and practice ergonomically correct actions to safeguard against injuries in the workplace.
Graduates will be able to research and utilize vehicle repair information from web-based programs such as All data, Mitchell On Demand, the iATN, and manufacturer specific programs to perform vehicle repairs in a professional and timely manner utilizing all information resources available.
Graduates will be able to diagnose accurately and critically across all major automotive systems and repair common vehicle problems using appropriate tools, equipment and procedures, adhering to standard time and quality standards.
Graduates will be able to perform common vehicle service (maintenance) procedures using appropriate tools and equipment while adhering to standard time and quality standards.
Graduates will be able to meet most to all requirements needed to qualify for ASE testing.
Graduates will be able to review, interpret, and convey written, verbal and graphic information to communicate effectively with co-workers, management, and customers.
Graduates will be able to act responsibly and ethically as an employee by being punctual, following industry accepted practices, adhering to company policies, and interacting positively and appropriately with co-workers, supervisors, and customers.

Dan Beeson

Area of Instruction

Automotive Technology

Degrees and Certifications

Certificate, ASE Master Automobile Technician

Certificate, ASE Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certified

Certificate, Certified Journeyman Automotive Technician

Certificate, WA Professional Technical Certification

Contact Info

752-8403
dbeeson@btc.edu
M Building (M) - Room

Background

Profile
Dan Beeson has been an Automotive Technology instructor at Bellingham Technical College since 1996. He has more than a decade of hands-on experience ...

Paul Wallace

Area of Instruction

Automotive Technology

Degrees and Certifications

B.A., Industrial Arts, California State University Fresno

A.A., Liberal Arts, Fresno City College

Certificate, ASE Master M/H Truck Technician

Certificate, ASE Master Automobile Technician

Certificate, ASE Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certified

Certificate, ASE Light Vehicle Diesel Engines Certified

Certificate, WA Professional Technical Certification

Contact Info

752-8336
pwallace@btc.edu
M Building (M) - Room M3

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Automotive Technology Programs

If you’re interested in how cars and trucks run and how you can service and repair them, choose BTC’s automotive technician training program, which will help prepare you for top jobs in the automotive field.

Career choices are extensive in the field of automotive technology; you’ll be well-qualified for automotive technician or service technician jobs. Or you can work as a specialist in automatic transmission, brake, engine performance, or electrical systems. If you’re looking for an Automotive Technology associate degree program or certificate program that provides a wide range of high-demand skills sought by top employers (including automotive dealerships, auto rental companies, federal and local government repair shops, and fleet maintenance businesses), then check out the program at Bellingham Technical College.

The entry point for the Automotive Technology program is fall quarter. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to enroll in this associate degree and certificate program.

Associate Degree & Certificate Programs

AAS- Associate Degree: Take seven quarters of automotive classes and graduate from Bellingham Technical College with your associate degree in Automotive Technology, ready to get top jobs in the automotive industry.

AAS-T Transfer Degree: Take seven quarters of general education and automotive classes. After completing the courses and training, you’ll be ready to get jobs in the automotive field, or you can transfer your class credits to a four-year university or college to earn your bachelor’s degree.

General Automotive Repair Certificate: Take three quarters of automotive classes to get training for entry-level automotive jobs in at oil/lube shops, tire shops, and muffler service shops.

Vehicle Service Technician Certificate: Take one quarter of automotive service and systems classes to get training for entry-level automotive jobs at oil/lube shops, tire shops, and muffler service shops.

Automotive Technician Jobs & Employment

Approximately 88% of students in the automotive programs at Bellingham Technical College are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual income in the automotive technology field is $42,162, with an earning potential of about $54,413 per year.*

Most BTC automotive program graduates work in automotive service technician jobs. In larger vehicle service shops, auto tech jobs have become increasingly specialized. Opportunities for specialty automotive repair positions include: automatic transmission specialist, brake specialist, engine performance specialist, front end specialist and electrical specialist.

Bellingham Technical College’s automotive training degree programs prepare graduates for jobs at: car dealerships, corporate or independently-owned auto repair shops, service stations, specialty auto shops, and fleet and rental maintenance shops

BTC’s General Automotive Repair and Vehicle Service Technician certificates prepare graduates for entry-level jobs at muffler repair shops, tire stores, and oil change service centers.