Automotive Technology

Degrees & Classes

Home

Degrees & Classes

Programs & Degrees

Automotive Technology

Request Info

Campus Tour

Apply

Financial Aid Estimate

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!

Students must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to participate in the work-based learning sections of this A.A.S. degree program.

Program Facts

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

The Automotive Program is a Master NATEF/ASE Certified Program.

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.

BTC’s Automotive program is certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). This assures that the curriculum follows the stringent standards identified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation).

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

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
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
10/18-11/8 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 1
10/18-11/8 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 1
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
11/10-12/6 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 1
11/10-12/6 MTWTh 12:00p-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 1
MATH& 141 * Precalculus I 5 credits
The focus of this course will be functions. Students manipulate and graph linear, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic and quadratic functions. The course will also cover systems of equations, matrices and determinants, and their applications.
Prerequisite:
BTC College Level Math score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 099.

Future Offerings
1/4-3/22 MWF 8:30a-9:50a STAFF Openings: 24
1/4-3/22 Online STAFF Openings: 24
1/4-3/22 MWF 10:10a-11:30a STAFF Openings: 28
4/5-6/16 MWF 10:10a-11:30a STAFF Openings: 28
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24
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
1/5-3/23 TTh 8:00a-10:10a STAFF Openings: 26
1/5-3/21 Th 1:10p-3:20p STAFF Openings: 26
1/4-3/22 MW 8:30a-9:50a STAFF Openings: 26
1/4-3/23 Online STAFF Openings: 24
4/5-6/16 MWF 8:30a-9:50a STAFF Openings: 26
4/4-6/13 T 8:00a-10:10a STAFF Openings: 26
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24

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.

Future Offerings
1/4-2/2 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 24
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

Future Offerings
2/3-3/13 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 24
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.

Future Offerings
1/4-3/23 DAILY 12:00p-3:00p BEESON D Openings: 24
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.

Future Offerings
3/14-3/23 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 24
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
1/5-3/23 TTh 8:00a-10:10a STAFF Openings: 28
1/4-3/22 MW 2:10p-3:30p STAFF Openings: 28
1/5-3/23 TTh 1:10p-3:20p STAFF Openings: 28
1/4-3/23 Online STAFF Openings: 24
1/4-3/23 Online STAFF Openings: 24
4/5-6/14 MW 2:10p-3:30p STAFF Openings: 28
4/5-6/16 MWF 8:30a-9:50a STAFF Openings: 28
4/4-3/16 TTh 1:10p-3:20p STAFF Openings: 28
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24

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

Future Offerings
5/12-6/7 DAILY 8:00a-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 24
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

Future Offerings
6/7-6/20 DAILY 8:00a-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 24
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

Future Offerings
4/28-5/11 DAILY 8:00a-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 24
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

Future Offerings
4/4-4/27 DAILY 8:00a-3:00p WALLACE P Openings: 24
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
1/5-3/23 TTh 10:30a-12:40p STAFF Openings: 28
1/4-3/22 MWF 10:10a-11:30a STAFF Openings: 28
1/4-3/22 MW 12:30p-1:50p STAFF Openings: 28
4/4-3/16 TTh 5:30p-7:40p STAFF Openings: 28
4/5-6/16 MWF 10:10a-11:30a STAFF Openings: 28
4/5-6/14 MW 2:10p-3:30p STAFF Openings: 28
4/4-6/16 Online STAFF Openings: 24

Quarter 4
AUTO 219 Applied Automotive Concepts I 15 credits
The student is required to intern in a business that performs vehicle repairs. The student will obtain and maintain their own employment. The student is normally working with or under the direct supervision of a journeyman-level technician. It is recommended that the student's experience focus on the subject areas completed the last quarter on campus, if practical or possible, thereby making the internship site a real world extension of the classroom. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100

Quarter 5
AUTO 229 Applied Automotive Concepts II 5 credits
The student is required to intern in a business that performs vehicle repairs. The student will obtain and maintain their employment. The student is normally working with or under the direct supervision of a journeyman-level technician. It is recommended the student’s experience focuses on the subject areas recently completed on campus if practical or possible thereby making the internship site a real world extension of the classroom. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically. Students will also have an opportunity to perform on-campus internships however availability is extremely limited. Students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities within the industry first.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100
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
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
11/16-12/9 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 6

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

Future Offerings
1/31-3/23 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a WALLACE P Openings: 24
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

Future Offerings
1/4-1/30 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a WALLACE P Openings: 24
AUTO 259 Applied Automotive Concepts III 5 credits
The student is required to intern in a business that performs vehicle repairs. The student will obtain and maintain their employment. The student is normally working with or under the direct supervision of a journeyman-level technician. It is recommended the student’s experience focuses on the subject areas recently completed on campus if practical or possible thereby making the internship site a real world extension of the classroom. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically. Students will also have an opportunity to perform on-campus internships however availability is extremely limited. Students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities within the industry first. .
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100

Future Offerings
1/4-3/23 DAILY WALLACE P Openings: 24

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.

Future Offerings
4/4-6/20 DAILY 8:00a-11:00a BEESON D Openings: 24
AUTO 279 Applied Automotive Concepts IV 5 credits
The student is required to intern in a business that performs vehicle repairs. The student will obtain and maintain their employment. The student is normally working with or under the direct supervision of a journeyman-level technician. It is recommended the student’s experience focuses on the subject areas recently completed on campus if practical or possible thereby making the internship site a real world extension of the classroom. Student work will be monitored by an instructor from BTC who will visit the work site periodically. Students will also have an opportunity to perform on-campus internships however availability is extremely limited. Students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities within the industry first.
Prerequisite:
AENGL 100, CMST& 210, and AMATH 100.

Future Offerings
4/4-6/20 DAILY BEESON D Openings: 24
See instructor regarding alternative options for AUTO 229, AUTO 259 and AUTO 279.

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS135-138 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 Start

In addition to submitting an application, Automotive Technology students must complete the admissions completion form and provide the following: - 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 must be obtained within the week prior to submitting the admissions completion form). This copy of your driving record will be kept on file for advising purposes only;

- Signed statement indicating that you understand program admissions requirements and industry hiring standards;

- 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.
Please Note:

1. You are required to maintain a valid driver's license as long as you are enrolled in this program;

2. Many employers, in this field, will only hire applicants who have a clean driving record;

3. 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 on the web at www.dol.wa.gov.
All General Education courses must be completed prior to the beginning of the 2nd year…CMST&210, AENGL100, and AMATH100.

Testing Requirements

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

BTC College Level Math score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 099.
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.

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 points for the Automotive Technology program are usually fall and winter quarters. You must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to participate in the work-based learning sections of 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.

BTC’s Automotive program is certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). This ensures that the curriculum and courses follow the stringent standards identified by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) to best prepare students for their careers.