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Automotive Service Technician

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AOS Degree – Code #0451

Eric Wilmot, Department Chair and Program Coordinator
Email address: [email protected]

This specialization includes 1,800 hours of practical and classroom training in general automotive repair geared to automotive dealership and independent garage practice. You will receive hands-on experience with all types of automobiles, including domestic, imported, gasoline, diesel, and alternative fuels with labs taught by experts in the field. All systems of the automobile are covered in the instruction, including the latest gasoline fuel injection, electronic controls, emission controls, and automatic transmission overhaul.

Advantages

  • Master certified by the National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation, Inc. (NATEF).
  • National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC).
  • NYS Licensed Inspection Station.
  • Students successfully completing the general automotive service technician program may return for a third year (senior year) in heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician, motorsports technology, or motorcycle and power sports technology and earn a second associate degree.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a focused, coherent, organized written report.
  • Perform mathematic calculations required for entry-level automotive employment.
  • Demonstrate a functional ability to read and retain/apply written instructions and specifications relevant to their work environment.
  • Demonstrate the ability to understand operation and diagnostic procedures of modern vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
  • Demonstrate the ability to describe operation, diagnose, and repair automotive drive train systems.
  • Demonstrate the ability to describe operation, diagnose, and repair modern engines.
  • Demonstrate the ability to describe operation, diagnose, and repair modern automotive steering, brakes, and suspension systems.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at [email protected]  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Alfred State automotive service technician graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program. Graduates who have credit for freshman composition, statistics, literature, history, and speech may complete the BBA program in two additional years; others may complete the BBA program in two-and-one-half years.

Occupational Opportunities

  • Automatic transmission technician
  • Automotive technician specialist
  • Automotive diagnostic specialist
  • Brake specialist
  • Drivability specialist
  • Fuel system specialist
  • Independent repair shop owner
  • Manufacturer’s service representative
  • Marine engine service specialist
  • Service manager
  • Service salesperson
  • Shop foreman
  • Wheel alignment specialist

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent – 68 percent are employed; 32 percent continued their education.

Related Programs

Autobody Repair
Heavy Equipment, Truck and Diesel Technician
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Motorsports Technology
Welding Technology

Required Tools/Equipment

A list of required tools, equipment, PPE, etc. for all of the program mentioned above can be found at http://www.alfredstate.edu/tool-lists.

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at https://www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops. 

Entrance Requirements/recommendations

Recommended: Algebra

Technical Standards

Applicants in the automotive service technician program must meet the following physical requirements:

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds to eye level.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate with a person 6 to 10 feet away.
  • Must be able to visually decipher small images on a monitor or digital display.
  • Must be able to distinguish sounds associated with mechanical failures.
  • Must be able to comprehend written information found in service repair manuals.
  • Must have a valid motor vehicle driver's license.

Certification Or Licensure

Graduates may take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Students are eligible to take the New York State inspection certification upon successful completion of their freshman year.

Automotive Service Technician - AOS Degree

TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

AUTO 1109 Brakes, Steering & Susp Sys 9
AUTO 1124 Automotive Welding 4
AUTO 1135 AutoBsc Elctrn & Compnt Overhl 5
      18

Second

AUTO 1169 Auto Electric, Fuel & Emission 9
AUTO 1149 Inspec, Main, AC Htng & Clng 9
      18

Third

AUTO 3409 Engine Service 9
AUTO 4449 Drive Train Service 9
      18

Fourth

AUTO 3429 Adv Elctrn & Engine Perfmnc 9
AUTO 4439 Shop Management & Enhanced Sys 9
      18

 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a “C” average.