Automotive Systems Technology – General

If you’re ready for the chance to learn a skilled trade, in a field that is certain to be in demand for as long as people have the need for transportation, where you could make above average income, then Automotive Systems Technology could be the right choice for you! At GTCC, we offer a curriculum aimed at getting you into the workforce quickly and effectively! We train you on “state-of-the-art” equipment by using the industry endorsed ASE based curriculum.

Automated Systems Technology courses are held at GTCC's Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM).

Credentialing Options

Automotive Systems Technology - General Option, AAS - CIP Code: 47.0604

A 60 16 0 A3

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50054

Curriculums in the Mobile Equipment Maintenance and Repair pathway prepare individuals for employment as entry-level transportation service technicians. The program provides an introduction to transportation industry careers and increases student awareness of the diverse technologies associated with this dynamic and challenging field.

Course work may include transportation systems theory, braking systems, climate control, design parameters, drive trains, electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, engine performance, environmental regulations, materials, product finish, safety, steering/suspension, transmission/transaxles, and sustainable transportation, depending on the program major area chosen.

Graduates of this pathway should be prepared to take professional licensure exams, which correspond to certain programs of study, and to enter careers as entry-level technicians in the transportation industry.

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

This program of study prepares individuals for employment in the automotive service industry as automotive technicians. Upon completion, students should be prepared for Automotive Service Excellence certification and ready for employment in the automotive industry.

The program combines classroom and lab experiences through integration of academic course work with real hands-on training in a shop environment.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Systems Technology--General Option degree, the graduate should be able to:

  • Repair automotive mechanical systems
  • Repair suspension and steering systems
  • Repair brake systems
  • Repair automotive electrical and electronic systems
  • Repair climate control systems
  • Repair engine performance systems
  • Demonstrate compliance with personal safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry
  • Demonstrate compliance with environmental safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 17

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 16

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 7

Fall Semester II

Total Credits: 14

Spring Semester II

Total Credits: 13

Total credit hours required for degree: 67

Electives

1. Social/Behavioral Science Elective

Choose one course from:

2. Humanities/Fine Arts Elective

Choose one course from:

3. Communication Elective

Choose one course from:

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Automotive Systems Technology Diploma

D 60 16 0 D1

Automotive Systems Technology Diploma

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50054

Curriculums in the Mobile Equipment Maintenance and Repair pathway prepare individuals for employment as entry-level transportation service technicians. The program provides an introduction to transportation industry careers and increases student awareness of the diverse technologies associated with this dynamic and challenging field.

Course work may include transportation systems theory, braking systems, climate control, design parameters, drive trains, electrical/electronic systems, engine repair, engine performance, environmental regulations, materials, product finish, safety, steering/suspension, transmission/transaxles, and sustainable transportation, depending on the program major area chosen.

Graduates of this pathway should be prepared to take professional licensure exams, which correspond to certain programs of study, and to enter careers as entry-level technicians in the transportation industry.

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all types of automobiles. Includes instruction in brake systems, electrical systems, engine performance, engine repair, suspension and steering, automatic and manual transmissions and drive trains, and heating and air condition systems.

This program of study prepares individuals for employment in the automotive service industry as automotive technicians. Upon completion, students should be prepared for Automotive Service Excellence certification and ready for employment in the automotive industry.

The program combines classroom and lab experiences through integration of academic course work with real hands-on training in a shop environment.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Systems Technology Diploma, the graduate should be able to:

  • Repair automotive mechanical systems
  • Repair suspension and steering systems
  • Repair brake systems
  • Repair automotive electrical and electronic systems
  • Repair climate control systems
  • Repair engine performance systems
  • Demonstrate compliance with personal safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry
  • Demonstrate compliance with environmental safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 17

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 14

Summer Semester I

Total Credits: 6

Total credits required for diploma: 37

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Automotive Systems Technology - Brakes Certificate

C 60 16 0 C7

Automotive Systems Technology - Brakes Certificate

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50054

The Automotive Systems Technology - Brakes certificate is intended to train individuals seeking careers as general automotive service technicians as well as for those already possessing college degrees.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Systems Technology--Brakes Certificate, the graduate should be able to:

  • Repair brake systems
  • Demonstrate compliance with personal safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry
  • Demonstrate compliance with environmental safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry

Fall Semester I

Total credits required for certificate: 14

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Automotive Systems Technology - General Option Certificate

C 60 16 0 C1

The Automotive Systems Technology--General Option certificate is intended to train individuals seeking careers as general automotive service technicians as well as for those already possessing college degrees.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Systems --General Option certificate, the graduate should be able to:

  • Repair brake systems.
  • Repair automotive electrical systems.
  • Demonstrate compliance with personal safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry.
  • Demonstrate compliance with environmental safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry.

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 11

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 4

Total credit hours required for certificate: 15

Note:

Work-Based Learning credit hours may be substituted for some course work by the approval of the Department Chair.

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Automotive Systems Technology - Undercar Certificate

C 60 16 0 C8

Automotive Systems Technology - Undercar Certificate

Contact: (336) 334-4822, ext. 50054

The Automotive Systems Technology - Undercar certificate is intended to train individuals seeking careers as general automotive service technicians as well as for those already possessing college degrees.

Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the Automotive Systems Technology--Undercar Certificate, the graduate should be able to:

  • Repair automotive mechanical systems
  • Repair brake systems
  • Repair engine performance systems
  • Demonstrate compliance with personal safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry
  • Demonstrate compliance with environmental safety practices as applicable to the automotive industry

Fall Semester I

Total Credits: 14

Spring Semester I

Total Credits: 4

Total credit hours required for certificate: 18

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About Automotive Systems Technology

Automotive Systems Technology at GTCC

Want to Know More?

Do you have a passion for a career as a technician working in the automotive service industry? We can help! Please provide your contact information and we can help answer your questions.

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We may provide a group tour for qualified applicants.
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Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to follow the general enrollment process for GTCC.  During the advising process you will have the opportunity to indicate your desire to study within this curriculum. Your advisor will help you sign up for the specific courses you need. Feel free to contact anyone in the Automotive Systems Technology program to set up an appointment!

Jeff Faircloth, Department Chair, Automotive Systems Technologies

Dwayne Washburn, Instructor, Automotive Systems Technologies

Ron Morris, Instructor, Automotive Systems Technologies

Bill Vair, Instructor, Automotive Systems Technologies

Yes, Financial aid is available if you qualify. Please visit the Financial Aid web page or contact the Financial Aid office at 336-334-4822 Option 3.

Maybe. Can you place into DRE 098 (Developmental English)?  Do you have a high school diploma?

  • Required text books.
  • A minimum tool kit is required for all automotive classes. Download the required tools list.
  • Closed toe shoes or boots and safety glasses.
  • Some of these items are available through the campus bookstore.

If you complete the certificate program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of 20-29k depending on your motivation and job obtained.

If you complete the diploma program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of 25-45k depending on your motivation and job obtained

If you complete the AAS degree program, you would expect to enter the field with a salary range of 35-50k depending on your motivation and job obtained.

  • A technician with three to five years of experience should expect to earn a salary up to 40-60k.
  • Top technicians in our area can earn up to 100k depending on skillset and motivation.
  • Managers in our area have salary range of 60-150K depending on the business.

The Automotive Systems Technology programs are offered during the day, between 8:00 am-1:30 pm. With this schedule, you can attend classes and still keep your job. Evening courses are also available beginning at 5:30 pm.

A large number of our students obtain a job before they are finished with the diploma or degree programs. Job placement depends on work ethic, attendance, and class performance. Normally, top performers are employed before they graduate.

Any type of transportation requires building and/or repair. Job possibilities extend past the traditional automotive shops and dealerships to include: Insurance adjusters, equipment sales/techs, race teams, bus & trucking industry,  and more. Many of our graduates have gone on to become instructors, managers, and shop owners.

There are certificates offered for classes which are completed throughout the curriculum. Two years of school satisfies one of the two years of experience requirements for the ASE test. Automotive Service Excellence is one of the most sought after certifications in the Automotive Repair Field. You can learn more at the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence website.

$1,400.00 a semester minus tools

  • Tools = $500.00 minimum (Student discounts offered by several tool vendors)
  • Books = $150.00 to $1,000.00 (depending on courses/program taken)
  • Tuition = $1,000.00 to $1,250.00 a semester (certificate requires 1 semester; diploma requires 3 semesters; degree requires 5 semesters)