The Automotive Technology program offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.), as well as a variety of certificates covering different automotive systems and components. The curriculum is recognized by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF). This program is for students already working in the field or looking to get into the highly skilled trade of automotive. Courses are offered in the morning, mid-day, late afternoon, and evening; the program can be completed within four years of part-time study.
An Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) degree is awarded to those students who, in addition to the automotive instruction courses, also complete the general education requirements and accumulate the necessary 66 semester credit hours for the degree. A certificate will be awarded to those students completing only the related automotive course instruction.
Prerequisites: High school graduation or High School Equivalency Certificate1 and interview with and consent of department chair.
- 1
As of January 1, 2023, the High School Equivalency Certificate became the State of Illinois High School Diploma. High School Equivalency credentials received prior to that date remain valid.
- Automotive Technology A.A.S
- Automotive Technology Certificate
- Automotive Technology Powertrain Certificate
- Automotive Electrical Systems Certificate
- Automotive Engines Certificate
- Automotive Engine Performance and Emissions Certificate
- Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning Certificate
- Automotive Transmission and Powertrain Certificate
- Automotive Under Car Certificate
Automotive Technology Courses
Introductory course to familiarize students with the history of the automobile. Students will learn basic service shop organizational skills, basic vehicle inspection, multi-meter use, light duty vehicle maintenance, proper vehicle lifting, proper use of hand and power tools required for entry level automotive positions, and how to navigate online service manual information. Students will also learn about career options within the automotive industry and how to write a resume.
Fee: $40
Course studies principles of automotive ignition and fuel systems. Topics include diagnosis, analysis, repair, and test procedures.
Fee: $40
Course studies the principles of automotive electrical systems. Topics include detailed operation and servicing of batteries, starters, generators, alternators and regulators. Emphasis is placed on Ohm’s Law, and diagnosis and repair of the automotive electrical systems.
Fee: $40
Course studies fundamentals of passenger car and light duty truck brake systems. Topics include hydraulic systems, component identification, power brake systems, self-adjusting systems, and Anti-Lock Brakes.
Fee: $40
Course content includes fundamentals and principles of front end alignment, tire repair and balancing. Course also focuses on diagnosis and replacement of suspension and steering components per manufacturer’s procedures and specifications. Manual and power steering are also discussed.
Fee: $40
Course provides an overview of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Terminology, safety, theory, and the operation of high voltage systems, batteries, charging systems, drivetrain components and emission systems are covered. Inspection and diagnosis of hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized tools are included.
Fee: $40
Course content includes fundamentals of light and medium duty vehicles. Topics include safety, basic diesel engine operation, engine component terminology, cooling and lubrication systems, and air induction.
Fee: $40
Course covers basic operations of the automotive engine. Emphasis is placed on engine components, measurement of engine components, disassembly and assembly of the cylinder head. Classroom discussions also includes engine oil, coolant, intake and exhaust valve operations, and complete valve repair.
Fee: $40
Course studies different engine block configurations, their internal components, and materials used to make engine blocks and components. Students disassemble, inspect, clean, check engine blocks and components for defects, take measurements, make repairs, and reassemble the engine.
Fee: $40
Course examines the theory and operational principles behind the front and rear wheel drive clutch systems. Students will use these principles to learn the operations and power flows of different models of front and rear wheel drive transmissions, driveline and axle assemblies. Students will also use these principles to repair and troubleshoot these systems.
Fee: $40
Course teaches basic principles and theory of automotive heating and air conditioning. Focus is on the diagnosis, servicing, and replacement of both heating and air conditioning system components.
Fee: $40
Course teaches operational principles and theory of automatic transmissions. Topics include internal components, internal power flow, torque converter operation, repair and troubleshooting of front and rear transmissions.
Fee: $40
Course content includes examination of fault analysis of onboard computers and OBDII Emissions with the aid of advanced scan tool diagnostics. Diagnosis of fuel injection, computer controlled EI, DI, COP ignition systems are also covered.
Fee: $40
Course continues studying automotive electrical systems, discusses different types of communication networks and how they connect to the vehicles data link. Students will learn how to use and make applicable adjustment to oscilloscopes, graphing multi-meters and graphing scan tools. Cranking, Charging, Lighting and Signaling Systems, as well as Driver Information and Navigation Systems will also be covered.
Fee: $40
Course provides an in-depth study of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Terminology, safety, theory, and the operation of high voltage systems, batteries, charging systems, drivetrain components and emission systems are covered. Inspection and diagnosis of hybrid and electric vehicles using specialized tools are included.
Fee: $40
Course continues studying fundamentals of light and medium duty vehicles. Topics include low and high pressure fuel systems, emissions, hydraulic nozzle injector, Hydraulic Electronic Unit Injection (HEUI) systems, and rail high pressure injector systems.
Fee: $40