Automotive Technology

Associate Degree Program

Do you enjoy learning how things work? Do you like to tinker with mechanical objects? Do you have a knack for taking things apart and putting them back together again? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, then consider enrolling in the Automotive Technology program at Delaware Tech. This program prepares you for the highly technical field of automotive repair and maintenance of brakes, electrical systems, steering & suspension, heating and a/c,  engines, and automatic and manual transmissions/transaxles. You’ll learn preventive maintenance and emergency repairs to automobiles and light trucks, and you’ll be able to successfully navigate electronic service information systems using tools and instruments to diagnose difficult problems in today's automobiles. This program will provide you with a practical hands-on approach to the automotive repair industry through systematic classroom instruction, completion of required labs, and an internship with a local business.

Academically ready students can apply to the program following the guidelines of each location's wait-list process. Interested applicants should review the information provided here and contact their program advisor for program requirements.

Offered at the following campus(es): Georgetown, Stanton

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:

  • ASE Master technician
  • Business owner
  • Salesman/sales manager
  • Shop foreman or service manager
  • Parts technician/parts manager
  • Dispatcher

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

  1. Use appropriate automotive diagnostic and service equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring devices to determine and perform the proper repair as necessary.
  2. Interpret automotive electronic service information, service manuals, and diagnostic charts.
  3. Document service repair procedures that accurately reference the 3Cs. 1. Customer complaint verification 2. Correct the problem 3. Complete the repair.
  4. Employ proper automotive industry service facility safety practices.
  5. Practice professional conduct as required in the automotive industry.

Core Curriculum Competencies

The Core Curriculum Competencies listed below identify what you will be able to do as a graduate, regardless of your program of study. You will acquire these core competencies through general education courses and program-specific coursework. You will be expected to use relevant technology to achieve these outcomes:

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

Semester 1

Number Course Title Credits
SSC 100First Year Seminar1
AUT 101Intro to Automotive Technology4
AUT 102Automotive Electrical Systems4
MAT 152Quantitative Reasoning3
CIS 107Introduction to Computers/Application3

Semester 2

Number Course Title Credits
AUT 103Automotive Brakes4
AUT 104Automotive Steering/Suspension4
 
PSY 100Human Relations3
Or
PSY 121General Psychology3
 
BUS 101Introduction to Business3
ENG 101Composition I3

Semester 3

Number Course Title Credits
AUT 201Automotive HVAC4
AUT 202Automotive Transmissions4
MET 123Modern Manufacturing Techniques3
ENG 102Composition II3
 
SOC 103Sustainability and Society3
Or
SOC 111Sociology3

Semester 4

Number Course Title Credits
AUT 203Automotive Engine Repair4
AUT 204Automotive Engine Performance4
AUT 205Automotive Work Experience Co-op3
 
ECO 111Macroeconomics3
Or
ECO 122Microeconomics3
 
MGT 212Principles of Management3

To complete program requirements, you must pass the above courses and earn at least 70 credits. The number of courses and credits required for graduation may be more depending on college readiness and the elective courses offered in your program major (if electives are a part of the program).

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Campus-Specific Program Information

This program is offered at the Georgetown and Stanton campuses.

Contact Georgetown

Kyle Quillen
Department Chair, Instructor,
and Program Advisor
kquille3@dtcc.edu
(302) 259-6450

The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment of the automotive technology program have been evaluated by the ASE Educational Foundation and meet the standards of quality for the training of automotive technicians in the following areas:

  • Automatic Transmission & Transaxle
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Engine Performance
  • Engine Repair
  • Suspension & Steering
  • Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Manual Drive Train & Axles
Contact Stanton

Bruce Thorngate
Department Chair, Instructor,
and Program Advisor
bthornga@dtcc.edu
(302) 453-3016

The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment of the automotive technology program have been evaluated by the ASE Educational Foundation and meet the standards of quality for the training of automotive technicians in the following areas:

  • Automatic Transmission & Transaxle
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Engine Performance
  • Engine Repair
  • Suspension & Steering
  • Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Manual Drive Train & Axles

This program is offered at the Georgetown and Stanton campuses.