About the Program

NATEF-accredited program prepares automotive service diagnostic technicians to work in service centers and dealerships. The training includes material vital for preparation for taking Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) tests. Students are urged to take each of the eight (8) ASE major certification area test upon completion of the applicable Automotive Service course.

AAS degree candidates may apply to participate in Toyota T-TEN program. Both the Certificate and AAS programs have a core of 50 credit hours of course work in automotive service technology, including seven credit hours on transmissions in the summer. The certificate has an additional 14 credit hours of technical electives, while the remaining 14 credit hours of the AAS degree are in general education (i.e., English, Speech, etc.). There are 64 credit hours total for both programs.

Who Should Apply?
Interest in automobiles; good work ethic; good mechanical aptitude; competence in academic subjects– basic math, science, speech, and English; willingness to learn technical subjects and exhibit a strong work ethic in the lab. Enjoys working on cars.

Program Facts

• Approximate number of majors: 42-48
• Approximate class sizes: Lecture, 20-24; Lab 20-24
• Facilities: Total Automotive Area indoor spaces comprise approximately 32,000 square feet Automotive Service Technology’s principal labs include: Main Automotive Service Two-Year Lab; Customer/Service Manager’s Area; Individualized Tasks Room; Parts Room; Corporate; and Dynamometer Testing Lab.
• Key equipment: Over 40 corporate–donated vehicles in automotive area, 1992-2002 (20 are 1996 or newer); engines, etc. from major automotive manufacturers; dynamometer for performance testing; state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment; brake servicing equipment; over $100,000 in training aids (e.g., electrical chassis); and latest automotive service-related software applications.
• Professional affiliations: NATEF; Toyota T-TEN; ASE Grassroots Racing; SkillsUSA-VICA.
• Student organizations: Pitt State Drag Team and SkillsUSA-VICA.
• Key corporate supporters: Bridgestone-Firestone; Cornwell Tools; Daimler-Chrysler; Ford; General Motors; Snap-on Tools and Toyota.
• Fast facts and highlights: Near 100% placement of successful grads over the last 10 years. Programs are NATEF-accredited and PSU has Toyota T-Ten. Received national recognition in 2000 by winning the prestigious National ASE Award of Excellence in Automotive Service Training. Faculty are award winning, certified master technicians, with national reputations for expertise. PSU has dominated state and national skills competitions and have won three gold and two silver medals in national SkillsUSA-VICA competition in the last five years. PSU was the first university to compete in collegiate division of ASE Grassroots Racing.