Automotive Service Technology Associate Degree
Learn about engine repair, electrical systems, brakes, suspension and steering, and air conditioning, as well as diagnostic tools, safety procedures, and customer service. Gain practical experience through internships or work experience programs.2-Year Degree
The MAST-accredited 2-year AAS program at Pittsburg State trains students to become automotive service diagnostic technicians for service centers and dealerships. The program consists of 64 credit hours, with 50 hours dedicated to automotive service technology coursework and 14 hours to general education. Students are encouraged to take the ASE certification tests after completing relevant courses. With an average class size of 25, students learn in a hands-on environment from accomplished professors in state-of-the-art 32,000 square-foot automotive laboratories equipped with 40+ donated vehicles and modern tools and technology.
Tools
To ensure that students have the necessary tools, they are required to purchase their own tools (see tool list) as their employers will require them to have these. To facilitate this, we hold an annual Tool Show on the first Wednesday of the Fall semester. This event enables students to shop for and purchase the required tools for the program.
Automotive Service Technology Careers
Career Options
Employers seek out Pittsburg State University graduates. In fact, the university’s latest employment report shows a nearly 100% placement rate for graduates of the 2-Year Automotive Service Technology program.
The annual median salary for Automotive Service Technicians is nearly $40,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career options for graduates of this program include:
- Automotive Master Technician
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspector
- Automotive Specialty Technician
- Service Advisor
- Parts Department Manager
- And many others
Student certifications
FCA Chrysler CAP-Local
The MOPAR® CAP learning experience is exclusively for Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and FIAT® products, as well as cutting-edge FCA US LLC diagnostic technologies and service information. That translates into product knowledge that puts someone with simply a generic certificate or automotive degree to shame. And that means you’re in higher demand and can demand a higher paycheck. Plus there’s loads more, like the chance to earn and learn, flexible educational paths, scholarship opportunities, tool discounts and nearly 100% of graduates will have an opportunity to work in a Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram dealership or FIAT® Studio. Not to mention the fact that you’re getting schooled in something you already love. If that doesn’t get your gears spinning, we don’t know what will.
Snap-On S-Tech Certification
The automotive, transportation, heavy-duty, and diesel fields are going through a period of unprecedented transformation, so it is more important than ever to offer training and certification in the latest technologies. And as alternative fuel becomes more prevalent, more training and certification will be required to work on the vehicles of tomorrow. With Industry Certification, your graduates will be better prepared to service these vehicles, making them an in-demand asset in the workplace of tomorrow.
Certifications include:
- Automotive Scanner Diagnostics
- Heavy Duty Diesel Scanner Diagnostics
- Multimeter
- Electronic and Mechanical Torque
- Precision Measurement Instruments
- Tools at Height
- Wheel Service and Alignment
- Rotor Matching Master Technician Certification
Additional information
for the School of Automotive and Engineering Technology
Catalog – see program guides