Automotive Technology
Overview
Whether you’re planning to enter the field as an automotive technician or would like to advance your career with certifications in specialty areas, MTC has the path that’s right for you. MTC provides educational experiences supported by intensive classroom and hands-on lab training utilizing state-of-the-art tools for diagnostics and repair.
The automotive curriculum at Midlands Technical College provides students with an up-to-date training program that will develop their knowledge of automotive theory and operational skills. Students prepare to enter the career field through hands-on training emphasizing:
- electrical service
- engine overhaul
- heating and air conditioning repair
- brakes, steering, suspension and four wheel alignment
- engine performance and diagnosis
- automatic and manual transmissions drive train/axle repair
In addition to general career training in automotive technology, MTC prepares students to become certified in a specialty by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.). A.S.E. certifies technicians in eight specialty areas in automotive technology and is nationally recognized by the automotive industry as the foremost organization for professional certification. Certification examinations are administered many times throughout the year at selected Prometric sites throughout the United States.
Areas of certification include
- Automatic and Manual Transmission/Transaxle and Drive Train
- Brakes, Steering, Suspension and Four Wheel Alignment
- Engine Repair
- Electrical Systems
- Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
- Engine Performance and Diagnosis
Articulation opportunities may provide qualified high school graduates with advanced placement in the program. There's no need to wait. MTC accepts new students into the program every semester and works around a student's busy schedule by offering day or evening courses.
Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all of the courses offered within the Automotive Services Technology Department for the grade to be counted toward graduation.
Learning experiences for students in the Automotive Technology program and related certificates are provided in the classrooms and automotive bays on the Beltline Campus in the Automotive Building and Garage. Students are required to purchase their own safety equipment and tools. A tool list is available.
The South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association's Auto Tech Development Program provides students with scholarships, job placement, and a free set of tools worth almost $10,000. The article "Expanding access to automotive careers in South Carolina" details how it is fill openings for automotive technicians in South Carolina.
Program Type
Associate in Applied ScienceHow to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Questions?
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Because students can enter the Automotive Technology program at any semester (Fall, Spring, Summer), the sequencing of the semesters will vary to manage class and lab loading. The sequence listed below is a sample only. The student's advisor will help the student choose the sequence that will be best for them.
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| On-Campus | Traditional. Classes meet on campus. |
|---|---|
| Virtual | 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom. |
| Hybrid | Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual. |
| Online | 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time. |
Full Time
| Semester | Course ID | Course Title | Classroom | Online | Hybrid | Virtual | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (14 Credit Hours) |
COL-101 |
College Orientation College Orientation ID: COL-101 Credit Hours: 1 This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success. |
• | • | • | • | 1 |
| AUT-131 |
Electrical Systems Electrical Systems ID: AUT-131 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of the individual systems and components that when combined form the entire automobile electrical system. The course includes starting and charging systems, ignition, engine, chassis, and accessory systems as well as instruction in the proper use of electrical schematics. |
• | 3 | ||||
| AUT-133 |
Electrical Fundamentals Electrical Fundamentals ID: AUT-133 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of the theories of electricity, including magnetism, series and parallel circuits, ohm's law and an introduction to the use of various electrical test equipment. |
• | 3 | ||||
| AUT-132 |
Automotive Electricity Automotive Electricity ID: AUT-132 Credit Hours: 4 This course is a study of electricity as used in automotive applications. This course includes dc and ac principles and their various uses in the automobile. The relationship between ohm's law and actual automotive circuits is demonstrated. |
• | 4 | ||||
| MAT-155 |
Contemporary Mathematics Contemporary Mathematics ID: MAT-155 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 2 (12 Credit Hours) |
AUT-112 |
Braking Systems Braking Systems ID: AUT-112 Credit Hours: 4 This course covers hydro-boost power brakes and vacuum power brakes as well as master cylinders and caliper rebuilding. |
• | 4 | |||
| AUT-221 |
Suspension and Steering Diagnosis Suspension and Steering Diagnosis ID: AUT-221 Credit Hours: 3 This course covers the diagnosis and repair of front and rear suspension, using suspension diagnostic charts, shop manuals, and alignment equipment. |
• | 3 | ||||
| AUT-222 |
Four Wheel Alignment Four Wheel Alignment ID: AUT-222 Credit Hours: 2 This course is a review of alignment angles and adjusting procedures used in four wheel alignment, including the use of four wheel alignment equipment. |
• | 2 | ||||
| ENG-160 |
Technical Communications Technical Communications ID: ENG-160 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a study of various technical communications such as definitions, processes, instructions, descriptions, and technical reports. |
• | • | • | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 (8 Credit Hours) |
AUT-141 |
Intro to Heating and Air Conditioning Intro to Heating and Air Conditioning ID: AUT-141 Credit Hours: 4 This course is a basic study of the principles of heat transfer and refrigeration in automotive technology. |
• | 4 | |||
| AUT-241 |
Automotive Air Conditioning Automotive Air Conditioning ID: AUT-241 Credit Hours: 4 This course is a study in the principles of refrigeration, operation, and testing procedures to determine the cause of malfunction, servicing or repairing by approved methods. Emphasis is on special tools, equipment, and safety procedures. |
• | 4 | ||||
| Semester 4 (14 Credit Hours) |
AUT-105 |
Beginning Engine Repair Beginning Engine Repair ID: AUT-105 Credit Hours: 4 This course is a basic study of minor engine repairs, including in-frame repairs and cylinder head reconditioning. |
• | 4 | |||
| AUT-106 |
Intermediate Engine Repair Intermediate Engine Repair ID: AUT-106 Credit Hours: 4 This course includes an application of the fundamentals of engine diagnosis and repair, including engine removal and installation procedures. |
• | 4 | ||||
| CPT-101 |
Introduction to Computers Introduction to Computers ID: CPT-101 Credit Hours: 3 This course covers basic computer history, theory and applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and the operating system. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| HIS-202 |
American History: 1877 to Present American History: 1877 to Present ID: HIS-202 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a survey of u.s. history from 1877 to the present. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period. |
• | • | 3 | |||
| Semester 5 (16 Credit Hours) |
AUT-151 |
Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Automotive Transmission/Transaxle ID: AUT-151 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a basic study of automotive transmission and transaxle service, including proper procedures for doing minor transmission and transaxle removal and replacement procedures. |
• | 3 | |||
| AUT-153 |
Automatic Transmission Diagnosis Automatic Transmission Diagnosis ID: AUT-153 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a basic study of powerflow charts and their use in diagnosing automatic transmissions, including the use of pressure testing in diagnosing automatic transmission concerns. Automatic transmission overhaul is included. |
• | 3 | ||||
| AUT-115 |
Manual Drive Train/Axle Manual Drive Train/Axle ID: AUT-115 Credit Hours: 3 This course is a basic study of clutches, gearing, and manual transmission operation, including the basic study of rear axles and rear axle set up. |
• | 3 | ||||
| AUT-116 |
Manual Transmission and Axle Manual Transmission and Axle ID: AUT-116 Credit Hours: 4 This course is an advanced study of manual transmissions and transaxles, including proper overhaul procedures for axles and manual transmissions and transaxles. |
• | 4 | ||||
| PSY-201 |
General Psychology General Psychology ID: PSY-201 Credit Hours: 3 This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology. |
• | • | • | • | 3 | |
| Semester 6 (12 Credit Hours) |
AUT-145 |
Engine Performance Engine Performance ID: AUT-145 Credit Hours: 3 This course covers the diagnosis of various performance problems using the appropriate diagnostic equipment and diagnostic manuals. Logical thinking is also included in the course. |
• | 3 | |||
| AUT-262 |
Advanced Automotive Diagnosis and Repair Advanced Automotive Diagnosis and Repair ID: AUT-262 Credit Hours: 4 This course is an advanced study of the proper diagnostic and repair procedures required on newer computerized automobiles, including scan tool and digital multi-meter operation. |
• | 4 | ||||
| AUT-245 |
Advanced Engine Performance Advanced Engine Performance ID: AUT-245 Credit Hours: 5 This course includes hands-on diagnostics, including an in-depth study and use of the oscilloscope in diagnosing engine performance problems. |
• | 5 | ||||
| Total Credit Hours | 76 | ||||||
| Estimated Cost Financial Aid |
$15,200.00 Not including fees and equipment |
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What’s next after I complete this program?
Enter the Workforce
MTC automotive graduates have a definite advantage when seeking employment. Employers know that our graduates are competent and prepared to enter the workforce ready to work. For over 45 years MTC has supplied the automotive repair community with highly skilled and expertly trained entry-level technicians to meet the growing demands of the industry. Your degree from MTC is your ticket to ride!
Further Your Education
Many of our graduates go on to open their own businesses. Successful alumni find that they can easily transition to competent entrepreneurs after completing some additional business classes here at MTC.