Automotive Technology

21st Century Technology for Today’s Technicians

Our Automotive Technology program prepares you to become an automotive technician and get people’s vehicles back on the road. You will learn industry-standard computer software training; practical, hands-on automotive skills; and team building skills. Students have the opportunity to:

  • Work towards an associate degree plus professional manufacturer automotive certifications
  • Receive instruction from experienced, industry-certified instructors
  • Hone techniques in a state-of-the-art facility
  • Have access to the most modern diagnostic and repair equipment
  • Have opportunities for internships and work experience 

This program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. The College also offers Automotive Service proficiency certificates.

Additionally, the Automotive Technology program has manufacturer partnerships with Nissan of North America and Ford Motor Company through the Nissan Technician Training Academy and Ford Technical Career Entry Program - Maintenance & Light Repair (MLR). Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology AAS program, or the Automotive Service Proficiency Certificate I or Proficiency Certificate II programs are able to participate in these manufacturer programs. These programs can lead to Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification and other specialty training certifications to further prepare students for the workforce.

Registered Apprenticeship Automotive Technician Training Program

Get paid while you learn! This 18-month training program was designed as an option for enrolled Automotive Service Technology students. Bridging the gap between higher-ed and full-time employment, this program takes students out into the field to train and apply what they learn in our state-of-the-art classrooms. Students will shadow working auto mechanics to experience day-to-day operations at an auto mechanic shop and gain hands-on experience while earning an associate degree. In addition to payment for the apprenticeship work, we have financial aid opportunities available to make this full-time program feasible for all our students. Students in this program will also have access to a designated support specialist who can help them overcome roadblocks and connect with resources that will help them stay on the track toward success.  

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Automotive Engineering Technicians – est. salary $54,503
Automotive Body and Related Repairers – est. salary $47,738 
Maintenance and Repair Worker – est. salary $47,486

 
**EMSI Data, 2022; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
map animation where the the Community College of Philadelphia is centered, the map zooms out to show the surrounding counties highlighted representing the areas of job and career growth.
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Transfer Opportunities

Rutgers University - Camden

Videos & Multimedia

Automotive Technology student working in class at CCP.
Automotive Technology student working on car repair at CCP.
Automotive Technology student working on car engine at CCP.
CCP students learning about Automotive Technology in classroom.
Automotive Technology student repairing car at CCP.
Automotive Technology equipment at Community College of Philadelphia.
Automotive Technology equipment at CCP.
Student working on computer in car at CCP.
Automobile and laptop at Community College of Philadelphia.
Automotive Technology student working in CCP garage.

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Automotive Technology degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 100 - Introduction to Automotive Technology 3 credits AT 100 is corequisite/prerequisite for all 100-level AT major courses Major Course
ENGL 101 - English Composition I or
ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors)		 3 credits   Writing, Research, Info Lit 1
CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology 3 credits   Technilogical Competency
AT 121 - Principles of Automotive Electricity and Electronics 3 credits AT 121 Is a key course for progressing to many other AT classes Major Course
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or
SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) or
HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era or
HIST 102 - United States History: The Civil War and the 19th Century or
HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century and Beyond or
HIST 103H - United States and Pennsylvania History: The 20th Century (Honors)  or
HIST 176/ADC 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning		 3 credits   Cultural Analysis & Interpretation

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

  • This program is designed to provide students with the option of entering the workforce or transferring to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you'll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 181 - Auto Engine Mechanical Repair 4 credits AT181 is prerequisite for AT 261 Major Course
AT 131 - Automotive Manual Transmissions and Drivelines 4 credits AT 131 is prerequisite for AT 241 Major Course
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra 3 credits FMNT 118 is corequisite/prerequisite for AT 131 and AT 221 Quantitative Reasoning
AT 150 - Automotive Braking Systems 2 credits AT 150 is prerequisite for AT 250 Major Course

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

Summer 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 221 - Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems 4 credits AT 121 and FNMT 118 are prerequisites.
FNMT 118 may be taken concurrently.
AT 221 is prerequisite for AT 241 and AT 261.		 Major Course

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 261 - Engine Performance & Diagnosis 4 credits AT 221 and FNMT 118 are prerequisites; both may be taken concurrently.
AT 261 is prerequisite for AT 281		 Major Course
AT 271 - Air Conditioning and Heating Systems 3 credits AT 121 is prerequisite Major Course
CHEM 101 - Fundamentals of Chemistry I (Lab Based) or
PHYS 105 - Survey of Physics or
STS 101 - Introduction to Science, Technology and Society or
EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation or
EASC 111H - Environmental Conservation (Honors)		 3 or 4 credits   Scientific Reasoning
AT 250 - Advanced Braking Systems & Controls 2 credits AT 121 and AT 150 are prerequisites Major Course

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 241 - Auto Transmissions and Transaxles 4 credits AT 121 and AT 131 are prerequisites Major Course
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or
ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors)		 3 credits   Writing, Research, Info Lit 2
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or
ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication or
ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication or
ART 111 - Three-Dimensional Design I		 3 credits   Oral Communication/Creative Expression
AT 111 - Automotive Suspension and Steering Systems 4 credits    

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

Summer 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
AT 281 - Advanced Automotive Engine Performance 4 credits AT 221 and AT 261 are prerequisites Major Course

You must earn a grade of "C" or better grade in all courses and earn at least a 2.0 GPA

General Education Requirements:

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

View the College Catalog for More Information

Featured Career

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Supervise and coordinate assignments of mechanics, installers and repairers.

Median Salary
$73,801

Number of Jobs
2,933 
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+2.8%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Determine schedules, sequences, and assignments for work activities, based on work priority, quantity of equipment, and skill of personnel.
  • Inspect and monitor work areas, examine tools and equipment, and provide employee safety training to prevent, detect, and correct unsafe conditions or violations of procedures and safety rules.
  • Monitor employees' work levels and review work performance.
  • Investigate accidents or injuries and prepare reports of findings.

How well does it pay?

New workers generally start around $48,010. Normal pay for First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers is $73,801 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $112,125.

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Program Information

Automotive Technology

Degree Type:

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

62

Online Learning Availability:

25% or Greater

Related Programs:

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