Automotive Technology - Degrees and Certificates
Prairie State College’s Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).Certification was awarded in automatic transmission and transaxle, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train and axles, and suspension.
Please visit the Career and Transfer Programs Web page, where you will find worksheets with the most recent PSC catalog updates. The worksheets describe the requirements needed to complete a degree or certificate.
Automotive Technology A.A.S. Degree
This program provides the balance of theory and practical knowledge necessary for students preparing for careers in the automotive technology industry. Service technicians are trained to maintain and repair cars, vans, small trucks, and other vehicles. Using both hand tools and specialized diagnostic test equipment, they learn to pinpoint problems and make necessary repairs or adjustments. In addition to forming complex and difficult repairs, technicians handle a number of routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes, tire rotation and battery replacement. Technicians also interact with customers to explain repair procedures and discuss maintenance needs.
I. General Education Core (20)
Area A: Communication (6 credits)
ENG 101 Composition I - with a grade of C or better (3)
COMM 101 Principles of Communication (3)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (3 credits)
Select one course from Area B on pages 50-52 (3)
Area C: Mathematics (4 credits)
MATH 151 College Algebra (4) required
Area D: Physical and Life Sciences (4 credits)
PHYSI 120 College Physics I (4) required
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
Select one course from Area E (3)
II. Area of Concentration/Program
Requirements (47)
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 102 Automotive Engines (4)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
AUTO 108 Suspension and Steering Systems (4)
AUTO 202 Automotive Brake Systems (4)
AUTO 205 Manual Transmissions and Transaxles (4)
AUTO 206 Automotive Engine Performance (4)
AUTO 207 Automotive Heating/Air-Conditioning (4)
AUTO 208 Automotive Transmissions/Transaxles (4)
AUTO 210 Automotive Electricity/Electronics II (4)
AUTO 211 Automotive Engine Performance II (4)
AUTO 215 Advanced Automotive Service and Systems (4)
Program Total: 67 credits
Automotive Alignment Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program trains students to function as front
end mechanics. Students learn to align and balance wheels, as
well as repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems.
Program Requirements
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 108 Steering and Suspension Systems (4)
Program Total: 7 credits
Automotive Brake Specialist
Certificate
Students in this program are trained to work on drum and disk
braking systems, parking brakes and their hydraulic systems.
Students learn to inspect, adjust, remove, repair and reinstall
brake shoes, disk pads, drums, rotors, wheel and master
cylinders, and hydraulic fluid lines.
Program Requirements
AMATH 100 Basic Mathematics for the Skilled Trades (2)
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
AUTO 202 Automotive Brake Systems (4)
Program Total: 13 credits
Automotive Drivability Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program trains students to diagnose
Drivability problems. Students learn the basics of the engine,
engine performance, how the electronics work, as well as
the computer system functions of the vehicle. Students are
taught to adjust the ignition timing and valves, and adjust or
replace spark plugs or other parts to ensure efficient engine
performance. Electronic test equipment is used to adjust and
locate malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emissions control
systems.
Program Requirements
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 102 Automotive Engines (4)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
AUTO 206 Automotive Engine Performance (4)
AUTO 211 Automotive Engine Performance II (4
Program Total: 19 credits
Automotive Engines Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program trains the student to function as an
engine mechanic. Students learn to overhaul engines, as well as
service the electrical needs of the engine.
Program Requirements
AMATH 100 Basic Mathematics for the Skilled Trades (2)
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 102 Automotive Engines (4)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
Program Total: 13 credits
Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program prepares technicians to install and
repair air-conditioners as well as service components such as
compressors and condensers.
Program Requirements
AMATH 100 Basic Mathematics for the Skilled Trades (2)
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
AUTO 207 Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning (4)
Program Total: 13 credits
Automotive Parts Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program trains the student for positions
in parts management. Students learn the parts management
system as well as basic business management techniques and
introductory computer skills.
Program Requirements
AMATH 100 Basic Mathematics for the Skilled Trades (2)
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 223 Automotive Parts Management (2)
ITAPP 101 Introduction to Computers (3)
Business Elective: Select one course from BUS 107, 127, 170, or 241 (3)
Program Total: 13 credits
Automotive Services Technology
Certificate
This program prepares students for employment in automotive
servicing and repair, engine testing, automotive field services,
and automotive parts and shop management.
Program Requirements
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 102 Automotive Engines (4)
AUTO 107 Automotive Electricity/Electronics I (4)
AUTO 108 Suspension and Steering Systems (4)
AUTO 202 Automotive Brake Systems (4)
AUTO 205 Manual Transmissions and Transaxles (4)
AUTO 206 Automotive Engine Performance (4)
AUTO 207 Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning (4)
AUTO 208 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles (4)
AUTO 210 Automotive Electricity/Electronics II (4)
AUTO 211 Automotive Engine Performance II (4)
AUTO 215 Advanced Automotive Service and Systems (4)
Program Total: 47 credits
Automotive Service Management
Technician
Certificate
Service management specialists are the link between the
customers seeking repair or maintenance for their vehicles and
the technicians who perform the work. Students are trained to
write repair orders, inspect vehicles to determine work that
needs to be done, determine costs of the work, and prepare
itemized estimates. In addition, students learn basic computer
skills and basic business management skills. After gaining
experience in entry-level positions, successful students can go
on to the management/supervisory levels in auto shops.
Program Requirements
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 224 Automotive Services Management (2)
BUS 103 Business Mathematics (3)
BUS 127 Business Communications (3)
ITAPP 101 Introduction to Computers (3)
Business Elective: Select from BUS 105, 107, 109, 170, 241, 242 (3)
Program Total: 17 credits
Automotive Transmission Specialist
Certificate
This short-term program trains mechanics to work on
gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts
of automotive transmissions. Because these are complex
mechanisms and include electronic parts, their repair requires
considerable experience and training, including a knowledge of
hydraulics.
Program Requirements
AUTO 101 Basic Automobile Service and Systems (3)
AUTO 102 Automotive Engines (4)
AUTO 205 Manual Transmissions and Transaxles (4)
AUTO 208 Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles (4)
Program Total: 15 credits