The Transportation and Welding Department offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Certificate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology. The Associate of Applied Science degree is usually completed in four semesters. The Certificate of Applied Science can be completed in two semesters. The automotive curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of all mechanical, fuel, and electronic systems found on modern vehicles and prepares students for service and management positions in the automotive industry.
The program is Master NATEF accredited and ASE certified in the following areas of instruction: A1-Engine Repair, A2-Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, A3-Manual Drive Train & Axles, A4-Suspension & Steering, A5-Brakes, A6-Electrical/Electronic Systems, A7-Heating & Air Conditioning, A8-Engine Performance. Graduates find employment in new car dealerships, independent and specialty shops, government motor pools, and fleet maintenance organizations. Other graduates find positions in management as service managers, shop foremen, factory representatives, or diagnostic specialists. See our website at www.msubillings.edu/careers for graduate data.
The program has pathway agreements with the Billings Career Center in School District #2 and into the Bachelor of Applied Science program at Montana State University-Northern to provide unique training and educational opportunities for those students who are interested and qualified.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Diagnose problems throughout the eight ASE areas in modern automobiles.
- Repair complex systems throughout the eight ASE areas in modern automobiles.
- Perform diagnosis techniques and proper repair procedures relative to the flat rate time standard.
- Identify health and safety hazards and demonstrate proper techniques and practices associated with the automotive industry.
Required Courses
Students should check the course descriptions for required prerequisites. Math and English requirements are usually determined by performance on placement tests or transfer credits.
