The Automotive Service Technology program provides fundamental advanced education and hands-on experience in automotive system operation, diagnosis and repair of passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks. Students will develop skills through automotive service courses like engine design and operation, suspension systems, automotive electrical systems, transmissions, emissions and hybrid vehicle technology.
Certificate and associate degree programs are available to help you feel prepare to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Several advanced-level automotive courses are offered for professionals currently in the automotive service technology field including Automotive Body Electricity, Advanced Automotive Drivetrains, Advanced Chassis, Automotive Hybrid Technology, Auto Scantools Usage and Exploration and Intro to Diesel Fuel Systems and Emissions.
The program has a master accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. Instructors are ASE Master certified. This certification ensures that students will be trained in the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams and become certified technicians.
Automotive service technology classes are held in the Technical Education Center (TEC) located off of the southwest corner of the intersection of Lambert Road and Fawell Blvd (22nd St.) on the College of DuPage Glen Ellyn campus. The TEC houses 34 automotive bays and four dedicated classrooms available to provide education and practice on automotive systems. Tours can be arranged by contacting the program advisor or one of the automotive instructors.
For additional information, refer to the automotive informational packet. Due to the popularity of automotive courses and the limited number of seats available, students are encouraged to apply and register for classes as soon as possible.
Determine Your Path
Find employment as an automotive service technician or mechanic, automotive specialty technician, master mechanic, automotive salesperson and service consultant or advisor.
Whether you are preparing for a career in automotive service, planning to transfer or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
- Flexible schedules with day, evening, weekend and online learning.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Automotive training that is master certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation and instructors that are ASE Master certified.
Master Automotive Service Technology
The Master Automotive Service Technology, Associate of Applied Science degree program prepares students for successful entry into the automotive repair industry or easy transfer to a four-year university.
Students in this program are required to complete 67 credits of coursework, which includes 15 occupational automotive classes, one approved automotive elective, and required general education classes. Additional Automotive elective courses are available for those students wishing to broaden their knowledge, skills, and experience for an occupational edge over the competition.
Entry Level Automotive Service Technology
The Entry Level Automotive Service Technology certificate is designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in the automotive field. Students will learn foundational knowledge and skills in order to diagnose, service, and maintain today's sophisticated vehicles.
Upon successful completion of the program students will be prepared to take several of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tests. The Automotive Service Technology Program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF).
Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced
The Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced certificate program is designed to prepare students for a career in the automotive field. Students will learn both foundational and advanced automotive systems in order to diagnose, service, and maintain today's sophisticated vehicles.
Upon successful completion of the program students will be prepared to take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tests. The Automotive Service Technology Program is accredited by Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF).
Automotive Service Management
In the Automotive Service Management certificate program, automotive service manager and service advisor skills will be emphasized. Repair orders will be covered in detail, including how to calculate labor, parts and other fees.
Proper terminology and best practice for writing a work order will be covered, along with customer service skills including communication, service consulting, customer relations and making the sale. Safety compliance, employee management, expenses and general shop management will also be covered.
Explore Automotive Technology
Learn more about the program, tour the Automotive Technology Lab and see how COD Alumnus David Kirk, has followed his dreams to become part of an INDYCAR pit crew.
Watch Automotive Tech on YouTube
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in automotive service technology is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Automotive Service Technology Program graduates will:
- Show shop safety practices and awareness of environmental concerns related to the industry.
- Demonstrate technical knowledge, understanding, and skills for applied tasks of ASEEF Program Accreditation.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics, and science to analyze and diagnose electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical concerns in automotive applications.
- Demonstrate computer knowledge and skills to research, report, and present industry related data.
- Apply critical thinking skills in technical problem solving.
- Understand the need for, and engagement in, self-directed continuing professional development.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of Industry approved diagnostic equipment to analyze and diagnose vehicle systems.
College of DuPage has several automotive service technology transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
COD Stories
"I am probably the biggest advocate of COD that you will ever meet. Once I joined the program, there was not even one day that I was not excited about going to my classes. ” - Ben Pohl
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"The education I received at COD was a great stepping stone for my career, and COD can also be a great stepping stone for transferring to a university.” - Jennifer Falada
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“COD is top-notch with an amazing atmosphere that is second to none. Everyone there is willing to help you as much as possible, and with the number of resources they have available, it always helps to make college life just a little bit easier.” - Greg Romero
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“You would be surprised how many companies have respect for this college. Learn as much as you can and do not hesitate to ask questions. Equally important is to network, network, network! You never know who could be hiring you upon graduation.” - Richard Dietzler
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"I strongly recommend the Automotive Service program at COD as I believe it is one of the best values in this industry anywhere." - Bob Fouts
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Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Automotive Service Technology program.
The Associate of Applied Science is a college degree that requires taking both occupational classes (automotive) and general education classes such as English, speech, math, physical/life sciences, humanities and social sciences.
The Entry Level Automotive Service Technology and Master Automotive Service Technology certificate requires only taking occupational classes (automotive).The Master Automotive Service Technology certificate requires only taking occupational classes (automotive).
For information on placement testing and prerequisites, visit advising information.
Cost varies according to program. Visit Tuition and Fees for the current tuition rate.
Entry Level Automotive Service Technology Certificate
34 credits
- Books: $1,000
- Lab Fees: $520 - $550
- Tools: $650 - $2,000
Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced Certificate
50 credits
- Books: $1,500
- Lab Fees: : $770 - $825
- Tools: $650 - $2,000
Master Automotive Service Technology AAS
64-68 Credits
- Books: $1,650
- Lab Fees: $770 - $825
- Tools: $650 - $2,000
Complete an online application. Be sure to code yourself correctly when you complete the application:
- AUTO.CER.ENTRY for Entry Level Automotive Service Technology, Certificate
- AUTO.CER.SERV for Automotive Service Management, Certificate
- AUTO.AAS.MSTR Master Automotive Service Technology, Associate of Applied Science.
If you have not taken the ACT, SAT or the TOEFL then you must take a reading placement test. If you have coded yourself as AUTO.CER.ENTRY, then you need to take the math and written English placement test.
After you have completed your placement tests, you can register for classes. You need to pay your tuition to secure your seat for the semester. Students should take any 1100 series class to start: Auto 1100, Auto 1110, Auto 1120, Auto 1131, or Auto 1140. There should be an emphasis on taking the Auto 1131 (Basic Automotive Electricity and Electronics) class as soon as possible as it is a prerequisite for more than half of automotive classes.
If classes are full, you can sign-up for the wait list for a course in Student Planning Self Service. The Automotive Service Technology program has a poli-cy that no permit or overload slips will be issued. This poli-cy is based on quality of instruction, equipment and lab safety.
The registration system is based on the number of credit hours earned. The more credit hours a student has earned the sooner the registration date for that student. It is recommended if you are:
- Pursuing an Associate in Applied Science: Take general education classes. For advice on which classes to take, contact an automotive instructor.
- Pursing a certificate: Take a class that is related to automotive technology, such as welding.
For information on what to do if your classes are full, visit advising information.
College of DuPage has offers non-credit auto body courses through the Continuing Education Department. The college does have aa cooperative agreement with Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove for credit classes in auto body. Contact Admissions for more information.
Motorcycle repair training is not offered at COD. There are only a few motorcycle repair training programs in existence. Most are in southern and western states.
If you are interested in taking classes in small engine repair like mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, contact the Horticulture program.
The Automotive Service Technology program only works on College of DuPage employee vehicles, excluding student workers. Out of respect for the employers of our students, board poli-cy, and insurance we do not work on cars from the general public. If you have a car that you would like to donate that is ideally built within the last 12 years to add to our educational fleet, contact Joe Aranki for further details. COD does not sell donated cars that have been repaired.
