Program Details

Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science

Tidewater Community College

This program is included in: G3

The Automotive Technology programs are designed to prepare students for employment as automotive technicians, based on standards set by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology is designed for those who wish to work as a service technician, diagnostician, or manufacturing representative in the automotive repair industry. The Career Studies Certificates provide the background required for those interested in entry-level positions related to automotive maintenance and repair.

Students seeking additional credentials may pursue the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Automotive Technician Certification examinations, A/C Refrigerant Recovery License, and Virginia state inspection license.

Tidewater Community College, in partnership with industry leaders, also offers programs designed for those who plan to work with specific automobile dealerships. The Honda Professional Automotive Career Training (PACT), Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET), Mopar (Chrysler) Career Automotive Program (MCAP), the Toyota Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN), and the Subaru-U are available within the Associate of Applied Science degree, providing advanced knowledge of specific technologies related to these vehicles.

The Automotive Technology program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

A valid driver's license is required for admission into the Automotive Technology program. Students are advised to consult with the program director prior to admission into the program. Students must visit the Regional Automotive Center prior to registration.

Outcomes

Students understand and perform general engine repairs including cylinder head, value train, lubrication and cooling systems.
Students understand and perform work on automatic transmissions and transaxles including in- and off-vehicle transmission and transaxle.
Students understand and perform work on suspension and steering including related suspension/steering service, wheel alignment, and tires.
Students understand and perform work on electrical/electronic systems including battery service, starting system, charging system, lighting system, and accessories.
Students understand and perform work on heating and air conditioning including refrigeration system components, ventilation and cooling systems, and operating systems and related controls.
Students understand and perform work on engine performance including computerized controls, emissions control systems, fuel, air induction and exhaust systems.
Students understand and perform work on manual drive trains and axles including clutch, transmission, drive shaft, constant-velocity joints, differential case assembly, and all- and four-wheel drive.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Tidewater Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	TCC had 11 graduates in 2020-21, 21 graduates in 2019-20, 32 graduates in 2018-19, 25 graduates in 2017-18, and 35 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Automotive Technology.

Related Programs & Certifications

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Career Studies Certificate - Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician

Link

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Career Studies Certificate - Automotive Technician

Link

Program Credit Requirements

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning	TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Tidewater Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

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Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

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Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

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Number of Transfer Students

3364

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer. https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Blue Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Analysis and Repair	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Major	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person
Northern Virginia Community College	Automotive Technology, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
49-3023.00	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.	Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
49-2093.00	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.	Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
49-2096.00	Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles	Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.	Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
17-3027.01	Automotive Engineering Technicians	Assist engineers in determining the practicality of proposed product design changes and plan and carry out tests on experimental test devices or equipment for performance, durability, or efficiency.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3013.00	Mechanical Drafters	Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3027.00	Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.	Architecture and Engineering Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 68 credits remaining to be completed

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Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology at Tidewater Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$165	Per Credit	$11,220	$0	$11,220	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$476	0	$476	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$204	0	$204	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,360	0	$1,360	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.

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