About our Automotive
Technology Associate Degree
The Automotive Technology program is designed to prepare skilled technicians to work in the automotive industry. The program involves general education as well as automotive lecture and laboratory instruction. Our shops are spacious and well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
During labs, the student-to-teacher ratio is capped at 13:1, so learners get plenty of hands-on experience and instructor attention. Students may also work at a repair shop as part of the cooperative education phase of training.
The program is accredited at the Master Automobile Service Technology level by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation. We have strong support from community business partners. Full-time instructors with vast technical experience and education offer a nurturing learning opportunity for students. Opportunities for graduates include positions in dealerships, independent shops, automotive parts stores and companies with vehicle fleets. Positions may allow technicians to specialize in areas such as steering and suspension, brakes, transmissions and drivelines, engine repair and performance, climate control and electronics.
Graduation Outcomes
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive electrical/electronic systems.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive suspension and steering systems.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive brake systems.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive engines.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive engine performance systems.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive manual transmissions and drivetrains.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive automatic transmissions.
- Perform tasks to diagnose and repair components of automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Equipment Requirements
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Automotive Technician
- General Service Technician
- Suspension and Steering Technician
- Brake System Technician
- Parts Specialist
- Service Manager
- Service Writer
- Shop Owner
Continue Your Education
SMCC graduates have used our transfer agreements to continue their education at:
- Johnson & Wales University
- Maine College of Art
- Mount Holyoke College
- Saint Joseph’s College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas College
- University of Maine
- University of New England
- University of Southern Maine
- Wellesley College
To view our seamless transfer agreements, visit our Transfer webpage.
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
- View full program details in our academic catalog.
- View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
- View all current courses.
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Learn More:
Accreditation
The Southern Maine Community College Automotive Technology Program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)
1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE
Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 669-6650
https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
Want to learn more?
Fill out a quick form and we’ll reach out to provide more info.
Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or smccadmissions@mainecc.edu
Department Chair: Ruth Morrison, 207-741-5856 or rmorrison@mainecc.edu