Automotive Technology Management - AAS

Learn the cars, learn the business. Dealerships, independent shops, and fleet managers need skilled technicians to keep vehicles running at top performance, and managers to keep the business running as smoothly as the vehicles.

The Automotive Technology - Management option is a great choice if you're interested in eventually managing, running your own shop, or rising in the ranks of an automotive company.

You'll spend time in the shop learning the tech in your first year, then take management classes in your second year.

The SCC Automotive Technology program is an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified program. This certification assures the student that the program meets the standards set by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) regarding equipment, tools, scheduling, instructors and curriculum.

Program Location

Available in West Burlington Not available in Keokuk Not available online

Skills You'll Learn

Build your core skills in our ASE-Certified program. Learn from instructors with decades of real-world experience in our clean and spacious automotive lab, using state-of-the-art technology used in shops today.

In addition to all the automotive technical skills, learn the business side of the job as well, including:

  • Marketing
  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Leadership
  • Business Ethics

Last-Dollar Scholarship

Last-Dollar Scholarship

If you're an Iowan, you may be eligible to earn this degree tuition-free.

Last-Dollar Scholarship

Where this degree can take you

  • Repair Technician
  • Service Writer
  • Parts Specialist
  • Management/Shop Owner
  • Repair Shop Manager
  • Transportation Manager
  • Automotive Engineer

Industry partners

  • Shottenkirk - West Burlington
  • Snap On Tools

Contact Us

West Burlington Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 208-5155
Text: (319) 250-7144
Email: admissionswb@scciowa.edu

Keokuk Campus Admissions
Call: (319) 313-1923
Text: (319) 220-3266
Email: admissionskeo@scciowa.edu

Schedule an Appointment

This is an option of the Automotive Technology Program allowing student to pursue a management track in their second year.

The SCC Automotive Technology program is an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified program. This certification assures the student that the program meets the standards set by NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) regarding equipment, tools, scheduling, instructors and curriculum.

In order for a technician to become ASE certified, he/she must have two years experience in addition to passing tests in the various areas of automotive repair. However, by attending the SCC Automotive Technology program, students may take these tests at any time during their education. If they pass these tests, they will become ASE Certified pro-tem upon graduation. After just one year of experience in the field, they become officially ASE Certified.

After successful completion of the first two semesters, the Auto Mechanics Diploma will be awarded.

*Diploma can be earned one time.

Please view the technical standards for this course.

For specific information regarding program rules and expectations, please view the Automotive Program Handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
AUT-106 Introduction to Automotive Technology 2
AUT-126 Fundamentals of Automotive Servicing 2
AUT-405 Automotive Suspension and Steering 5
AUT-505 Automotive Brake Systems 5
HSC-181 First Aid/CPR for Non-Health Care Workers 1.5
MAT-702 Introduction to Math Applications 3
TOTAL CREDITS 18.5

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
AUT-166 Automotive Engine Repair 6
AUT-244 Manual Drivetrains I 3
AUT-610 Automotive Electrical I 4
ENG-110 Writing for the Workplace 3
ELT-295 AC/DC Fundamentals 2
Take WBL-110 as 1 credit
WBL-110 Employability Skills 1-3
TOTAL CREDITS 19

Summer Semester Course Title Credit
Take 1 of 2 courses
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology 3
SOC-110 Introduction to Sociology 3
Take 1 of 2 courses
SOC-114 Conflict Resolution in the Workplace 3
SOC-115 Social Problems 3
TOTAL CREDITS 6

Fall Semester II Course Title Credit
ACC-131 Principles of Accounting I 4
ADM-117 Keyboarding and Document Production 3
BUS-102 Introduction to Business 3
BUS-180 Business Ethics 3
MGT-101 Principles of Management 3
TOTAL CREDITS 16

Spring Semester II Course Title Credit
BUS-121 Business Communications 3
HUM-287 Leadership Development Studies 3
MKT-110 Principles of Marketing 3
Take 1 of 2 courses
MGT-130 Principles of Supervision 3
MGT-170 Human Resource Management 3
TOTAL CREDITS 12

AUT-106 - Introduction to Automotive Technology

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course will serve as an introduction to the complete automotive field, including safety, ASE certification, employment potential, customer service, employer/employee relations and the parts and service industry.

AUT-126 - Fundamentals of Automotive Servicing

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course will familiarize students with basic scheduled maintenance. Proper usage of hand and power tools will be covered, as well as precision measuring systems and equipment. Prerequisite: AUT-106 with a minimum grade of C-.

AUT-405 - Automotive Suspension and Steering

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course will look closely at automotive suspension systems, manual, power and four-wheel steering and proper vehicle wheel alignment.

AUT-505 - Automotive Brake Systems

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

This course will explain and demonstrate the principles of friction and the components and operation of hydraulic brakes, including power and anti-lock brakes. Prerequisite: AUT-126 with a minimum grade of C-.

HSC-181 - First Aid/CPR for Non-Health Care Workers

Lecture: 1

Lab: 1

Credit: 1.5

This course follows the American heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) Heart Saver for the Lay Person. It includes AED and basic first aid. This course is not for health care workers.

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

AUT-166 - Automotive Engine Repair

Lecture: 3

Lab: 6

Credit: 6

This course will introduce the internal combustion engine and the variety of designs in popular usage today. It also offers a general introduction to engine diagnosis and testing. The engine will be explored piece by piece, and the description and function of each part explained.

AUT-244 - Manual Drivetrains I

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

This course will introduce the student to the concepts of front- and rear-wheel drive, four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. Clutches, CV joints and universal joints will also be covered.

AUT-610 - Automotive Electrical I

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

This course will introduce to the student the theory and operation of basic electrical and electronic principles as a science. How the basics are applied to automotive electrical circuits and the proper procedures to diagnose and repair are covered. Lab sessions are spent turning theory into "hands-on" practice with meters and basic circuits.

ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers.

ELT-295 - AC/DC Fundamentals

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course introduces students to the components used in most electronic circuits and how they are measured, tested and function. Students will learn the fundamentals of AC and DC electrical systems used for power and control in industrial applications. Students will learn how to operate, install, design and troubleshoot basic AC and DC electrical circuits.

WBL-110 - Employability Skills

Lecture: 1-3

Credit: 1-3

This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment. Prerequisite: WBL-150 is recommended.

PSY-111 - Introduction to Psychology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology.

SOC-110 - Introduction to Sociology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

SOC-115 - Social Problems

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality.

ACC-131 - Principles of Accounting I

Lecture: 4

Credit: 4

This first course covering the principles of accounting introduces the basic terms, concepts and procedures of accounting. The course is intended for students who will major in accounting or have chosen a career which requires extensive use of accounting information. During the course, the focus will be on the completion of the accounting cycle, including the preparation of journal entries, posting to the ledger, and the preparation of adjusting entries, financial statements and closing entries at the end of the accounting period. Special attention will also be given to special journals and subsidiary ledgers, the information needed to account for merchandising businesses, and the special accounting procedures related to cash, receivables, payables and systems of control.

ADM-117 - Keyboarding and Document Production

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A fundamental course in developing keyboarding skills for business and personal use. Students use Microsoft Word to learn proper formatting of office letters and memos, business and academic reports, tables, newsletters, flyers and graphics. Proper keyboarding technique, accuracy and speed building are emphasized.

BUS-102 - Introduction to Business

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An overview of contemporary business principles touching on all the major functional areas of business and trends that are shaping today's business environment. Understanding the fundamental pillars of the business environment -- globalization, technology and ethics -- is a crucial component in this course.

BUS-180 - Business Ethics

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course introduces philosophical ethical theory and its application to business decisions. It considers theories of economic justice, social responsibility of corporations, regulation, conflict of interest and obligations, ethics of advertising, product quality and safety, environmental responsibility, hiring practices and rights of employers and employees.

MGT-101 - Principles of Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an intensive examination of the basic fundamentals of organization and management underlying the solution to management problems.

BUS-121 - Business Communications

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Designed to help the student develop effective communication techniques necessary for general business messages. The course emphasizes application of these techniques through the composition and keyboarding of letters, memos, reports and some oral presentations.

HUM-287 - Leadership Development Studies

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to provide emerging and existing leaders the opportunity to explore the concept of leadership and to develop and improve their leadership skills. The course integrates readings from the humanities, experiential exercises, films/videos and contemporary readings on leadership.

MKT-110 - Principles of Marketing

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This introductory class uses the managerial approach to study a market-directed system of marketing. The emphasis is on market strategy planning from the viewpoint of the marketing manager. The "4 Ps"-product, place, price and promotion-provide the structure underlying the organization of this course.

MGT-130 - Principles of Supervision

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in supervision, including planning, organizing, motivating, staffing and appraising. Also covered are interpersonal skills including communication, decision making, conflict and team work.

MGT-170 - Human Resource Management

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in human resources management including strategy, legal environment, EEO, and job analysis and job design. Also covered are acquiring human resources, training and developing employees, compensation issues and labor relations.

Wes Carpenter - Assistant Professor - Automotive Technology

Email: wcarpenter@scciowa.edu
AAS, Lincoln Technical Institute
BA, Western Illinois University
ASE Master Tech, ASE Advanced Engine Performance
GM and Ford Certified

Austen Totsch - Instructor - Automotive Technology

Email: atotsch@scciowa.edu
Diploma, Southeastern Community College
AAS, Southeastern Community College
ASE Master Technician
Toyota, Nissan and Mazda Certified