What Will I Learn in an Automotive Mechanics Course?

For many people, cars are a necessity. Unfortunately, cars can also be complicated, and when something goes wrong, you need a professional automotive mechanic to take a look.

To become an automotive mechanic, you'll need to take automotive mechanics training courses. These are usually offered through certificate and degree programs.

Keep reading to learn more about automotive mechanics courses and the best automotive mechanics programs in the United States.

What Will I Learn in an Automotive Mechanics Course?

The things you learn in an automotive mechanics course will depend on the program and the primary focus of the course.

Often, automotive mechanics programs are broken down into courses that each focus on different parts, systems, or types of vehicles.

Common areas of focus for automotive mechanics programs include:

• automatic transmissions
• automotive brakes
• automotive diagnostics and repair
• automotive electrical systems
• diesel engines
• fuel and fuel systems
• heating and air conditioning
• hybrid, electric, and alternative fuel vehicles
• manual transmissions
• suspension, steering, and alignment

Many programs, especially at the bachelor's degree level, also include welding courses.

Courses in automotive mechanics programs often include both classroom learning as well as hands-on experiences and lab work.

Top Automotive Mechanics Programs

Automotive mechanics programs, sometimes called automotive technology or automotive service programs, are primarily offered at the associate and bachelor's levels.

We've listed our top picks for automotive mechanics programs below and listed some of their core courses.

1. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a public university based in Big Rapids, MI. It offers programs in automotive service technology and automotive engineering technology.

The Associate in Applied Science in automotive service technology focuses on automotive diagnosis, inspection, adjustments, and service.

The program takes two years to complete and includes courses like:

• Automotive Electricity and Electronics
• Electronic Fuel Management Systems
• Manual Transmissions and Drivelines
• Suspension, Steering, and Alignment Services

The Bachelor of Science in automotive engineering technology concentrates on engineering skills required by the automotive industry. It includes many of the courses in the associate program as well as:

• Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Systems
• Applied Fluids and Thermodynamics
• Automotive Brake Systems
• Kinematics of Mechanisms

The program offers hands-on laboratory experience in engineering processes, mechanical testing, metallurgy, emission, and dynamometer testing as well as an on-the-job internship.

2. Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State University is a public university in Pittsburg, KS. It offers several degrees for automotive technology.

The Associate of Applied Science in automotive services technology is for those individuals who seek automotive service training and certification. Courses include:

• Automatic Transmissions
• Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
• Manual Drive Train and Transaxle
• Suspension and Steering

The Bachelor of Science in automotive technology offers seven emphasis in areas like automotive technical and automotive mechanical design.

Core courses for this degree include:

• Data Analysis and Management in the Transportation Industry
• Mobile Electrical/Electronics
• Mobile Fuels, Lubricant, and Fluids
• Steering, Alignment, and Suspension

The university also offers a minor in automotive technology, a certificate in automotive service technology, and a Master of Science in technology with an automotive technology emphasis.

3. Southern Adventist University

Southern Adventist University is a private Seventh-Day Adventist university in Collegedale, TN. It offers an associate and bachelor's program in automotive service.

The associate degree in automotive service requires a total of 64 credits. It includes courses like:

• Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
• Engine Rebuilding and Machining
• Manual Drive Train and Axles
• Oxy-Acetylene Cutting, Welding, & Brazing

The bachelor's degree is in automotive service management. It includes many of the same courses as the associate degree, as well as courses like:

• Diesel Engines
• Human Resource Management
• Hybrid, Electric, and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• Project Management

Students receive hands-on laboratory experience in the university's full-service auto shop that

repairs cars for the community as well as a hands-on practicum in a local shop.

4. University of Northwestern Ohio

The University of Northwestern Ohio is a private university in Lima. It offers diploma, associate, and bachelor's degree programs in automotive technology.

A general automotive technician diploma is available, as well as diplomas for alternate fuels, diesel technician, and high performance technician. Automotive technician courses include:

• Automotive Engine Diagnosis & Repair
• Automotive Engine Performance
• Computerized Engine Control Systems
• Hydraulic Brake Systems

Associate degrees are available in automotive technology, diesel technology, and high performance technology. The automotive technology includes the same core courses as the diploma.

The Bachelor of Science in automotive technology supervision is for students who have already completed one of the associate degree programs and focuses on automotive business and management.

5. Walla Walla University

Walla Walla University is a private Adventist university in College Place, WA. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees in automotive technology.

The Associate of Science in automotive technology is a three-year program. It includes courses like:

• Advanced Engine Performance
• Brake Systems and Traction Control
• Internal Combustion Engine Theory
• Suspension and Steering Systems

The Bachelor of Science in automotive technology includes many of the same courses as the associate program. It also includes courses such as:

• Body Electronics and Computer Systems
• Diesel Engines
• High Performance Engine Tuning
• Oxyacetylene Welding and Cutting

A Bachelor of Science in automotive management is also available. It includes the core automotive courses from the automotive technology program as well as core business courses.

Become an Automotive Mechanic

Automotive mechanics take courses that cover a variety of topics, like brakes, electrical systems, steering, and transmissions.

Check out our guide above to find the perfect automotive mechanic program for you today.