Which Schools Offer Automotive Mechanic Degrees in San Francisco?

If you're searching for a good program of study to help expand your knowledge of engines and auto parts in San Francisco, you are in luck, as there are plenty of schools offering certificates and associate's degrees.

What You Need to Know

Certificate programs for aspiring automotive mechanics could require between 19 and 35 credits, which could take two or three terms to complete. Some of these programs are offered in specialized fields, like damage repair or engine performance technology. Earning one of these certificates can prepare you for certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Unlike most certificate programs, two-year associate's degree programs require you to complete general education courses as part of your program. Some programs offer special training in a manufacturer's line of vehicles, and some may have internship opportunities.

Automotive Mechanic Certificate Programs in San Francisco

City College of San Francisco

This City College of San Francisco's certificate program comprises an advanced curriculum in areas such as welded panel replacement, auto body frame repair and auto body dent repair. Once you've completed the program, you should be able to conduct repair estimates, articulate the methods you use to replace damaged parts and accumulate enough knowledge to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. In order to successfully complete this program, you'll need to have earned at least a 'C' in each course.

• Program Name: Auto Body Structural Analysis and Damage Repair Certificate
• Program Length: 35 units (approximately 3 semesters, assuming 12 credit hours per semester)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,696 per year for in-state students; $10,372 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: At least 18 years old by the start of the term
• Admission Requirements: Health fee
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 27,008 students (all undergraduate)

Skyline College

Skyline College is located in San Bruno, California, less than 15 miles outside of San Francisco. If you plan on completing the school's certificate program in engine performance technology during the mornings and/or afternoons, you'll be required to provide your own hand tools, including combination wrench sets, pocket flashlights and vacuum pumps. The total costs may fall somewhere within the range of about $500 to $1,000, depending on the brand you purchase. The curriculum for this program encompasses an introduction to basic tools, fundamental mathematical concepts and a study of engine sub-systems.

• Program Name: Automotive Department Certificate - Engine Performance Technology
• Program Length: 19 credits (approximately 2 semesters, assuming 12 credits per semester)
• Tuition and Fees: $1,461 per year for in-state students; $8,241 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 9,014 students (all undergraduate)

Automotive Mechanic Associate's Degree Programs in San Francisco

City College of San Francisco

In order to begin coursework in this degree program, you'll need to have either successfully completed a series of basic English and math courses or tested at a certain level on the college's placement exams. In addition, the college recommends that you take high school courses in auto shop, electricity, mechanical drawing and welding prior to enrolling. Once admitted, you'll study a range of automotive topics, such as automatic transmission, engine repair and automotive electrical. By the time you've completed your studies, you should be able to apply the theoretical principles and practical methods you learned to a variety of professional tasks, such as appropriately removing fiberglass, implementing safe practices in your shop and analyzing the different systems of an automobile.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,696 per year for in-state students; $10,372 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: At least 18 years old by the start of the term; completion of appropriate prerequisite courses or placement in courses (see description below)
• Admission Requirements: Health fee
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 27,008 students (all undergraduate)

Skyline College

As with Skyline's certificate program, the associate's degree program in automotive technology also requires you to purchase your own hand tools if you plan on enrolling in morning and/or afternoon courses. In addition to core automotive topics, such as wiring, electrical circuits and charging systems, you'll also need to complete Skyline's general education regimen, which may include courses in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, among other areas. To enhance your training, the college offers numerous resources, such as a general automotive technology training program, a program that trains students to repair Japanese automobiles and a fleet of late model cars on which you may practice your skills.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,461 per year for in-state students; $8,241 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 9,014 students (all undergraduate)

College of Alameda

The College of Alameda is located about 10 miles outside of San Francisco and offers an associate's degree in automotive technology. The program is certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is part of the Toyota T-TEN program, which provides you with Toyota training and job placement opportunities with Toyota dealerships. You will learn how to repair and test automobiles, in addition to diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical systems.

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,254 per year for in-state students; $7,806 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 6,389 students (all undergraduate)

College of Marin

The Associate of Science in Automotive Technology: Chassis Repair Technician program prepares you to enter the field at the second year apprentice level. The program combines both theory courses and practical training. You will learn about engines, brakes, drive trains and heating and cooling units. In order to complete the program, you are required to provide your own basic tool set.

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Automotive Technology: Chassis Repair Technician
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $1,492 per year for in-state students; $9,712 per year for out-of-state students (for 2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 5,026 students (all undergraduate)

In summation, City College and Skyline both offer certificates and associate degrees in automotive technology, while Marin and Alameda only have associate's degree programs.