Which Schools Offer Automotive Mechanics Degrees in Chicago, IL?

Are you interested in studying the essentials of automotive mechanics? Through a number of Chicago schools, you may earn a certificate or degree in the field to prepare for a career as an automotive technician.

What You Need to Know

Certificate programs and associate's degree programs in automotive technology are widely available through community colleges in the Chicago area. In general, certificate programs take less time to complete than associate's programs, and some schools offer certificates in automotive repair specialties, such as brakes or engine performance. The curricula for both certificate and associate's programs combine classroom-based learning with hands-on training. Both program types can prepare you for voluntary certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Schools in Chicago, IL, with Auto Mechanic Certificate Programs

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College

This program consists of 5 courses: introduction to automotive technology, steering and suspension systems, electrical systems and power accessories, automotive brakes and engine concepts. This school also offers an advanced automotive technology certificate program. All of the automotive technology programs at this school are certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation, which is a division of the ASE.

• Program Name: Automotive Technology Basic Certificate
• Program Length: 20 credits
• Tuition: $3,506 per year for in-district residents; $9,216 per year for out-of-district state residents; $11,544 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 7,673 students (all undergraduate)

Triton College

You must earn 51 credits to receive this certificate. Triton College also offers other automotive certificate programs. These other certificates are for brake and suspension, transmission, engine repair and engine performance.

• Program Name: Automotive Technology Certificate
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Tuition: $4,170 per year for in-district residents; $10,096 per year for out-of-district state residents; $12,539 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 10,529 students (all undergraduate)

Schools in Chicago, IL, with Auto Mechanic Associate's Degree Programs

City Colleges of Chicago - Harry S Truman College

This program will prepare you for an entry-level position in the automotive field. Required courses include automotive temperature control systems, electrical systems and power accessories and automotive brakes. You have the choice of electives, such as electrical systems II, work-based learning and transmissions, transaxle and driveline.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 66 credits
• Tuition: $3,504 per year for in-district residents; $9,216 per year for out-of-district state residents; $11,544 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 7,673 students (all undergraduate)

Moraine Valley Community College

You must earn 62 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to receive this degree. Required courses include automotive engine reconditioning, performance and drivability, steering and suspension systems, electrical/electronic systems and automotive brake systems. All instructors in this program have been certified by the ASE.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Tuition: $4,356 per year for in-district residents; $9,636 per year for out-of-district state residents; $11,196 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 13,762 students (all undergraduate)

Morton College

This program prepares you for employment as an automotive technician. You'll receive hands-on training in the diagnosis and repair of automotive steering and suspension, engine performance, electrical systems, computer systems and transmissions. You must earn 64 credits to receive this degree. An automotive technology certificate program is also available at this school.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 4 semesters
• Tuition: $4,372 per year for in-district residents; $8,468 per year for out-of-district state residents; $10,516 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 4,351 students (all undergraduate)

Triton College

This program can prepare you for employment as an automotive repair technician, service advisor or related occupation. You'll be trained in brake, hardware and chassis repair; steering, suspension and alignment; automotive heating and air conditioning, engine performance and diagnosis; and transmission and drive systems. You must earn 66 credits to receive this degree.

• Program Name: Associate in Applied Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 5 semesters
• Tuition: $4,170 per year for in-district residents; $10,096 per year for out-of-district state residents; $12,539 per year for non-residents (2018-2019)
• School Type: 2-year, public; around 10,529 students (all undergraduate)

To sum it all up, automotive technology certificates are offered at Chicago schools such as Harry S. Truman College and Triton College, and associate's degree programs can be found at these same two institutions, Moraine Valley Community College and Morton College, among other schools.