Effective Date
08/16/2026
Automotive Technology, Associate in Applied Science
Total Program Credits: 66-67
The Automotive Technology degree curriculum provides the student with a working knowledge of automotive repair on today’s high-tech, computerized automobile. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to seek employment as an auto repair technician in a dealership or the aftermarket and can move into advanced automotive opportunities, such as service advising and manufacturer corporate positions. This program is National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) - Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
Stackable Certificate:
Automotive Technology CertificateEngine Performance CertificateLight Vehicle Maintenance CertificateTransmission Repair Certificate
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree program, the graduate will be able to:
- Perform automotive service and repair procedures according to manufacturer specifications and ASE industry standards.
- Diagnose the root causes of vehicle system concerns using appropriate diagnostic tools and manufacturer service information.
- Integrate electronic control module programming and vehicle network diagnostics to restore proper multi-system vehicle operation.
- Model professional workplace readiness through the use of safety protocols and technical communication standards.
- Justify repair decisions using diagnostic evidence and manufacturer specifications across conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicle platforms.
(Reviewed Spring 2026)
Placement Measures
Program Map for Students
| AUT 161 (was 112) # ◊ Introduction to Automotive Service and Shop Practices | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 162 (was 240) # ◊ Steering, Suspension & Wheel Alignment Systems | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 164 (was 127) # ◊ Electrical Fundamentals: Circuits, Tools & Diagnostics | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 165 (was 136) # ◊ Brake Systems Fundamentals: Theory & Maintenance | Core Course | 3 |
| RHT 101 ◊ # English Rhetoric & Composition I | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to create an academic plan.
Explore transfer institutions and admissions requirements by attending transfer events (if intending to transfer). |
Note: Grade of “C” or higher is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊.
| AUT 171 (was 150) # ◊ Engine Fundamentals: Operation & Maintenance | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 172 (new) # Engine Fundamentals II: Advanced Service & Repair | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 174 (was 114) # ◊ Engine Performance I: Fuel, Ignition & OBD Systems | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 175 (was 129) # ◊ Advanced Electrical Systems: Starting, Charging & Lighting | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| MAT 102 # ◊ Liberal Arts Mathematics | Mathematics Gen-ed | 3 |
| OR | | |
| MAT 122 ◊ # Technical Mathematics | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| Take Credits Social and Behavioral Science | Social and Behavioral Science Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 18 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer).
If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. |
Notes: MAT 122◊: Meets the Mathematics and/or Science general education requirement.
Light Vehicle Maintenance Certificate has been completed.
| AUT 196 (was 280) # ◊ Climate Control Systems: Fundamentals of Heating & Air Conditioning | Core Course | 2 |
| AUT 206 (was 282) # ◊ Climate Control Systems: Diagnostics & Service Procedures | Core Course | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 4 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer).
If intending to transfer, create a Transferology account to explore how coursework transfers and attend a Transfer 101 Workshop. |
| AUT 210 (was 275) # ◊ Manual Transmissions & Drivetrains: Service & Repair | Core Course | 3 |
| AUT 212 (was 226) # ◊ Engine Performance II: Integration & Drivability Diagnostics | Core Course | 3 |
| | | |
| AUT 214 (new) # Automotive Systems Integration Capstone | Core Course | 3 |
| OR | | |
| AUT 263 (was 296) # ◊ Work based Learning I: Automotive Internship | Core Course | 2 |
| | | |
| AUT 216 (new) # Electrical Systems Integration: Body Electronics & Module Networks | Core Course | 3 |
| SPE 101 # ◊ Principles of Effective Speaking | Communications Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 14-15 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to update your academic (and transfer plan, if intending to transfer).
Attend a Ready to Apply Workshop. (Minus the GECC Credential) |
Notes: Grade of ‘C’ or high is an IAI requirement for RHT 101◊ and RHT 102◊. Students must complete RHT 101◊, with SPE 101◊, or RHT 101◊ with RHT 102◊. Students intending to transfer are encouraged to complete all three courses: RHT 101◊, RHT 102◊ and SPE 101◊ to meet university requirements.
Brake & Suspension Certificate has been completed.
| AUT 220 (was 277) # ◊ Automatic Transmissions & Transaxles: Service, Diagnostics & Repair | Core Course | 4 |
| AUT 221 (was 230) # ◊ Vehicle Systems Analysis: Advanced Diagnostics & Repair | Core Course | 4 |
| AUT 222 (new) # Driveline Systems: Advanced Diagnostics & Troubleshooting | Core Course | 4 |
| Take Credits Humanities | Humanities Gen-ed | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits: | 15 |
| Meet with your Academic Advisor to finalize your transfer plan and apply to your transfer institution(s) if intending to transfer.
Submit graduation petition by deadline (check for the specific date in catalog or syllabi.) |
Note: Automotive Technology, Engine Performance and Transmission Repair Certificates have been completed.
NOTE: A MINIMUM GRADE OF ‘C’ IS REQUIRED FOR ALL AUT COURSES.
Note: Hand tools are required for automotive courses that include lab time.
See Associate in Applied Science Graduation Requirements by discipline: https://triton.smartcatalogiq.com/2025-2026/triton-college-catalog/applied-science-programs/associate-in-applied-science-degree-requirements
See AUT course descriptions.
Chairperson: Ken Davis, Ext. 3970, email: kennethdavis@triton.edu
KEY
(AAS/AA/AS/AGS/GECC/AES) |
| General Education |
Communications, Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science, Social and Behavioral Science (see individual degree requirements). |
| Core Course |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in a semester for this program. |
| Program Elective |
Course(s) that faculty recommend and are listed in the ‘Program Electives’ section (if any) for this program. |
If intending to transfer, choose courses accepted by your transfer institution. |
| Elective (general) |
Course(s) chosen by the student, if needed, above and beyond core courses and program electives (if any), to complete the Program Total Credits. |
| ◊ symbol |
This course is articulated. (course transfers to 3 or more Illinois State schools, as an elective or equal course-to-course) |
| # symbol |
This course has a prerequisite. (course(s) student takes prior to taking this course) |
Last Updated
6/15/2026 12:09:36 PM