Get on the inside track to a great career in the Automotive Technology program at Minnesota State College Southeast. Our diploma in automotive tech is flexible enough to fit your schedule and will prepare you with the skills you need to succeed in the automotive industry.
Take the first steps toward becoming an automotive technician by earning your diploma from Minnesota State College Southeast. The automotive technology diploma will give you a solid base to enter the automotive field or continue your higher education.
Major Details
If you're fascinated by all things automotive, you'll want to get on the inside track to an Automotive Technology career at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona.
Automotive Technology is a 2 year, 55-credit diploma that is packed with everything you'll need to know to find employment in this high-paying, high-demand career area.
Start with the basics: Shop safety, use of service manuals, preventative maintenance, and the use of automotive tools and equipment. You will then progress to in-depth, hands-on knowledge of vehicle systems such as:
- Brakes
- Suspension and steering
- Electrical
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
- Engine repair and performance
- Automatic transmissions and transaxles
- Drivetrain and axles
This program also offers an introductory look into hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as light duty diesel operations and maintenance.
Automotive mechanic coursework at Southeast
The course load in Southeast's Automotive Technology program is flexible enough to allow part-time employment while going to college.
With a diploma in Automotive Technology, you will be working in an exciting, rewarding career that will always be in demand. Apply today!
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast
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Cluster/Pathway
Career Field: Engineering, Manufacturing & Technology
Cluster: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Pathway: Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
AUTO1150
General Automotive
This course is designed as a prerequisite for all Automotive Technology courses. In this course students will learn shop safety, automobile identification, service manuals, preventative maintenance, customer care, labor rates and proper use of automotive tools and equipment. Emphasis will also be placed on proper documentation of repair orders. This course also takes a look at how proper communication and shop etiquette can be met, as well as what it takes to be a successful technician. This course is designed to allow students to have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisites: None) (4 Credits: 2 Lecture/2 Lab).
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4 cr
AUTO1155
Brakes
In this course students will learn components and operations of brake hydraulic systems, power brakes, disc and drum brakes, and parking brake systems. Emphasis will also be placed on antilock, and traction/stability control systems. This course will build a foundation to brake system diagnostics and repairs. Students will have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment (Corequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO1160
Suspension and Steering
This course is designed to teach students the various suspension and steering components and their purpose. Students will learn to diagnose faulty steering and suspension components as well as how to properly and safely perform component replacement. Emphasis will also be placed on wheel alignments. Students will have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the courses in a live lab environment. (Corequisites: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO1165
Electrical/Electronic Systems I
This course is designed to introduce students to basic automotive electrical. Students will begin with how electricity happens, how it flows and how it is affected. Emphasis is placed on voltage, current and resistance. Students will begin reading wiring schematics, learn basic electrical testing, diagnostics, and repairs. This course is designed to allow students to have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Corequisites: AUTO1150) (3 Credits: 2 Lecture/1 Lab)
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3 cr
AUTO1250
Electrical/Electronic Systems II
This course is the next level of automotive electrical and electronics. This course is designed to go further into advanced vehicle technologies, electrical and electronics systems, their operation, and more in-depth vehicle electrical diagnosis and repair. This course is designed to allow students to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisites: AUTO1150, AUTO1165) (4 credits: 2 Lecture/2 Lab)
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4 cr
AUTO1255
Engine Performance I
This course is designed to introduce engine components, and vehicle systems that affect the engine performance of a vehicle. This course is designed to allow students to have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO1260
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
This course is designed to educate students about automotive heating, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC). Students will learn system components, operation and service. Emphasis will be placed on the evacuation and recharge of vehicle refrigerants. Students will have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO1265
Introduction to Hybrid and Electric
This course is designed to give students an introductory look at Hybrid and Electric vehicles. Students will learn system components, operation, basic diagnostics and service. Emphasis will be placed on High Voltage (HV) safety standards. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (1 Credit: 1 Lecture/0 Lab)
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1 cr
AUTO1270
Introduction to Light Duty Diesels
This course is designed to give students an introductory look at automotive diesels. Students will learn system components, operation, as well as basic diagnostics and service. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between gasoline and diesel technology. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150)
(1 Credit: 1 Lecture/0 Lab)
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1 cr
AUTO2350
Engine Repair
This course is designed to educate students on engine components, construction, and service. Emphasis will be placed on engine removal, disassembly and inspection. This course is designed to allow students to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of this course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO2355
Engine Performance II
This course is the next level of Engine Performance I. This course will further explore vehicle systems that affect engine performance. This course will advance a systematic approach to vehicle engine performance diagnostics. Students will have the opportunity to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of the course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisites: AUTO1150, AUTO1255) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO2450
Automatic Transmission and Transaxle
This course is designed to educate students on automatic transmissions and transaxle components, operations, diagnostics, services and repairs. Students will learn the various transmission designs available as well. This course is designed to allow students to apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of this course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO2455
Drivetrain and Axle
This course is designed to educate students on drive train and axle system components, operation, service and diagnostics. Emphasis will be placed on differential diagnostics and setup. Students will apply and practice knowledge learned in the lecture portion of this course in a live lab environment. (Prerequisite: AUTO1150) (5 Credits: 2 Lecture/3 Lab)
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5 cr
AUTO2460
Automotive Technology Capstone
This course is designed to take all automotive technology skills learned throughout the program and apply them. Students will be applying learned skills to all systems of the vehicle on both customer vehicles and program trainers. This course gives students the opportunity to create and practice a more successful; efficient approach to diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Emphasis will also be placed on student¿s vehicle and customer care skills, as well as proper documentation of their work. (Prerequisites: AUTO1150, AUTO1155, AUTO1160, AUTO1165, AUTO1250, AUTO1255, AUTO1260, AUTO1265, AUTO1270, AUTO2350, AUTO2355)
(Corequisites: AUTO2450, AUTO2455) (2 Credits: 1 Lecture/ 1 Lab)
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2 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 55 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $13,065 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $3,000 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $350 |
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| Estimated Total: | $16,415 |
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Career Opportunities
- Certified Technician
- Service Manager
- Service Writer
- Shop Manager/Owner
- Vehicle Inspector
- Insurance Adjuster
- Vehicle Sales
- Part Sales
- Salvage Yard
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Perform safety practices and procedures
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of vehicle systems
- Demonstrate the ability to diagnose vehicles
- Demonstrate the ability to complete vehicle repairs and maintenance
- Demonstrate customer care and repair shop etiquette
Highlights
- State-of-the-art lab in the Norris P. Abts Transportation Center operates as a live shop.
- Students work on customer vehicles, as well as program cars, allowing real hands-on experience.
- Students will learn all aspects of an automotive repair facility, from vehicle repairs to customer care.
- Text and curriculum designed around Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification.
Instructors
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Amanda Evenson
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Amanda Evenson earned her bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and as well as an Automotive Technology diploma and an associate degree in Individualized Studies from Minnesota State College Southeast. She is familiar with MSC Southeast not only from having been a student, but also from having served as an adjunct instructor for several years prior to becoming a full-time instructor in 2019. She brings several years of field experience to this position, having served as a technician in both new and used car dealership settings as well as in independent facilities, helping her give students a complete view of what the automotive industry has to offer.
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Adam Pehler
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Adam Pehler attended Winona State University before transferring to Minnesota State College Southeast to earn a diploma in Automotive Technology. While attending MSC Southeast, he started his career at a couple of tire chain stores before becoming a technician at a new and used vehicle dealership. After 4 years he was promoted into the Service Advisor and Dispatcher position. Then he worked for 12 years as a Service Manager at a local car dealership. He has a combined 23 years of experience in the field ranging from changing oil to management.