Auto Body offers challenging job opportunities using both technical and artistic skills. Earn your collision technology auto body diploma from Minnesota State College Southeast to begin your auto repair career path.
The auto body repair courses and diploma from MSC Southeast will prepare you with the skills you need to succeed in the automotive industry. This diploma includes auto body repair courses with hands-on experience taught by industry-experienced instructors.
Major Details
In the Auto Body Collision Technology program at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, MN, our students learn all aspects of working with damaged cars and trucks. The 2-year auto body repair diploma gives you 4 full semesters (55 credits) of in-depth, hands-on training experience in auto body collision repair. You will also take 5 credits of classes in English/communications, math, and job-seeking skills. Count on auto repair career opportunities in several different specialties when you graduate with an auto body collision technology diploma from MSC Southeast – our placement rate is 100%!
Auto body collision technology is both a skill set and an art. Restoring vehicles to their pre-accident condition involves:
- Refinishing, repair, replacement, and adjustment of body panels
- Structural, mechanical, and electrical repair
- New technologies such as working with aluminum and carbon fiber
Minnesota State College Southeast auto body students develop strong problem-solving skills through hands-on learning and classroom instruction. You will learn to access and interpret product data sheets, service information, and estimating guides. Students have the opportunity to take the coursework to earn I-CAR industry accreditation. Most importantly, you will work on real vehicles in our state-of-the-art facility.
Auto Body Collision Technology is certified by the ASE Education Foundation (formerly NATEF). This makes the auto body repair school at Minnesota State College Southeast one of only a handful of automotive collision repair schools in the United States certified in the four major areas of Auto Body: refinishing, structural, non-structural, and mechanical/electrical.
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Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Math Requirement
Choose one 2-credit - or greater - Math course. MATH 1015 Geometry is suggested. (If considering the AAS degree, MATH 1230 – Introduction to Statistics is preferred.)
2 cr
COMM1015
Job Seeking Skills
Students will gain independence and proficiency in job searching skills through activities and assignments designed to help them learn how to find jobs, how to prepare to apply for jobs, and how to present themselves as candidates for jobs. Skills covered will include how to search electronically for a job; how to develop written documents needed for a successful self-directed job search, including how to create an electronic portfolio; and how to secure, conduct, and follow up on job interviews. (Prerequisite: none) (1 credit: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
ABCT1115
Introduction to Transportation Careers
Intro to Transportation Careers covers departmental procedures and practices as well expectations of the students in the programs. Safety, environmental concerns, and simulated Right to Know training are a significant part of the course. Basic tools, tool usage, basic power tools, and care of them are included. Threaded fasteners, drive types, torquing, thread compounds, cutting methods, gluing, and adhesives are covered from a generic point and not vehicle specific. (Prerequisites: none) (1 credits: 1 lecture/0 lab)
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1 cr
ABCT1125
Auto Body Welding 1
Auto Body Welding 1 focuses on welding of thin gauge sheet metal utilized for the outer body panels of vehicles. Welding will be performed in the flat, vertical, and overhead the purpose of heating and cutting operations. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1135
Auto Body Mechanical 1
Auto Body Mechanical 1 focuses on the mechanical systems that are often involved with the collision event and need to be disassembled or removed from the vehicle for the purpose of replacement or access for repairs. Safety concerns for mechanical system removal is critical to the learning as well as environmental issues. System protection during removal and storage is covered to help insure parts and the vehicle are not damaged or effected by the removal or repairs. Refilling and bleeding of many of the systems are covered so as to ensure proper operation and life of the components in the system. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1145
Auto Body Disassembly/Reassembly
Vehicle repairs require correct disassembly, damage assessment, and reassembly procedures to complement structural, body, and refinishing procedures. The need to document conditions prior to repair as well as at the completion of repairs is required as part of vehicle work files. Vehicles that have repairs performed need to be cleaned and detailed prior to delivery to the owner at the completion of repairs and the skills and techniques to do this are included in the course. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1155
Refinishing 1
Introductions to refinishing products, equipment, terminology, safety, corrosion protection, and product application are part of this course. The main focus will be the stages of refinishing that deal with repaired areas, bare metal, and the back side of these areas or panels. Primer surfacer work will focus on getting repaired areas leveled and free of imperfections through block sanding techniques. This course will prepare panels and build knowledge needed for Refinishing 2 which is top coat applications. This course is highly suggested prior to taking refinishing 2 but is not required. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1165
Sheet Metal Repair and Replacement
Outer body panel repairs and replacement procedures will be included in this course. Straightening techniques will focus on contour correction for use of body filler materials which are also part of the course. Paintless dent removal will be covered in theory and participants will be able to attempt to use the techniques. Body fillers will be completed so as to be prepared for application of primer surfacers. Body panel replacement procedures will be introduced and practice opportunities provided for adjustable sheet metal including doors, hoods, deck lids, hatches, slider doors and fenders. Welded on body panels including roof skins, quarter panels, and door skins will also be included. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115, ABCT1125) (5 credits: 1 lecture/4 lab)
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5 cr
ABCT1245
Plastics and Composites Repair
The plastics and composites repair course provides opportunity to learn the identification of plastic and composite types and locations used on late model vehicles. Once identified repair methods available for each are presented with hands-on assignments using a variety of methods and materials available in the collision repair industry. Repairs are completed to the point of refinishing readiness. This course utilizes many resources located at various web based sights so that knowledge of future plastics and repair methods can be learned after completion of the course. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1255
Refinishing 2
Refinishing 2 starts with cleaning of vehicle or panels to be refinished and then the development of a paint plan. Preparation of the panel(s) for top coat application, pre-paint cleaning procedures, set-up of spray equipment, mixing of paint materials and application are all part of the processes covered. Additionally paint detailing, paint problems and defects, vehicle protection, masking methods, color identification, and personal safety are included. This course start with top coat systems where refinishing y 1 ended with application of primer materials needed to treat bare metal and correct minor panel imperfections. (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1115, ABCT1155 is highly recommended but not required) (5 credits: 1 lecture/4 lab)
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5 cr
ABCT1265
Refinishing Lab
This lab is intended to provide time needed to perform refinishing procedures for parts and vehicle areas needing refinishing for a variety of reasons. This includes pre-sanding cleaning, paint plan development, abrading of panels, mixing of paint products, application procedures, maintenance of spray equipment, and detailing of paint defects. (Prerequisites or concurrent: ABCT1115 and ABCT1255) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1275
Production Lab 1
This lab allows student to work with skills learned in earlier courses dealing with body repairs on customer vehicle projects. Skill development and refinement is focused on with the idea of moving toward decision making on repair methods and quality control of one's own body repairs. This includes disassembly/reassembly, metal straightening and finishing, body panel adjustments, and detailing of vehicles for customer delivery. Students will utilize references and Standard Operating Procedures (S.O.P.'s) to make decisions and confirm with instructor(s) so as to gain confidence with processes. (Prerequisite: ABCT1115 and 10 additional ABCT credits) (4 credits: 0 lecture/4 Lab)
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4 cr
ABCT1316
Auto Body Basic Electrical
D.C. theory is the starting point for this course which focuses on how circuits work and troubleshooting procedures needed to test them on vehicles. Multi-meters are used to take readings for voltage, amperage, resistance, and voltage drop. Once problem areas are identified repair or replacement procedures are used to fix wiring, connections, or faulty components. Service information is utilized to access vehicle specific circuits for troubleshooting and repairs. Scan tools and service information for diagnostics and calibration will be introduced. Safety for hybrid and electric vehicles is included. (Prerequisites: ABCT1115, ABCT1145, or concurrent with both) (3 Credit: 2 Lecture/1 Lab)
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3 cr
ABCT1325
Auto Body Welding 2
The second welding course in the auto body program delivers information and hands-on practice of advanced welding methods for collision repairs. The MIG welding procedures will focus on structural parts and full frame welding procedures. Resistance spot welding techniques for late model collision repair are covered as well as silicon bronze welding using wire feed welders. Plasma arc cutting and induction heating procedures are included in the course. (Prerequisites: ABCT1115, ABCT1125, ABCT1165 (Prerequisite or concurrent: ABCT1345) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1335
Auto Body Mechanical 2
The second mechanical course in the auto body program advances the knowledge base and hands on of many systems introduced in Auto Body Mechanical 1. Air conditioning, cooling systems, steering and suspension, brakes, and computerized body and mechanical systems are worked with from a collision damaged perspective. Hands-on assignments are involved in addition to the theory of the systems physics. Scan tools are used in the diagnostics of many of the systems as well as other specialized tools. Utilization of service procedures and service data bases are significant part of the experiences in this course as well. (Prerequisites: ABCT1135, ABCT1115, ABCT1125, ABCT1316 or concurrent enrollment) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 Lab)
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3 cr
ABCT1345
Structural Repair
This structural course focuses on preparing vehicles for structural straightening and parts replacement. Vehicle anchoring systems are used to hold the vehicle for pulling procedures and are set-up following specifications and measuring system data. Measuring is a major emphasis in structural repairs and developing of repair plans as well as documentation of the repair process. With pulling and parts replacement completed corrosion protection and restoration is applied. Wheel alignment is a final step in the structural repair process to ensure drivability. Structural glass replacement concerns are addressed during the course as well. (Prerequisites or concurrent: ABCT1115, ABCT1125, ABCT1145, ABCT1165, ABCT1325) (3 credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)
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3 cr
ABCT1355
Refinishing 3
Refinishing 3 is third in a series of refinishing courses and is intended to provide experience in the most advanced levels of vehicle refinishing. Included are the study of color theory and achieving blendable paint matches. Water borne paint technology is introduced and students switch to use of it for color application in this course and advanced labs. Tri-stage paint application and custom painting techniques and materials are introduced. The opportunity is available for students to explore custom painting techniques using air brushes, mini guns, and many other tools. (Prerequisites: ABCT1155, ABCT1255, and 6 credits of refinishing and production labs) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1375
Production Lab 2
Production Lab 2 provides the opportunity to continue to develop body and paint skills learned in earlier courses. Lab time is also used to prepare vehicles for structural repairs when enrolled concurrently in advanced courses. Emphasis is now being placed on accountability for use of the lab time and recording tasks by time to weekly logs in preparation for industry flat rates. Planning of repair steps are shifted toward the student's involvement working toward setting goals for the week as part of weekly logs. (Prerequisite: ABCT1115 and 20 additional ABCT courses or instructor approval) (2 credits: 0 lecture/2 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1417
Repair Planning and Estimating
Damage analysis and estimating covers the process of analyzing the vehicle following a collision event looking at preexisting conditions as well as collision related damage. The process of gathering customer information, vehicle information, insurance coverage information, vehicle damage, parts options, parts pricing, labor operation pricing, and other related charges and arriving at cost of repairs is the core of the course. Processes needed to document repairs, identify OEM procedures, and paint companies recommendations are critical and covered in the course. Communication of needed information for the customer and insurance company is also focused on with insurance policies and coverage types included. (Prerequisites: 20 credits of ABCT courses completed or concurrently enrolled in the needed credits) (2 credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
ABCT1475
Production Lab 3
Production Lab 3 requires the student to participate in repair plan with an understanding of industry flat rate units assigned. Goals for the project and student will be established based on flat rate and the student's current skill level so as to focus advancing production speed without sacrifice to quality of the repairs. Projects will be based on smaller projects than previously involved with in previous courses. Body repairs, panel replacement, refinishing procedures, trim and small parts replacement, temporary repairs, vehicle detailing, and various other repairs are included. (Prerequisite: 27 credits or more of ABCT courses) (3 credits: 0 lecture/3 lab)
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3 cr
ABCT1485
Collision Lab
Collision lab is designed to perform task related to collision damage involving some degree of structural analysis and repair procedures. This course is available to complete larger collision projects which may have been begun in the previous term or that are started at the beginning of the term enrolled in course. Emphasis is placed on repairing vehicle utilizing vehicle manufactures recommended repair guidelines and procedures. This course is generally taken along with other lab courses that provide time to perform the refinishing tasks, detailing, vehicle assembly, and preparation for customer delivery. (Prerequisite: 27 credits of ABCT or instructor approval) (4 credits: 0 lecture/4 lab)
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4 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 60 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $12,797 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $2,050 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $150 |
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| Estimated Total: | $14,997 |
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Career Opportunities
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Auto Body Repair
- Auto Body Refinishing
- Structural Repair
- Damage Claims Writer
- Shop Manager/Owner
- Parts and Supply Industry
- Related Manufacturing
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
Auto Body Collision Technology Program graduates will be able to:
- Perform body panel and minor structural repairs and parts replacement.
- Perform vehicle refinishing preparation, application, and paint detailing.
- Dismantle and reassemble vehicle body parts, trim, interior components, and non-structural glass.
- Demonstrate safe and professional work habits.
- Perform minor mechanical and electrical collision-related procedures.
- Assess a vehicle's damage and develop a repair plan utilizing service information.
- Using the written damage report, interpret the procedures for the repairs and check all replacement parts for correct matches to the vehicle and the damage report.
Highlights
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National Automotive Technician Education Foundation (NATEF) certified program.
- Instructors are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
- The program follows Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) recommended guidelines and offers the students the opportunity to gain I-CAR course credits.
- The program is continually upgraded to maintain the latest technology used in industry.
- 70% of coursework is hands-on in a lab setting.
- You will enjoy the opportunity of a broad career range within the auto body/collision repair and related fields.
Instructors
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Brandon Boynton
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Auto Body Collision Repair instructor Brandon Boynton is ASE Master Certified in Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing and holds multiple certifications through various vehicle manufacturers as well as through I-CAR, the industry standard in continued education. As a successful technician coming out of the industry, he brings a wealth of fresh ideas to the classroom and lab, bringing out the best in his students and pushing them to create a work ethic that partners with the skills they develop in the program. He hopes to share his passion for the Auto Body industry with his students, knowing that they will be able to take pride and satisfaction from performing repairs that align with vehicle manufacturer standards.
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Thomas Brandt
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Tom Brandt is ASE Master Certified in Auto Collision Repair as well as Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collison Repair (I-CAR) trained. He has worked in the auto collision industry for several years and has continually upgraded his training since he started teaching for Minnesota State College Southeast. Tom feels the best way to learn the trade is to be provided the opportunity to get involved in repairs. His students gain skills thorough hands-on experience and quality coaching from the instructor.