Get a head start on a career in automotive technology with a certificate in Automotive Maintenance and General Repairs from Minnesota State College Southeast. The course load is flexible to fit your schedule and will prepare you with the skills you need to grow in the automotive industry.
Begin your career in Automotive Maintenance and General Repairs by enrolling in automotive technology courses from MSC Southeast.
Major Details
Now more than ever, it's important to get a top-notch education at a trusted auto mechanic school that will get you into the workforce and start earning a living quickly. In just one semester at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, you can earn a 17-credit certificate in Automotive Maintenance and General Repairs that will help you get started on the fast track to employment in a high-demand field.
In this certificate, you will focus on the following:
- Shop safety, the use of service manuals, preventative maintenance, and the use of automotive tools and equipment
- An introductory look at basic automotive electrical systems
- Suspension and steering systems diagnosis, replacement and alignment
- Brake systems including hydraulic systems, disc and drum brakes, parking brakes, and power assist units
This certificate allows students to be able to learn vehicle maintenance and general repair skills that will be useful as a basic entry level technician. It's also designed for students who just want to learn vehicle basics for their own benefit. If you're undecided about your career options, you can graduate with this certificate or continue your training onward with the Automotive Technology - Diploma.
With an Automotive Maintenance and General Repairs certificate from Minnesota State College Southeast, you can begin working in an exciting career in Automotive Maintenance that will always be in demand.
Apply now for admission to MSC 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
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)
Download the Course Outline
3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 17 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $4,000 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $3,000 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $350 |
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| Estimated Total: | $7,350 |
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Career Opportunities
- Basic Entry Level Technician
- General Maintenance Technician
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.