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5 Best Online Associate in Automotive Technology

Written by College Cliffs Team At CollegeCliffs.com, our team, comprising seasoned educators and counselors, is committed to supporting students on their journey through graduate studies. Our advisors, holding advanced degrees in diverse fields, provide tailored guidance, current program details, and pragmatic tips on navigating application procedures.

Reviewed by Linda Weems I got started researching colleges and universities about 10 years ago while exploring a second career. While my second career ended up being exactly what I’m doing now, and I didn’t end up going to college, I try to put myself in your shoes every step of the way as I build out College Cliffs as a user-friendly resource for prospective students.

Updated: March 8, 2024, Reading time: 11 minutes

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Automotive technicians, mechanics, and supervisors have grown to be in-demand professions throughout the years. The increase in the number of cars driven has brought about an increase in this demand. More vehicles mean more units to service and repair, paving the way for a boom in the automotive industry.

If you’re interested in dealing with car parts and solving engine problems, you may want to pursue a degree in automotive technology. This will help you gain the needed technical knowledge and practical applications in providing automotive services. Programs use a mix of classroom, laboratory, and online classes for a better learning experience.

College Cliffs is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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The Lowdown
Over the years, the automotive industry has steadily risen in terms of car sales and innovation. This brought a rise in automotive servicing, which created more job opportunities for individuals interested in automotive technology. Programs range from certificates to associate and bachelor’s degrees. With these programs, you’ll gain the needed technical knowledge and skills to pursue roles in automotive dealerships, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. Working in the automotive industry is both fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Jumpstart Your Automotive Career

For students who are looking to start their careers, earning an associate degree may be a great option. Getting an associate degree usually takes two years to finish, covering both general courses and majors.

An associate degree in automotive technology will cover the basics while diving into major topics such as transmission diagnosis, engine repair, and automotive service.

Additionally, most automotive technology programs aim to develop communication and leadership skills. However, it’s good to know that not all associate programs are identical. Some may vary according to the mode of instruction, internship options, and course concentrations.

Online Associate in Automotive Technology - fact

Methodology

What must aspiring vehicle experts look for in an online associate degree in Automotive Technology, you ask? We compile the online Associate of Automotive Technology degrees offered by prominent colleges across the States with features that point to high academic standards:

Check out our Methodology page for more details on our ranking process.

5 Best Online Associate in Automotive Technology Degrees

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Penn College is one of the top schools offering programs in automotive technology. Its associate’s program provides the needed automotive principles and skillset to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Experience real-world situations through simulations while practicing troubleshooting procedures, engine performance, and proper inspection.

Through the help of industry experts, you’ll take up topics involving:

The program’s extensive hybrid curriculum also covers various principles in automotive technology, like manual transmission, steering, and suspension. On top of these, you’ll also learn the core of human relations, which is vital in working as an automotive technician with a team and succeeding in supervisory work.

Northcentral Technical College 

Northcentral Technical College 

With the increasing demand for automotive technicians, Northcentral Technical College aims to produce highly skilled graduates through its partially online Automotive Technology associate degree. The program offers a good mix of automotive courses ranging from:

You’ll also learn how to service and repair air conditioning systems, hybrid drivetrains, and suspension systems.

The hybrid curriculum also offers topics in communication, economics, and psychology, where students learn the necessary skills to qualify for supervisory positions in the automotive industry. Additionally, NTC’s automotive program received accreditation from the National Automotive Technician’s Education Foundation (NATEF).

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College

Midlands Technical College provides extensive automotive theories and hands-on training through its associate degree in automotive technology. Its 76-credit program aims to develop the student’s automotive skills in different areas, such as engine overhaul, transmission diagnosis, and automotive heating.

After developing the necessary skill set, students will be prepared to take professional certification in different automotive areas, including:

Several courses, like history and technical communications, are offered online through web conferencing apps for convenience.

Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland Community and Technical College

Ashland Community and Technical College offer an associate of applied science degree in automotive technology. The program provides sufficient know-how in troubleshooting, servicing, and repairing vehicles. The program will tackle the following topics in:

Cover general education courses from the comfort of your home through the college’s e-Learning option.

Additionally, you’ll learn the proper use of different automotive tools and software. Aside from imparting technical expertise, you’ll also gain extensive hands-on experience through different lab courses. With this program, you’ll be ready to work in automotive dealerships or start your own independent garage.

Wichita State University

Wichita State University

WSU Tech’s automotive technology associate hybrid degree program aims to teach students the basics of automotive diagnosis, repair, and service. Take courses like:

Get the chance to intern and be exposed to actual vehicle servicing and repair. You’ll also have the option to take some of the general education courses online, so you’ll have the convenience of working on them anytime and anywhere.

WSU Tech’s edge is its certification under the MOPAR® CAP LOCAL training program, which allows its students to earn needed credentials to work on Chrysler or Fiat automotive repairs.

How to Choose the Best Automotive Studies Online Degrees

Program Concentration

Various tracks and program pathways are available in automotive technology. It’s important to know which one best suits your career goals and fits your interest. You may choose to specialize in different areas like engine performance, vehicle repair, or electric systems. If you’re looking into advancing in your career, you may look for a program that comes with management courses to help you qualify for supervisory roles.

Mode of Instruction 

Traditionally, automotive technology courses are taught in classrooms and laboratories. But with the influx of online learning, many institutions provide a hybrid learning setup wherein some courses may be taken online instead. It’s best to consider your program’s learning setup, especially if you’re juggling work with your studies.

Additionally, you may also look into the program’s hands-on learning setups like internships and laboratory works. This will help you develop a better grasp of automotive diagnosis and repair.

School Amenities

Aside from checking the food options and campus proximity, it is also important to choose a college that offers modern facilities and laboratories. Most theories taught in classrooms are often tested and applied after, so it is best to have good working laboratory conditions. Having modern tools is also a plus!

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career options for an Automotive Technology associate degree holder? 

Finishing an associate degree in automotive technology will open a lot of job opportunities for you. With the increasing demand for skilled employees specializing in vehicle repair procedures, you’ll be qualified to find employment, including these positions:

Aside from private automotive companies, government agencies and hospitality companies offer employment opportunities for automotive service technicians and similarly skilled automotive repair experts.

They expect automotive technology program graduates to be conversant in manual transmissions, installation procedures, diagnosis and repair procedures, electronic components, suspension systems, and charging systems.

How much do online associate degree graduates earn working in the automotive industry?

Entry-level jobs usually start with an annual salary of $40,000. However, higher positions may take home up to $120,000 every year. It is also worth noting that the pay varies according to your field of specialty, experience, and the company you’ll be working in.

Here are some annual salary estimates for several automotive positions:

With the growing demand for automotive services, the pay is also expected to rise. However, there may be a shift in the positions in the years to come as electric cars and eco-friendly vehicles become more popular.

What can students expect in the Automotive Technology associate degree programs?

Most associate degree programs provide in-depth technical knowledge and discussions. Expect to cover different automotive systems, repair, and performance machining. You’ll also be exposed to courses that will improve your ability to communicate effectively since supervisory roles entail client interaction. You may also deal with research and testing, depending on your specialization.

Should I look for accredited schools that educate students toward automotive service excellence?

Accreditation means that the institution has passed high academic standards and offers quality education. It is crucial for students to secure employment.

Some of the accreditation to look for in schools offering automotive technology are the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) and the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

What skills can you acquire when getting a degree in automotive technology?

Obtaining a degree in automotive technology can introduce aspiring technicians to key concepts. Combining classroom instruction and lab experience will prepare students for successful careers in the automotive industry. 

Getting a degree in automotive technology will also help you acquire the following skills:

Can women get jobs in the automotive industry?

There is a massive demand for women in the auto industry! If you’re a woman interested in studying automotive parts, this is your best degree option. Women customers prefer working with women, and many shop owners and managers discover that most of their customers are female.

It is to the organization’s advantage to have skilled women working in the shop or at the front desk. So, yes, women can get into the automotive industry without any prejudice or judgment.

Key Takeaways

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