Rev Up Your Career with Automotive Technician Training
St. Louis Community College's automotive technology programs prepare you for a career in the automotive service industry with training in vehicle systems, diagnostics and repair. Choose from a certificate of proficiency (CP), certificate of specialization (CS) or associate in applied science (AAS) to fit your career goals and learning needs.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, you’ll build skills across all eight Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) areas, including engine performance, brakes, electrical systems, suspension and steering, and more. You’ll learn how to inspect vehicles, troubleshoot problems, follow industry safety practices and use the tools and technology found in today’s repair facilities.
The program also prepares you to pursue ASE certification exams and additional industry credentials that can strengthen your skills and expand your career opportunities in automotive service and repair.
What is Automotive Technology at St. Louis Community College?
Automotive technology prepares you to work on today’s vehicles by combining mechanical skills, electrical knowledge and problem-solving techniques. You’ll learn how vehicles operate, how to identify problems and how to perform repairs and maintenance that keep drivers safe on the road.
STLCC’s automotive technology programs provide training in the eight ASE areas, including:
- Engine repair.
- Automatic transmission/transaxle.
- Manual drive train and axles.
- Suspension and steering.
- Brakes.
- Electrical/electronic systems.
- Heating and air conditioning.
- Engine performance.
You can choose the credential that best fits your goals:
Associate in applied science (AAS): A two-year degree that combines automotive training with general education courses to provide a broader education and career foundation.
Certificate of proficiency (CP): A focused program that builds the technical skills needed to begin working in the automotive service and repair industry.
Certificate of specialization (CS): A shorter program that introduces essential automotive skills and prepares you for common service and repair tasks.
What Can You Do with an Automotive Technology Degree?
An automotive technology degree or certificate from STLCC prepares you for a career in the automotive service and repair industry. You’ll build the technical skills needed to diagnose vehicle issues, complete maintenance and repairs, use industry-standard equipment and apply safety practices in professional settings.
Graduates may find opportunities as automotive service technicians in repair shops, dealerships, fleet maintenance departments and other automotive service businesses. You’ll be prepared to work with a variety of vehicle systems, including engines, brakes, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning and more.
As you gain experience and pursue additional certifications, you can continue growing your career through specialized repair areas, advanced technician roles or leadership opportunities within the automotive industry. The training you receive provides a strong foundation for a career built around problem-solving, technology and keeping vehicles on the road.
Automotive Technology Programs
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science (AAS), certificate of proficiency (CP), certificate of specialization (CS)
- Locations: Forest Park
- AAS Hours to complete: 61
- CP Hours to complete: 43
- CS Hours to complete: 15
- Program contact name: Joe Jackson
- Program contact email: jjackson519@stlcc.edu
Cost of Attendance
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Related Programs
At STLCC, you can combine this degree with a number of certificates to enhance your career opportunities, including:
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Automotive Technology Programs
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third lower than other local institutions.
Build Skills You Need with Stackable Credentials
Stackable credentials help you level up your career opportunities without investing a large amount of time and resources. You can stack or assemble a series of traditional and nontraditional credentials including degrees, certificates, apprenticeships and more.
Ramp Up High Wage Skills
STLCC offers career-focused programs for high-wage, high-skill and in-demand jobs. STLCC provides opportunities for college transfers, career development and workforce training. Certificate programs can establish you in a new career in as few as 12 weeks.
Unlock Career Opportunities
"I knew nothing about cars before I went to college. STLCC opened the door for me right away because Firestone came in and recruited students. I worked at Firestone while going to school and got to practice what I was learning." - Worku Muche, automotive technology graduate
STLCC. What's your reason?