Contact Information
Michael Bitz, instructor/program coordinator
Michael.J.Bitz@ndscs.edu
701-671-2254
Schuett Hall 119
Delivery Methods
Face-to-Face: Wahpeton
The Automotive Technology curriculum prepares students for employment in the vast and broad automotive technology industry.
Students are provided with experiences emphasizing diagnostic and repair skills with extensive shop time. Students test, diagnose, adjust, and repair automotive systems including automatic transmissions, brakes, driveability, electrical and electronics, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, and manual drivetrain and axles. Students’ abilities in communications, human relations and other aspects of general education are also enhanced through coursework.
Graduates gain employment as automotive repair technicians in automotive dealerships, independent automotive shops, or automotive service centers. Graduates may choose to specialize in automatic transmissions, brakes, driveability, electrical and electronics, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, or manual drivetrain and axles. Many graduates have advanced from automotive repair technicians to team leaders, service writers, service managers, owners, and automotive vocational teachers.
Students interested in pursuing additional education may return for advanced automotive classes or return for one additional year and earn a second major, Auto and Diesel Master Technician. Students interested in pursuing an advanced degree will find the Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology provides transfer options to four-year colleges and universities in related fields.
Going Green: With growing concern about environmental pollution, the automotive industry has responded by developing alternative drive and fuel systems such as electric, hybrid. Automotive Technicians will have to have knowledge of these systems to be a viable employee in this field.
This program is accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc. (NATEF) at the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automobile Service Technology level.
NOTE: This program requires an EliteBook 850 Laptop or equivalent. Please refer to the NDSCS website for specifications. For further information, contact Michael Bitz, program coordinator, at 701-671-2254.
Admission Requirements*
The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Students considered for acceptance must complete all admission requirements.
*Program Admission Requirements are subject to revision. Please check the department or program website under Program Admission Requirements for current information.
Award
Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology.