Automotive Technology Associate Degree, AAS
San Juan College's Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Automotive Technology degree program is designed for those who are ready to roll up their sleeves and learn to be an ASE-certified automotive technician. This two-year associate degree program is also ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution and earn a bachelor's degree after the successful completion of the AAS degree. Through hands-on training with our experienced instructors, you will be ready to kickstart a rewarding career in the growing field of automotive service and repair.
Why Earn a Degree in Automotive Technology?
An associate degree opens many career avenues for you in the automotive industry. It not only prepares you to be an auto motive technician, but it also equips you with the knowledge and credentials to be a service writer, shop foreman, or business owner.
Competent technicians and engineers in automotive technology and car repair can make at least $47,000 per year on average with opportunities to increase your earning potential as you become more experienced.
Why Choose San Juan College's Automotive Technology Associate Degree Program?
Practical Training to Get You Job Ready
San Juan College's Automotive Technology program is career-focused and provides ample opportunities for you to perform hands-on tasks. You have access to our 70,000-square-foot shop with state-of-the-art computers, tools, and equipment.
In addition, after completion of one to two semesters of the general Automotive Technology program, you can apply your skills to the real world by joining the Apprentice Program. The Apprentice Program allows you to earn a paycheck as an aspiring technician while receiving on-the-job training at a designated local service facility. It can also lead to full-time employment in the automotive field with a local shop.
Industry Partnerships & Expert Faculty
San Juan College partners with manufacturer programs, including Chrysler, Ford, GM, and Toyota. With the partnerships, we are able to work with new donated vehicles, use special tools, and have access to specific vehicle repair information.
SJC's Automotive Technology AAS degree program faculty are factory-trained ASE Master Technicians with years of field service. Guided by our expert instructors, you can be confident that you are well-prepared to join the workforce with knowledge of the current auto repair best practices and the latest technologies in the field.
Affordable Tuition With Scholarship Opportunities
San Juan College offers low tuition rates to make your college degree more affordable. There are also many scholarships available for automotive students, such as the National Technical Honor Society, Harbor Freight, NAPA, Automotive Aftermarket Student Scholarships, the Charlie C. Turman Scholarship Program, and more. You may even earn your degree for free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships!
What You'll Learn in the Program
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Technology is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. The program courses are designed to reflect the required content ASE specifies and help students pass the tests for ASE Certification, S/P2 Certification, and NC3 Certifications.
The automotive core courses cover:
- Automatic and manual transmissions
- Brakes
- Electrical systems
- Engine performance and repair
- EV/hybrid vehicle knowledge
- Heating and air conditioning
- Manual transmissions
- Steering and suspension
Through the Automotive Technology degree program, you will develop soft skills that are essential to your career success, including good attendance, ethical work habits, and team cooperation. You also learn to work with automotive tools and equipment, diagnose technical problems, perform repairs and overhauls safely, and learn the names of parts and how different components interact with each other.
Automotive Technology AAS Curriculum
San Juan College Automotive Shop
Careers and Outcomes
Graduates of the AAS in Automotive Technology program procure jobs at city, county, and state maintenance facilities, private automotive repair facilities, automotive dealers, or automotive parts facilities, oil field service, tire and general repair shops, quick service facilities, and construction sites/companies.
Students can pursue careers as technicians doing diagnoses and repairs, writing services, selling parts, selling vehicles, or starting their own businesses.
SJC's Automotive Technology alumni are proudly employed by dealerships, including:
- Advantage Dodge
- AutoMax
- Durango Motor Sales
- Hi-Country Buick GMC
- Hi-Country Chevrolet
- Horace Nissan
- Melloy Honda
- Ziems Ford Corners
Our graduates also have positions at the following automotive businesses:
- Andrews Automotive
- Al's Automotive
- AutoZone
- City of Farmington Maintenance
- O'Reilly Auto Parts
- San Juan County Maintenance
- Shiprock Motor Pool
- Uncle Bob’s Auto and Truck Repair
Accreditation Information
San Juan College's Automotive Technology AAS degree is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation. The ASE Education Foundation evaluates and accredits entry-level automotive technology education programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry. It also develops career-readiness education for students, which fuses local partnerships, rigorous standard-based education, workplace experience, and mentorship together.
Next Steps
To enroll in the AAS in Automotive Technology Program, start your application to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to the Automotive Coordinator or Automotive Recruiter about our Automotive Technology associate degree.
