Automotive Technology

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Available On Campus
Limited Enrollment
Program Begins: Fall Only

For more information contact:
Lee Friese • Technical Center 228 • 701-224-5657
Lee.Friese@bismarckstate.edu

Program Description
The Automotive Technology program at BSC provides training in all eight instructional areas certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, an evaluation board of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification is based on compliance with standards developed by the automotive industry. All BSC instructors have achieved Master ASE certification as experts in the field. Automotive Technology is a limited enrollment, two-year program that prepares graduates for entry-level jobs. Admission occurs in Fall and Spring (based on availability).

Students use classroom and hands-on knowledge to learn how to repair automotive, mechanical, and electrical systems. Using the latest diagnostic technology, they work on training vehicles to hone skills. Study units include electronics, fuel delivery systems, transmissions, clutches, ignition systems, braking and steering systems, transaxles, drive trains, heating/air conditioning diagnosis, and emission control systems.
 
Preparation
Technicians need good reading, mathematics and computer skills to study technical manuals. Employers look for people with strong communication and analytical skills. Recommended high school courses include physics, chemistry, algebra, keyboarding, introduction to electricity, English and business management. Prior automotive training is helpful. Continuing education after graduation is common to keep up with changes in technology and service procedures.

Program Requirements
Students who complete the curriculum requirements earn a Program Certificate (60 credits), Diploma (69 credits), or Associate in Applied Science degree (75 credits).

The Automotive Technology Program Certificate is made up of two sections:
  • Students receive an Electrical/Chassis Systems Certificate (30 credits) upon completion of Freshman Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Students receive an Engine Performance/Air Conditioning Systems Certificate upon completion of Sophomore Fall and Spring semesters.
Required minimum placement scores:
This program has minimum entrance requirements. Details can be found here.

Special Costs
A $100 deposit, required upon acceptance into the program, is applied toward tuition. Fee is non-refundable if you decide not to attend BSC.

Students must have a specified tool set, books, four-function pocket calculator, padlock and sturdy leather shoes. Toolboxes will be provided for student use through the Dean D. Gunsch Toolbox Program.

Career Opportunities
BSC's Automotive Technology program is vital for those planning to work as auto technicians, but also valuable for those interested in auto sales and service, parts manufacturing and sales, and farming and ranching.

Additional Information
Awareness of these technical standards may help students determine suitability for this career.

Industry Technical Standards
  • Must have the ability to perform accurate work, communicate effectively with others, present information in a clear, concise manner and follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Requires good manual dexterity, good color vision and hearing, and ability to speak.
  • Requires continuous walking, frequent standing, bending, stooping, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional sitting, crawling, lifting 50 pounds from knee to shoulder high, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds.
  • Requires continuous use of tools and occasional use of foot controls.
  • Continuously exposed to noise; frequently exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, chemicals, and extreme heat and cold, and occasionally exposed to vibration, poor ventilation, and confined areas.
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