Online bachelor's degree programs in
automotive technology typically take 3-4 years to complete, and provide
students with the tools necessary to work as technicians or managers
within the auto industry. Students interested in working in the field of
high performance motor sports may want look at certificate programs in
the field. Such programs require significant hands-on work with race
engines and typically take around a year to complete.
Overview of Online Automotive Technology Bachelor's Degree Programs
Online automotive technology degree programs prepare students to work
in a number of jobs in the automotive industry. Most bachelor's degree
programs that offer online options do so in the form of hybrid programs.
Lab experience, where students complete hands-on automotive work, is
typically a necessary component of automotive technology programs, but
certain theoretical courses can be delivered online.
Students enrolled in automotive technology bachelor's degree programs
receive training in business management, automotive repair, engine
operation and automotive customer service. These programs cover
automotive research methods and data analysis that will help students to
diagnose and solve mechanical problems in various vehicles. Laboratory
work covers repair techniques and procedures, mechanical and electrical
systems and vehicle analysis. Online courses deal more with the
managerial side of the industry, dealing with personnel management,
financial procedures and safety regulations.
Common Coursework for Bachelor's Degree Programs in Automotive Technology
Students will complete coursework that covers theories and techniques
in automotive repair and configuration. Typically, students choose
whether they want to pursue a path as a repair technician or mechanic or
work on the managerial side of the automotive industry, and select
their classes accordingly.
Automotive Management Course
This course studies operational procedures and customer relations
within the automotive industry. Students will examine topics dealing
with legal issues, warranties, customer service and human resources.
Engine Principles Course
This course studies principles of internal combustion engines,
including topics in two- and four-stroke cycles, valve systems, cooling
and lubricating. Students will learn techniques in precision measurement
and in engine disassembly and assembly.
Collision Repair Course
This course covers theories in removing, repairing, replacing and
adjusting body panels of an automobile after they are damaged by impact.
Students will also get an introduction to cutting and welding steel.
Many people who earn their degree in automotive technology go on to become
automotive service
technicians and mechanics. As of May 2009, the average annual wage for
someone working in the field was $37,880, according to the U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov). The BLS reported that between
2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field are expected to grow at a
slower than average rate. With an additional certificate in high
performance motorsports, graduates of automotive technician programs can
be prepared to work in race settings, including on NASCAR crews.
Students interested in pursuing a career as a NASCAR technician, or
in other high performance motorsports, may want to consider a
certificate program in the field. High performance motorsports
certificate programs typically take around a year to complete. They are
usually highly focused on high-performance vehicles, so students without
prior automotive repair experience may wish to enroll in a general
automotive technology degree program before pursing a high-performance
motorsports certificate. Such programs typically require hands-on work,
which is why online courses typically aren't available.
Students will learn the science of high performance automobiles, and
receive the proper training needed to work as an automotive technician
on race cars and similar vehicles. Due to the necessity of learning how
to properly weld, build and fabricate engines, and how to work on
components including electronics, steering and suspension, most courses
require some sort of hands-on lab work.
Students learn how to build and test high performance engines, as
well as how to build a race car chassis. Courses provide students with
techniques needed to diagnose and tune automobiles to improve the
vehicles' performance.
Race Engine Assembly Course
Students learn how to properly build and assemble an engine, and
maximize its power and durability. This course provides hands-on
experience in the disassembly and reassembly of engines.
Race Engine Dynamometer Course
This course provides students with hands-on experience in dynamometer
setup and operation. Students also learn the proper maintenance needed
to keep the dynamometer running well.
Race Engine Design Course
Students will work in teams to design, assemble and test a V-8
engine. Students will test the engine on an engine dynamometer, and are
graded on its torque and horsepower.
High performance motorsports certificate programs are meant to
prepare students for work in the field as members of pit crews, with the
ultimate job being a spot on a NASCAR crew. The auto industry as a
whole will reportedly need 35,000 new technicians every year through
2010, according to
NASCAR.com.
NASCAR.com reported that
work as an automotive technician, high performance or otherwise, can
earn someone a yearly salary of $30,000-$70,000.
Continuing Education Options
Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence (ASE) is typically necessary for someone who wants to work at
any level as an automotive technician. Two years of work experience and
training in the form of school programs or an apprenticeship are
prerequisites for the certification test. The ASE certification test
requires a person to pay the necessary fees, choose the discipline for
which they want to earn certification then complete a multiple-choice
test covering theoretical knowledge.
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