Associate Science Degree in Auto Paint
Alameda, USA
Associate of Applied Science
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 7,120 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* this is for a standard 15 credit semester including fees / price may vary depending on how many credits are taken
Key Summary
Why should you become an auto collision repair technician? Because your artistic side has often driven you to be creative, you like working with your hands. You’ve always had a flair and interest in form and color. And you have a love for cars. But, can you tie all these things together, follow your dream and make a living?
The Auto Body and Paint program prepares students to enter the job market as trained and qualified technicians.
Upon registering for a class in the Auto Paint program, the student will receive a list of required basic tools. The student will be expected to provide tools that relate to the particular course in which he/she has enrolled. The purpose of this requirement is to assure that students graduating from the program who wish to enter the trade possess the necessary tools.
What you will learn
You will learn a variety of skills that will help you to excel in the Auto Paint including:
- The theory and practice of repair and painting of automobiles.
- A strong understanding of Auto Body and Paint trade ethics
- How to use hand and power tools
- Knowledge of workplace safety procedures within the field
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall 1
- AUTOB 30 Basic Methods of Paint Preparation and Equipment -- 10
- MATH 15 Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students1 -- 3
- COMM 6 Intercultural Communication -- 3
or
- COMM 20 Interpersonal Communication Skills -- 3
Total Number of Units: 16
Spring 1
- AUTOB 40 Advanced Study in Refinishing -- 10
- AUTOB 16 Introduction to Automotive Plastic Parts Repair -- 2
- ENGL 1A Composition and Reading -- 4 or 5
or
- ENGL 1AS Composition and Reading (w/ support) -- 4 or 5
Total Number of Units: 16-17
Fall 2
- SPAN 1A Elementary Spanish -- 5
or
- VIET 1A Elementary Vietnamese -- 5
- CIS 205 Computer Literacy -- 1
- SOC 5 Minority Groups -- 3
or
- PSYCH 18 Psychology of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. -- 3
- ART 20 Beginning Drawing and Composition -- 3
- MUSIC 10 Music Appreciation -- 3
or
- BUS 54 Small Business Management2 -- 3
Total Number of Units: 15
Spring 2
- GEOG 1 Physical Geography -- 3
- ART 46 2-D Visual Design -- 3
- COMM 1A Introduction to Speech -- 3
or
- BUS 208 Communication Skills for Technicians2 -- 3
- PSYCH 9A Psychology of Interpersonal Relations -- 3
or
- BUS 10 Introduction to Business2 -- 3
- DANCE 68 Modern Dance -- 1
or
- KIN 54A Cross Fitness I – Fundamentals -- 1
Total Number of Units: 13
1Students can choose to take any other degree applicable to a math courses.
2Student can complete a Small Business Administration Certificate if they complete BUS 54, 10, and 208.
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Explain through the essay and orally each of the undercoat categories and demonstrate the application to substrates.
- Make necessary computations of VOC’s and log these computations into BAAQMD acceptable standards.
- Analyze and correct paint failures and problems.
- Dissemble, clean, test, and diagnose spray guns used under Sec. 8, Rule 45.
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
What can I do with a degree in Auto Paint?
As long as there are people driving, there will be wrecks that need to be repaired. According to the Automotive Service Association, collision repair is nearly a $30 billion a year industry. That translates into job security.
In this program, you will train for jobs in Auto Body Repair as Automotive Body and Related Repairers, Auto Body Work, Automotive Body Repairer, Collision Repair Technician, Auto Body Repair, and Car Body Repair.