Alameda, USA
DURATION
4 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2025
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
Introduction
The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics or to allow students to continue toward a Baccalaureate degree in other advanced schools of technology in preparation for future management and teaching careers in the automotive industry.
The College of Alameda ATECH program is certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Educational Foundation as a Master-Level program.
Instruction covers safety trade ethics, use of hand and power tools, as well as the theory of repair and testing of automobiles and their components. Special emphasis is placed on the diagnosis and repair of electronic and computer control systems in late model automobiles.
The Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice auto mechanics.
Upon registering for a class in the automotive major area, a student will receive a list of required basic tools. The student will be expected to purchase tools that relate to the course in which he/she has enrolled. The purpose of this requirement is to assure that all students graduating from the program possess tools in a quantity sufficient for trade entry as an apprentice.
Upon graduating with an Associate in Science (AS) degree, the beginning apprentice will have the union four-year night school requirement waived. The graduate with only a Certificate of Completion will have two of the required four years of night school waived. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) will give us one-year experience credit for our two-year program towards the ASE certification program in Auto Mechanics.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
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.
Curriculum
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall 1
- ATECH 21 Transportation Technology Principles -- 4
- ATECH 22 Introduction to Auto Mechanics -- 4
- COMM 6 Intercultural Communication -- 3
or
- COMM 20 Interpersonal Communication Skills -- 3
- MATH 15 Mathematics for Liberal Arts Students1 -- 3
Total Number of Units: 14
Spring 1
- ATECH 12 Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems -- 10
- ENGL 1A Composition and Reading -- 4 or 5
or
- ENGL 1AS Composition and Reading (w/ support) -- 4 or 5
- DANCE 68 Modern Dance 1 -- 1
or
- KIN 54A Cross Fitness I – Fundamentals -- 1
Total Number of Units: 15-16
Fall 2
- ATECH 42 Advanced Auto Electronics -- 10
- GEOG 1 Physical Geography -- 3
- SOC 5 Minority Groups -- 3
or
- PSYCH 18 Psychology of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. -- 3
Total Number of Units: 16
Spring 2
- SPAN 1A Elementary Spanish -- 5
or
- VIET 1A Elementary Vietnamese -- 5
- CIS 205 Computer Literacy -- 1
- COMM 1A Introduction to Speech -- 3
or
- BUS 208 Communication Skills for Technicians -- 3
- PSYCH 9A Psychology of Interpersonal Relations -- 3
or
- BUS 10 Introduction to Business -- 3
- HUMAN 2 Human Values -- 3
or
- MUSIC 10 Music Appreciation -- 3
Total Number of Units: 15
Program Outcome
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Commitment to Learning: Be ‘lifelong learners in the field of automotive technology, keeping up with changes in vehicles, diagnostics, and repair procedures through a commitment to continual learning and training.
- Communication: Communicate effectively with customers, supervisors, and co-workers.
- Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the process of diagnosing and repairing vehicles.
- Performance: Competently perform industry-standard automotive repair procedures, using proper tools, procedures, and diagnostic techniques, as specified in the NATEF program certification process.
Career Opportunities
What can I do with a degree in Automotive Electronics Specialist
You will be prepared to get a job as an Auto Mechanic specializing in any of the following areas: Engine Performance, Chassis and Drivetrain, Chassis Specialist, Engine Repair, Specialist, Automotive Electronics Specialist, Drivetrain Specialist, and Light-Duty Auto Technician.