Drive Your Future Forward with an Automotive Technology AAS Degree
Looking for a high-demand career with hands-on training and room for advancement? Steer your way into automotive technology with the Automotive Technology, AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes. This two-year program provides real-world experience in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles—preparing you for high-paying roles in the automotive industry.
At Iowa Lakes, you’ll train in our state-of-the-art automotive lab at the Emmetsburg Campus, working with industry-standard tools and diagnostic equipment. From engine performance and brake systems to transmissions, steering, and suspension, you’ll gain the expertise needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving automotive field.
Explore career opportunities, wage potential, and industry trends through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Outlook. Ready to take the wheel? Connect with an enrollment coach today and start your journey in automotive technology!
Find Your It!
Hands-On Training & Certification Options
Gain Real-World Experience in a High-Tech Learning Environment
The Automotive Technology AAS program at Iowa Lakes blends hands-on training with in-depth coursework to ensure you graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to work in dealerships, repair shops, and service centers. You’ll master:
- Engine diagnostics and repair
- Brake and suspension systems
- Automotive electrical and electronic systems
- Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicle technology
Earn Specialized Certifications & Boost Your Career Prospects
Success in automotive technology requires more than just classroom knowledge. That’s why our program offers certification opportunities in eight specialized areas, giving you a competitive edge in the workforce. Whether you want to focus on engine diagnostics, electrical systems, or hybrid technology, our curriculum allows you to develop specialized skills that match your career ambitions.
The automotive industry is constantly evolving, and skilled technicians are needed nationwide. Whether you aspire to be a certified automotive technician, service manager, or auto shop owner, Iowa Lakes provides the technical skills, industry connections, and hands-on experience you need to succeed.
Program Details
Length
5 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (69 credits)
Campus
Emmetsburg
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
AUT 106 – Intro to Automotive Technology
This course provides students with an introductory overview of automotive servicing from a maintenance and replacement standpoint while emphasizing routine maintenance procedures in the care of tires, batteries, lighting, belts, hoses, filters, and cooling systems through classroom and lab instruction.
AUT 115 – Automotive Shop Safety
The course is designed to prepare the student to work safely in the auto shop. Students will be introduced to safety equipment, safety rules, and common accidents in the automotive service area.
AUT 200 – Automotive Automatic Transmissions & Transaxles
This course covers Automatic Transmission and Transaxle diagnosis, maintenance, and light repair/replacement. Both hydraulic and electric controlled transmissions are discussed.
AUT 608 – Automotive Electrical
The course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems.
AUT 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity Lab Automotive
This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment in the automotive industry.
Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity
This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.
Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine
AUT 851 – Auto Eng Performance Diagnosis
The course provides experience in using critical thinking skills to formulate rapid and accurate diagnoses of automotive drivability systems.
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
Choose AUT 608 or AUT 332 & ELE 332
Term 2
AUT 164 – Automotive Engine Repair
This course provides the engine repair and maintenance information and skills needed for entry-level technicians. Preventative maintenance and in-vehicle repair are covered, along with long block removal and installation.
AUT 304 – Automotive Manual Drivetrain & Axles
This course covers manual transmission repair and maintenance, providing the information and skills needed for entry-level technicians. The course will also explore preventative maintenance, in-vehicle repair, transmission and clutch removal and installation, drive axle and transfer case diagnosis and repair.
AUT 504 – Automotive Brake Systems
This course covers brake system repair and maintenance, providing the necessary information and skills for entry-level technicians, and covers the preventative maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of brake systems, including mechanical, anti-lock brake, and traction control.
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.
Term 3
AUT 404 – Automotive Suspension & Steering
This course will provide instruction in diagnosing and repairing automotive alignment and suspension system components. Electronically controlled suspension and collision avoidance system diagnosis, maintenance, and repair are also covered.
AUT 704 – Auto Heating & Air Conditioning
The course is a study of the operation, diagnostics, and of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems used in the automotive industry.
Term 4
AUT 256 – Automotive Powertrain Advanced Diagnosis
This course covers the repair and rebuilding of automotive powertrain systems, including automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, power transfer units, and differentials, and is designed to give an in-depth knowledge of the operation, diagnosis, and repair procedures used for the powertrain system.
AUT 654 – Automotive Advanced Electrical
This course covers automotive electrical systems providing the information and skills needed for technicians while emphasizing network-controlled systems, including navigation, audio, supplemental restraint, and immobilizer theft deterrent. Through this course, students will build diagnostic skills with extensive use of oscilloscopes and multi-meters for body electrical circuit faults.
AUT 858 – Advanced Engine Performance
This course covers advanced engine performance diagnosis and repair of emission, fuel, and engine control systems and will include the utilization of Chassis Dyno and a scan tool lab scope in diagnosing engine performance.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.
Term 5
AUT 192 – Hybrid, Electric & Alternative Fuel Vehicles
During this course, students will learn the theory, application and service information of hybrid, electric and alternative power vehicles.
AUT 302 – Automotive Engine Repair & Rebuild
This course will provide students with knowledge of how to repair and rebuild automotive engines. Diagnosis, disassembly, cleaning, measurement, and assembly of the internal combustion engine are covered.
AUT 867 – Intro to Light Duty Diesel
This course provides knowledge of the basic design and operations for light duty diesel platforms in the automotive field. Topics include familiarization with light duty diesel, safety precautions, also service and maintenance procedures. Students will learn to perform basic maintenance and service operations and demonstrate proper safety.
BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry . The course covers computer terminology, operating system, email, and Internet applications . Hands on training is provided for software business applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Choose BCA 212 or CSC 110
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Automotive Technology program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Select task appropriate tools and equipment.
- Practice safety in the repair and service of automotive systems.
- Identify automotive system components.
- Analyze system components for repair/replacement.
- Perform preventative maintenance.
- Evaluate system performance to determine needed repairs.
- Explain environmental and legal constraints relating to the automotive industry.
- Research applicable vehicle and service information, service precautions and technical service bulletins.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS
- Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications
- Various SNAP-ON Certifications
Instructors are ASE Certified Master Technicians
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.3%
Potential Careers
Dealership Technician, Specialized or General Technician, Service Manager, Auto Shop Owner, Vehicle or Equipment Sales
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$49,316
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$52,410
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Jason Jacobson Assistant Professor/Program Coordinator | Automotive Technology 712-852-5348 | jjacobson@iowalakes.edu |