Get on the inside track to a great career in the Automotive Technology program at Minnesota State College Southeast. Our diploma in automotive tech is flexible enough to fit your schedule and will prepare you with the skills you need to succeed in the automotive industry.
Take the first steps toward becoming an automotive technician by earning your diploma from Minnesota State College Southeast. The automotive technology diploma will give you a solid base to enter the automotive field or continue your higher education.
Career Area: Transportation
Program: Automotive Technology
Campus(es): Winona
Major Details
If you're fascinated by all things automotive, you'll want to get on the inside track to an Automotive Technology career at Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona.
Automotive Technology is a 2 year, 55-credit diploma that is packed with everything you'll need to know to find employment in this high-paying, high-demand career area.
Start with the basics: Shop safety, use of service manuals, preventative maintenance, and the use of automotive tools and equipment. You will then progress to in-depth, hands-on knowledge of vehicle systems such as:
Brakes
Suspension and steering
Electrical
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Engine repair and performance
Automatic transmissions and transaxles
Drivetrain and axles
This program also offers an introductory look into hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as light duty diesel operations and maintenance.
Automotive mechanic coursework at Southeast
The course load in Southeast's Automotive Technology program is flexible enough to allow part-time employment while going to college.
With a diploma in Automotive Technology, you will be working in an exciting, rewarding career that will always be in demand. Apply today!
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast
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Cluster/Pathway
Cluster: Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Pathway: Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance
Courses
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Total Credits Required for this Major: 55
Cost
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $13,973 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Tool Cost: | $3,000 |
| Books/Supplies: | $350 |
| Estimated Total: | $17,323 |
Career Opportunities
Certified Technician
Service Manager
Service Writer
Shop Manager/Owner
Vehicle Inspector
Insurance Adjuster
Vehicle Sales
Part Sales
Salvage Yard
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
Perform safety practices and procedures
Demonstrate professionalism
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of vehicle systems
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose vehicles
Demonstrate the ability to complete vehicle repairs and maintenance
Demonstrate customer care and repair shop etiquette
Highlights
State-of-the-art lab in the Norris P. Abts Transportation Center operates as a live shop.
Students work on customer vehicles, as well as program cars, allowing real hands-on experience.
Students will learn all aspects of an automotive repair facility, from vehicle repairs to customer care.
Text and curriculum designed around Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification.
Instructors
Amanda Evenson
Amanda Evenson earned her bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and as well as an Automotive Technology diploma and an associate degree in Individualized Studies from Minnesota State College Southeast. She is familiar with MSC Southeast not only from having been a student, but also from having served as an adjunct instructor for several years prior to becoming a full-time instructor in 2019. She brings several years of field experience to this position, having served as a technician in both new and used car dealership settings as well as in independent facilities, helping her give students a complete view of what the automotive industry has to offer.
Adam Pehler
Adam Pehler attended Winona State University before transferring to Minnesota State College Southeast to earn a diploma in Automotive Technology. While attending MSC Southeast, he started his career at a couple of tire chain stores before becoming a technician at a new and used vehicle dealership. After 4 years he was promoted into the Service Advisor and Dispatcher position. Then he worked for 12 years as a Service Manager at a local car dealership. He has a combined 23 years of experience in the field ranging from changing oil to management.