Automotive Technology

To learn more, visit: https://www.morainepark.edu/academics/programs/automotive-technology/

Program Number: 10-602-3
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Campus: Fond du Lac
This program is eligible for financial aid

Experience top-notch training through the two-year Automotive Technology program at Moraine Park Technical College where you’ll earn the qualifications needed to become a skilled professional in the automotive tech industry.

About the Program

With the increasingly complex automotive engineering technology, qualified automotive technicians are in high demand. Moraine Park’s Automotive Technology program provides the expert training and environment needed to become a certified professional who knows how to diagnose, maintain and repair vehicles in today’s auto industry. If you have a love for cars or are looking for a fun, exciting career, apply today to start preparing for ASE certification testing and become a skilled automotive tech.

What You'll Learn

Students learn to diagnose, service and repair vehicles through hands-on training from experienced professionals. Graduates repair all eight major systems of the automobile through advanced auto technology which includes engine mechanical, engine performance, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train, brakes, steering and suspension, climate control, and electrical and electronic systems.

Transfer Opportunities

Your academic journey can continue at a four-year college or university. Earn your associate degree at Moraine Park and then apply those credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Starting at MPTC makes completing a bachelor’s degree affordableaccessible and convenient. You can go anywhere as MPTC has transfer agreements with colleges and universities both in Wisconsin and throughout the country.

Visit the Transfer to a Four-Year College page for more information on credit transfer agreements between Moraine Park and four-year colleges, both public and private.
 

Additional Program Requirements

Students must wear a Moraine Park approved program uniform. 

 

Admission Process

Standard Admissions steps details

Credit for Prior Learning

Transform the skills and abilities developed through previous experience into college credit through MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning process. 

  • Transfer credit from other colleges/universities
  • Earn college credit for your military training and experience
  • Earn college credit via Advance Placement, CLEP, DANTES/DSST or MPTC Challenge Exams
  • Earn college credit from previous/current work and life experiences

Visit MPTC’s Credit for Prior Learning page for more information.

Approximate Costs

Fees shown are 2023-2024 fees; 2024-2025 fees will be available as soon as they are approved.

Tuition

Occupational

  • $146.20 per credit (resident)
  • $219.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Associate of Arts/Associate of Science

  • $188.90 per credit (resident)
  • $283.35 per credit (out-of-state resident)

Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Student Fees

  • $4.50 minimum per course Material Fee
  • $12.50 per-credit Supplemental Fee for Undergraduate courses
  • $10 minimum per credit Online Course Fee (Fee suspended for 2023-2024)
  • $4.50 per term mandatory Student Accident Insurance Fee

Please refer to Tuition & Fee Information for additional enrollment fee information.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available for associate degree and technical diploma programs (those that are 2 semesters in length and typically with 28 credits or more). Processing can take 4-5 weeks after a student's completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received. Visit the Financial Aid page to learn more.

While attending Moraine Park during the 2024-25 school year, your estimated cost of attendance for one full year includes tuition of $4,462 (15 credits for fall and spring semester), fees of $338, food and housing of $3,008 (if living with parents, $9,147 if living on your own), books and supplies of $1,465, personal expenses of $3,608, and transportation of $4,017 for a total of $17,002. Your direct costs (those costs paid directly to the college) include tuition & fees. The indirect costs (costs not paid to the college) can vary from individual to individual and your own personal needs.

Course Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
103-159 Computer Literacy - Microsoft Office 1
602-104 Brake Systems 3
602-107 Auto Service Fundamentals 2
602-124 Steering and Suspension Systems 3
602-125 Electrical and Electronic Systems 1 2
801-136 English Composition 1 3
890-101 College 101 2
 Credits16
Semester 2
602-103 Engine Repair 1 2
602-127 Electrical and Electronic Systems 2 3
602-128 Electrical and Electronic Systems 3 3
602-197 Engine Performance 1 3
804-107 College Mathematics 3
Natural Science Course 3
 Credits17
Semester 3
602-123 Engine Repair 2 3
602-196 Climate Control Systems 3
602-198 Engine Performance 2 4
809-195 Economics 3
Communication Course 3
 Credits16
Semester 4
602-109 Auto Transmission/Transaxle 4
602-132
Light Duty Diesel Engine Operation
or Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems 1
2
602-149 Manual Drive Train and Axles 4
602-195 Advanced Chassis Systems 2
809-199 Psychology of Human Relations 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits64

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate professionalism appropriate for the auto service industry
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive internal combustion engines
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive automatic transmission/transaxle systems
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive manual drive train and axles system
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive steering and suspension system
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive brake systems
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive electrical and electronic systems
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive heating and air conditioning systems
  • Perform diagnosis, service, and repair of automotive engine performance systems

Pathways 

Earn a technical diploma and associate degree along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Automotive Technician
  • Automotive Specialist
  • Fleet Maintenance Technician
  • Parts Specialist
  • Service Writer/Consultant

Statewide Median Salary for Recent Graduates

$41,596