Automotive Technology
Associate Degree, Specialized Diploma, or Certificate

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Why This Program

Turn your passion for tinkering under the hood of a vehicle into a full-blown career path in Northampton Community College’s automotive technician training programs. You’ll gain extensive knowledge of automotive repair, maintenance, drivetrains, engine management systems, and the rapidly-evolving electrical systems that support modern vehicles.

Studying full- or part-time at NCC, you can earn an Associate of Applied Sciences (A.A.S.) in Automotive Technology degree or a Specialized Diploma in Automotive Technology. You can also enroll in non-credit career training courses. You’ll prepare for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exams as well as licensures including PA State Inspection, PA State Emission, and EPA ACT 609 A/C.


What You'll Learn

In NCC’s Automotive Technology training program, you’ll establish a high-level technical understanding of the current developments in the automotive service field, including all ASE-certified automotive service areas. NCC stands out among automotive technician schools for our manufacturer partnerships: 

  • Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) in partnership with General Motors
  • Mopar CAP Career Automotive Program (MCAP) in partnership with Fiat/Chrysler
  • AutomobilesSubaru University (SU) in partnership with Subaru of America
The ASEP and MCAP programs are certified by the National Automotive Technician Education Foundation. These partnerships enhance your classroom, laboratory, and practicum work experience for your automotive associate degree or other automotive technology credentials.

Program Details

Semesters: 5

Credits: 72

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem

Program Overview:

Establish a high-level technical understanding of automotive technology and how automotive service develops in this two-year automotive associate degree approved by GM, Chrysler, and Subaru. In addition to classroom learning, you’ll gain hands-on, supervised experience at a sponsoring dealership or automotive service facility. You’ll graduate with a deep knowledge of vehicle service, fuel and emission systems, environmental sustainability within the auto industry, and many more skills essential to excel in an automotive technician career.

Semesters: 2

Credits: 24

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem | Fully Online

Program Overview:

If you are ASE Certified (A1–A8 + L1), you can fast-track your automotive associate degree at NCC. You’ll build on your practical knowledge and experience with critical understandings of communication, math, and science that will allow you to advance your career. Your ASE certifications can count towards 44 A.A.S. credits, and you can complete the remaining 24 credits on our Bethlehem, PA campus or fully online. The online program and evening course options give you the flexibility to study while maintaining your schedule and commitments outside of school.

Semesters: 2

Credits: 30

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem

Program Overview:

Master fundamentals like brakes, suspension and alignment, electrical systems, and safety inspections in NCC’s Specialized Diploma in Automotive Technology. You’ll prepare for entry-level automotive technician positions through experiential learning, including a practicum placement of more than 200 contact hours, and you can choose electives that match your areas of interest. Your credits from the specialized diploma can be applied to the Automotive Service Consultant Certificate or A.A.S. degree if you continue your studies at NCC.

Build on your existing skillset or explore a potential new career through NCC’s non-credit career training courses, including AUTNC100 - Enhanced Emission Inspection (EEIC) and AUTNC200 - Inspection Mechanic Training. These career-advancing certificate programs equip you to become a PA state safety inspector or PA state emissions licensor.



Automotive Technology Program Overview

Discover how our Automotive Technology programs can prepare you to land a job fast with a healthy starting salary in one of the area's most in-demand fields.

Future Career Paths

Demand for automotive technology professionals is consistent, and here in the heart of Pennsylvania’s automotive industry, 95% of NCC graduates are employed soon after completing their studies. You can also increase your entry-level salary by stacking your credentials. With automotive technician training, you’ll be equipped for careers in the technical diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of mechanical and electronic automotive systems, and you can specialize your studies to become an expert in drivetrains, fuel injection/engine management, and electronics or hybrid vehicles. You’ll likely gain additional technical training from your employer throughout your career in roles like:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Transmission and Drive Train Specialist
  • Service Writer
  • Shop Foreman
  • Specialty Repair Shop Owner
  • Auto Electronics Specialist
  • Engine Performance Specialist
  • Service Manager
  • Specialty Technician

Student Spotlight

Before the pandemic, if you would have told me I was going to be working as a mechanic let alone going back to college for automotive technology, I wouldn’t have believed you.

Samantha Seufer, Alumna
Automotive Technology

Samantha Seufer

Need Help Deciding?

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Next Steps

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