The Field

This field of study represents those skilled occupations that are instrumental in the mechanical and electrical repair of automotive vehicles.

The Instructional Program

SUNY Delhi's Automotive program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). Individuals with current ASE certification can receive college credit for each corresponding automotive course.

This one-year Automotive Mechanics certificate program consists of the first-year courses from the two-year associate's degree program in Automotive Technology. Most students interested in this field enroll directly in the associate's degree program (for more information, see the Automotive Technology A.A.S. program description). The certificate is primarily for those individuals who can only spend one year in college. It is a two-semester program that begins each fall. If a student completes the certificate program and then decides to continue on for the associate's degree in Automotive Technology, the courses taken for the certificate will transfer with no loss of credit.

Career Options

The job titles associated with graduates of the Automotive Mechanics certificate program are:

• Automotive Technician
• Automotive Mechanic

There are career opportunities in automotive dealerships, automotive repair chains, independent repair shops, corporate fleets, and automotive parts suppliers. Students who continue on for the associate's degree increase their options for employment in the automotive field.

Further information regarding careers in this field can be found in the Automotive Technology program description.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0926

First Semester

Second Semester

Certificate Requirement: 29 credit hours

Notes

*MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum exit-level requirement for this program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma and meet the College requirements for English and reading competency. Two years of high school mathematics are also recommended.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Automotive Mechanics certificate program should be able to:

1. Diagnose and apply the theory of operation in order to maintain and repair automotive and light truck braking systems including ABS.
2. Diagnose and apply the theory of operation in order to service and repair steering and suspension system components including wheel alignment on various automobiles and light trucks.
3. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of operation in order to diagnose and repair vehicle electrical systems including batteries, ignition, charging and starting systems, and accessory circuits using various resources and common industry test equipment.
4. Diagnose, maintain, and service common automotive problems using trade-accepted work practices in a realistic work environment.
5. Apply the theory of operation to the construction, maintenance, repair, adjustments, and safety aspects of automotive and light truck fuel systems including alternative fuels.
6. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of gas and arc welding as they apply to automotive mechanics.