The automotive industry is experiencing an increasing demand for well-trained general repair technicians and specialists to cope with the ever-changing technology of this field. In recent years, the design of many automobiles has become increasingly complex, and becoming an automotive technician requires increased knowledge and abilities. Many of the auto design advances are responses to new safety standards, environmental problems, and the need for more efficient and economical modes of transportation. The automotive industry is no longer a static field of study, but rather a field in which more and more change can be expected in the future.

The Instructional Program

The Automotive Technology program at Delhi is a fully accredited, college-level program with NATEF and ASE Certification. Course credits earned during the associate's degree program are fully transferable should a graduate decide to pursue a bachelor's degree in this field.

The program offers two associate's degree options and a one-year certificate to the entering student. The associate's degree options are the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) and the Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.). The technical course requirements are nearly the same for both degrees (A.O.S. students participate in an additional six hours of lab each semester), so that a graduate's employability is the same regardless of the degree option. The difference between the two options is in the number of General Education and liberal arts courses that are required. The A.A.S. degree has a greater liberal arts and sciences component, which makes it a good choice for those who plan to continue their education after Delhi. On the other hand, it is more rigorous and may be more difficult for students who do not have a good math and science background.

ASE Articulation

High school students are able to earn college credits in SUNY Delhi's Automotive Technology program prior to their enrollment at the College. This articulation agreement is based upon the national ASE Certification examinations. If a high school student has successfully passed any ASE exams, he or she will be given college credit toward the appropriate course(s) in the Delhi Automotive curriculum. Further information can be obtained from the Automotive faculty at SUNY Delhi.

Career Options

Graduates of the Automotive Technology program at Delhi have a number of career options. The majority of graduates proceed directly to employment in an automotive service capacity. Graduates are qualified for employment in independent repair shops, service departments of automobile dealers, service stations, federal and state government agencies, taxicab and automotive leasing companies, corporate fleets, specialty shops, franchise facilities, and automobile manufacturers. Graduates also have the background needed for future advancement to such positions as shop foreman, service writer, service manager, or parts manager.

A second option for graduates is to transfer to a four-year program in this field. Two regional colleges that offer a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Management to which graduates could transfer are Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA, and SUNY Farmingdale.

A related career option would be to transfer to a school with a Technology Education or a Vocational Education bachelor's degree program, which would lead to a teaching career at the high school level. In New York State, two schools that offer this degree are SUNY Oswego and SUNY Buffalo.

Curriculum

A.A.S. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Code: 1393

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirements: 67 credit hours

A.O.S. Degree

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0411

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Degree Requirement: 61 credit hours

Admissions Requirements

Two years of Regents high school math and science are recommended.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Automotive Technology A.A.S. or A.O.S. 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. Apply the knowledge of operation, construction, maintenance, repair, and adjustment of the engine assembly and its related systems.
5. Apply the theory of operation of automatic transmissions/transaxles including service, diagnosis, and repair.
6. Apply the theory of operation of manual transmissions and drive lines, including service, diagnosis, and repair of clutches, manual transmissions/transaxles, drive lines, final drive gearing, and transfer cases.
7. Diagnose and repair automotive computer systems components, electronic fuel injection, and engine management systems using various resources and common industry test equipment.
8. Diagnose and repair advanced automotive systems including supplemental inflatable restraint systems, electronic instrumentation, new-generation diagnostic systems, and current developments in the automotive field.
9. Apply the knowledge of operation, diagnosis, and repair of automotive emission test failures and emission control devices using various resources and common industry test equipment.
10. Apply the theory of operation, construction, service, and repair of vehicle air-conditioning and heating systems.
11. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of gas and arc welding as they apply to automotive mechanics.