Automotive Technician Studies

Diploma Program

If you are challenged by the theories and applications of today’s automobiles, the Automotive Technology Diploma program offered by Delaware Tech will give you the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills that will lead to employment in this innovative and changing industry. As a graduate, you will gain experience and respect in this trade by applying the knowledge you acquired of the various automotive electrical and electronic systems operations and service procedures; automotive heating and air conditioning systems; the various steering, alignments, and suspension systems and brake systems used on modern vehicles. You will apply your acquired skills through the use of printed and electronic information and your familiarity with the tools and instruments used to diagnose faults and carry out necessary repairs and maintenance.

This program includes systematic classroom instruction; completion of required laboratories; and a structured, mandatory internship. Upon completion of the diploma program and the required full time work experience, you will be eligible to seek certification from the Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Graduates of the diploma program are also eligible and encouraged to pursue an Associate degree in Automotive Technology.

Academically ready students can apply to the program following the guidelines of each location's wait-list process. Interested applicants should review the information provided here and contact their program advisor for program requirements.

Offered at the following campus(es): Georgetown, Stanton

What You Can Do

In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to prepare you for positions such as:

  • Automotive apprentice service technician
  • Auto maintenance and light repair technician
  • Shop owner
  • Dealership technician
  • Fleet vehicle technician
  • Franchise vehicle technician
  • Auto body shop mechanical repair

What You Will Learn

Program Graduate Competencies

The Program Graduate Competencies listed below identify the major learning goals related to your specific program of study and identify the knowledge and skills you will have when you graduate to be successful in your chosen field.

  1. Identify appropriate automotive diagnostic and service equipment, hand tools, and precision measuring devices to determine and perform the proper repair as necessary.
  2. Locate automotive electronic service information, service manuals, and diagnostic charts.
  3. Record service repair procedures that accurately reference the 3Cs. 1. Customer complaint verification 2. Correct the problem 3. Complete the repair.
  4. Explain proper automotive industry service facility safety practices.
  5. Practice professional conduct as required in the automotive industry.

Suggested Pathway to Graduation

Semester 1

Number Course Title Credits
SSC 100First Year Seminar1
AUT 101Intro to Automotive Technology4
AUT 102Automotive Electrical Systems4
MAT 152Quantitative Reasoning3
ENG 101Composition I3

Semester 2

Number Course Title Credits
AUT 103Automotive Brakes4
AUT 104Automotive Steering/Suspension4
BUS 101Introduction to Business3
 
PSY 100Human Relations3
Or
 
PSY 121General Psychology3
CIS 107Introduction to Computers/Application3

To complete program requirements, you must pass the above courses and earn at least 32 credits. The number of courses and credits required for graduation may be more depending on college readiness and the elective courses offered in your program major (if electives are a part of the program).

AUTDIPATS

Campus-Specific Program Information

This program is offered at the Georgetown and Stanton campuses.

Contact Georgetown

Kyle Quillen
Department Chair, Instructor,
and Program Advisor
kquille3@fjxsyzx.com
(302) 259-6450

Contact Stanton

Bruce Thorngate
Department Chair, Instructor,
and Program Advisor
bthornga@fjxsyzx.com
(302) 453-3016

The instruction, course of study, facilities, and equipment of the automotive technology program have been evaluated by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and meet the standards of quality for the training of automotive technicians in the following areas:

  • Automatic Transmission & Trans-axle
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Engine Performance
  • Engine Repair
  • Suspension & Steering
  • Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Manual Drive Train & Axles

This program is offered at the Georgetown and Stanton campuses.