Automotive Technology

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Rev up your career at Ozarks Tech! Our program trains you to be an auto expert. You will learn automotive system design, operation, diagnosis and repair. Then, put your knowledge to practice! Work on various kinds of cars and trucks in our lab. You will practice troubleshooting, service procedures and customer relations. Your courses cover essential topics like:

  • Engine repair
  • Brakes
  • Engine performance
  • Automatic transmission

The automotive industry is changing and growing. Emphasis on safety and electronics expertise is increasing. We prepare our graduates to meet demand and face new challenges. You can find work as a general service technician or in various entry-level specialties. 

The Automotive Technology Program is accredited by the ASE Foundation.

Gabe McLaughlin
Transportation Department Chair
417-447-8133

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Accreditation

The degree program is accredited by the ASE Foundation (NATEF), 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE Suite 401 Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 669-6650. 

Program Mission

The mission of the Automotive Technology program at Ozarks Technical Community College is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair automobiles in various entry-level automotive positions. The program uses the Automotive Service Education Foundation guidelines with the aid of a technical advisory committee to develop course content and a competency list that will provide the student with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the automotive industry.

Program Goals

1. Practice safety by selecting appropriate attire, handling materials properly, and correctly using tools and equipment.

2. Identify the careers available in the automotive technology field.

3. Develop respect for rules, regulations, laws, competent work habits, and ethical conduct.

4. Demonstrate practical decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

5. Demonstrate familiarity with terminology, skills, materials, tools, and equipment used in automotive technology.

6. Select, inspect, and maintain the proper tools and equipment for specific job performance.

7. Demonstrate knowledge of when, how, and why to remove or replace parts.

8. Demonstrate a strong foundation for furthering training in the field of automotive technology.

OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more information on OTC accreditation.

Program Outcomes

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General Admissions to Ozarks Tech

Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.

Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.

At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.

We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.

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COSTS & OPTIONS

CREDENTIAL TYPE
PROGRAM
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO:
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
COST*

Associate of Applied Science

Automotive Technology
  • Begin working as an auto technician or specialist after completing an associate degree
  • Supplement your training with cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in genera education courses 

63 credit hours
4 semesters

$12,727.00*
to
$16,393.00*

Certificate of Achievement

Automotive Technology
  • Complement an existing education for current role in the automotive industry with additional training
  • Enter the workforce immediately after graduation

32 credit hours
2 semesters

$6,728.00*
to
$8,552.00*

Short-Term Training

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Accelerate your career with OTC's short-term training courses. Gain valuable skills in as little as just weeks and unlock new opportunities for success. View courses. 

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Varies by course

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Clicking on the options below will provide overview information, course sequences (when applicable), and specific course descriptions. To see a full catalog of all the offerings at OTC, visit catalog.otc.edu.

Automotive Technology (A.A.S.)

A.A.S. Degree: 63 Hours

Under the supervision of certified instructors experienced in the industry, students learn fundamentals of automotive systems design, operation, diagnosis and repair. Classroom concepts and theory are applied in the shop environment where troubleshooting, service procedures, estimating and customer relations are practiced. The automotive industry is changing and growing, with increasing emphasis on safety and electronics. Potential employers include automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, service stations, and product sales and service. The degree program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd, NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176.  The Web address is https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education has identified a common set of general education courses that have been adopted statewide. These courses are called the "CORE 42."  CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements.

Courses in knowledge areas below, designated with the CORE 42 logo indicates courses in that area have been evaluated and provided a MOTR number for transfer to all Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Courses that do not have this designation may still transfer to public and private colleges and universities in Missouri and elsewhere, but students are encouraged to check the transfer equivalency website of the institution to which they plan to transfer to confirm.

Please refer to the MDHE Core Transfer Curriculum for detailed information on CORE 42 courses.

Automotive Technology Certificate

Certificate: 32 Hours

Under the supervision of certified instructors experienced in the industry, students learn fundamentals of automotive systems design, operation, diagnosis and repair. Classroom concepts and theory are applied in the shop environment where troubleshooting, service procedures, estimating and customer relations are practiced. The automotive industry is changing and growing, with increasing emphasis on safety and electronics. Potential employers include automotive dealerships, independent repair shops, service stations, and product sales and service. The degree program is accredited by the ASE Education Foundation, 1503 Edwards Ferry Rd, NE, Suite 401, Leesburg, VA 20176.  The Web address is https://www.aseeducationfoundation.org/.

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*Notices and Disclaimers

*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.

**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.