Automotive
Technology
 |
| Tools/Special Requirements |
| Students in the Automotive program are
required to buy their own tools to use in
the laboratory setting. Tool
Lists and a list
of vendors that have
previously worked with our students are
available online or from the New Student
Services Office. |
|
|
| Career Opportunities |
| major dealerships |
| independent and specialty shops |
| transmission rebuild centers |
| government motor pools |
| fleet maintenance |
| diagnostic specialists |
| parts specialists |
| management |
| supervisory positions |
|
Degree
& Certificate Options
The Transportation area
offers both an Associate of Applied Science
degree and a Certificate in Automotive Technology.
The Associate of Applied Science degree
is usually completed in four semesters.
The Certificate can be completed in two
to three semesters.
The program is NATEF and ASE certified
in all eight areas of instruction. The program
also has articulation agreements with the
Billings Career Center and MSU-Northern
to provide unique training and educational
opportunities for those students who are
interested and qualified. |
| |
| What
you will learn |
- Power train components: Basic theory and principles of gearing,
service, repair, and reconditioning of
clutches, transmissions, differentials,
rear ends, axles, transaxles, and transfer
cases
- Brake systems: Subject
matter includes master cylinders, power
assist units, hydraulic lines, valve,
disk and drum brakes, antilock systems,
parking brakes, and brake electrical and
electronic components
- Suspension, steering, and related
systems: Design, operation, diagnosis,
and service of today's suspension and
steering systems
- Overhauls and Rebuilds: Complete disassembly and re-assembly of
various engine units
- Electrical and electronic systems: Theory of operation, diagnosis, and repair
- Automatic transmissions: Disassembly and re-assembly, construction,
operation, servicing, and troubleshooting
procedures of modern automatic transmissions
and transaxles
- Fuel injection and carburetor
systems: Diagnoses and repair
of computerized fuel injection and carburetor
systems, covering both domestic and foreign
systems
- Additional areas: Fuel
systems, Emission control systems, Ignition
systems, Engine mechanical tests, and
General Motors Computer Command Control
- Develop and maintain occupational
relationships
- Effectively communicate with customers and peers
- Proficient in mathematical skills necessary for technical fields
|
|
|
|
 CAREER
CLOSEUP |
| Job Outlook
and Pay Info |
|
| Median Wage (MT)* |
$29,300 |
| Median Wage (US)* |
$32,600 |
|
| Average entry-level wage, COT grads (2003-2005) |
$26,409 |
|
| Expected growth (MT)* |
20% |
| Expected growth (US)* |
16% |
| (projections through 2012) |
|
|
| *Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Office of Employment Projections;
MT Dept. of Labor and Industry, Research and
Analysis Bureau |
 COT Graduate Placement Data |
|
| Skills,
Traits, Preparatory Classes that would be helpful |
- Mechanical aptitude
- Manual dexterity
- Math and spatial skills
- Good physical condition
- Reading and communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Troubleshooting skills
|
|
