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Instructor and students reviewing diagnostics on a blue car with hood up in auto lab

Automotive Technology

Associate Degree Program - 65 Credits

Automotive Service Technicians are skilled at service, repair and maintenance of cars and trucks; but opportunities in this field don’t stop there. Southeast Technical College provides a broad spectrum of courses toward foundational skills in automotive service and diagnostics. Then, you get to decide whether to specialize in engine repair, drivetrain, customer service or parts.

Do you thrive on troubleshooting problems? Then diagnostics is for you. Are you a good communicator, who likes helping people? Then the service desk awaits. In just two years at STC, you will be ready to launch your career! 

Your other duties as a top automotive technician might include: 

  • Consulting technical manuals for procedures 
  • Using computerized diagnostic equipment 
  • Testing parts and systems 
  • Performing regular maintenance 
  • Discussing repair procedures with customers

You will be in demand as an STC graduate. Tomorrow’s Technician Magazine ranked Southeast Tech’s Automotive Technology program among the Top 20 in the nation in 2015 and 2017.

Job Placement Rate

100%

Southeast Tech's Automotive Technology program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2023 graduates.*

* View details and methodology of the Graduate Outcome Report.

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Build Dakota Eligible

Earn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's Automotive Technology program through Build Dakota!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILD DAKOTA

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What Will You Learn?  

While obtaining your Automotive Technology degree in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you will study in STC's high-tech auto lab located in The HUB. Your coursework will cover suspension and steering brakes, manual drivetrain and axles, transmissions, electrical systems, engine performance, and heating and air conditioning. Your classes also help you:

Problem Solve: Automotive technicians use various testing tools and manuals to diagnose problems, and then devise and implement repairs.

Be a Valuable Team Member: As a talented automotive technician from Southeast Tech, you will know how to interact with customers and co-workers, as well as demonstrate a strong work ethic and professional behavior.

Work Opportunities: In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and across the nation, you will be in demand as a service technician, mechanic, salesperson or estimator. Your field is also a great place to start as an entrepreneur! 

Explore Classes   

Southeast Tech’s curriculum for Automotive Technology includes classes in Automatic Transmissions, Brake Theory, Electrical Systems, Engine Performance, Computer Essentials, and Heating and Air Conditioning. 

View Curriculum   View Admission Criteria  

Cost

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs  Cost and Fee Breakdown

Job Outlook

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Faculty

Jason Merritt

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction
Leadership
Wood Center 104G

Joshua Garcia

Instructor
Automotive Technology
HUB 202

Jeremy South

Lab Specialist
Automotive Technology
HUB 202

Aaron Penning

Lab Specialist
Automotive Technology
HUB 202

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Other Programs Related to Automotive Technology  

If you’re interested in a career in the transportation industry, you might also be interested in these other programs at Southeast Tech: 

Collision Repair & Refinish Technology   Diesel Technology   Entrepreneurship

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