Automotive Technology

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Our Program

Our Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program combines hands-on training with the latest in automotive technology and business instruction to help you build the technical and managerial skills you’ll need to succeed in automotive related fields. Our courses can prepare you for employment as a technician or as mid-management personnel in auto service or sales in just two years of full-time study.

The specializations
At Parkland, you may choose one of two specializations in automotive technology: 

Automotive technician: This program option prepares you for entry-level technical positions at auto dealerships and independent service centers. You will develop strong technical skills along with some managerial skills. 

Automotive management: This program option gives you hands-on training in a variety of environments in the automotive industry, including business, managerial, and technical areas. 

Nationally certified program
Parkland’s Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc. (NATEF). This designation signifies that the program meets the standards required for instructional facilities, equipment, staff credentials, and curriculum.

Entry requirements
A strong high school science and mathematics background with courses in physics or technology is a plus.

Required Courses
Automotive Technology A.A.S. Degree

Automotive Certificates
Want a quick way to upgrade your skills and increase your employability in the automotive technology or collision repair fields? Parkland’s specialized automotive certificates offer short-term training that you can use now but can also apply to a degree later.

Nationally certified program
Parkland’s Automotive Technology program is certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc. (NATEF). This designation signifies that the program meets the standards required for instructional facilities, equipment, staff credentials, and curriculum. 

Automotive Collision Repair Technician
Parkland College created this certificate in response to the training needs of area employers. Students learn how to restore damaged vehicles to their pre-accident condition, using modern techniques including diagnostics, electronic measurement, and computerization.
Required Courses
Automotive Collision Repair Technician Certificate

Automotive Technician
This certificate prepares graduates to enter the workforce as technicians in an auto dealership or service center. Students will gain a basic knowledge of automotive systems, such as brakes, electricity, and fuel, as well as service shop operations. 
Required Courses
Automotive Technician Certificate

Automotive Service
The Automotive Service certificate equips students with basic skills for use in area dealerships and independent service centers. Parkland has over 9,000 square feet of shop space equipped with the latest computer diagnostic equipment, offering state-of-the-art automotive education. 
Required Courses
Automotive Service Certificate

Specialized Work Certificates
For those with prior skills in automotive work who would like training in a specialized area of vehicle repair, Parkland offers the following certificates. 
Required Courses
Brakes and Alignment Certificate
Engine Overhaul Certificate
Power Trains Certificate
Automotive Electricity/Electronics Certificate

Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES)
Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) is a partnership among participating automotive manufacturers, participating dealers, and selected high schools/tech prep schools. It's designed to encourage young people to consider satisfying careers in retail automotive service, and prepare them for entry-level career positions or advanced studies in automotive technology.
AYES Application (pdf)

Parkland Motorsports
This student-run organization for automotive students provides activities beyond the classroom including an annual car show, trip to the Chicago auto show, and automotive related business filed trips. The program also supports a student built and driven 1980 Chevrolet Malibu drag car and a 1990 Honda Civic auto cross car. Students also may help maintain and crew the club's UMP Sportsman dirt track car. For more information contact the club advisor at 217/351-2209.