Nov 23, 2024  
2018-2019 Course Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Automotive Mechanics Technology, AAS


The Auto Mechanics Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in the high-technology automotive service industry and to update those who are already employed.

The Auto Mechanics Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program is a comprehensive training program designed to cover all aspects of automotive repair. Graduates with an AAS degree find employment in dealerships, independent service facilities, corporate repair facilities and automotive parts establishments. They are employed as automotive technicians, insurance claims adjusters, automotive instructors, parts specialists and repair technicians in related fields.

There are three separate diploma options, which can be taken individually or in combination. One option prepares graduates for job entry in current automotive technology tune-up and engine repair  . Another option prepares graduates to enter the automotive industry trained in the latest power train and chassis repair   techniques. A third option prepares graduates to enter the automotive industry as a maintenance and light repair  technician. Diploma recipients may receive an AAS degree by completing the additional courses required for the Auto Mechanics Technology AAS degree.

For more information about the Auto Mechanics Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/automotive/automechanics.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Selected courses offered at the other campuses.

Ankeny Campus students start Fall or Spring semester.


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Attend any required information/registration session.
  3. Complete the following assessments.
  • Reading ACCUPLACER test 
  • Writing (Language) ACCUPLACER test  
  • Math (Numeric) ALEKS placement  
  • Mechanical Reasoning test 

Graduation Requirements


To earn a diploma in Auto Engines and Tune-Up, Auto Chassis and Power Train or Maintenance Light Repair, or an AAS degree in Auto Mechanics Technology, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

These courses may have a different order of completion.

Option 1 - Select 1


Semester 5


Total Credits Required to Complete the Auto Mechanics AAS Degree - 76*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$156.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate)   450 450 150 300 150
Equipment-Tools (approximate) 3000 100 100 100 100

Approximate total for the program: $16,756**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Service automobiles to keep them from developing mechanical problems (preventive maintenance).
  • Make systematic examinations and adjustments; repair and replace defective parts of cars and trucks.
  • Diagnose drivability problems so repairs can be made.
  • Use different kinds of testing equipment, such as engine analyzers, compression gauges, and electrical test meters, lab scope and computers.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Use your hands to do technical and manipulative skills with accuracy.
  • Use hand tools and interpret readings from meters, gauges and computers.
  • Establish effective interpersonal relations with customers and coworkers.
  • Read and understand technical information off a computer and from technical manuals.
  • Ability to diagnose problems and take proper remedial measures.
  • Lift and carry objects up to 60 pounds.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Basic math and reading skills are a must.
  • Students must provide own hand tools; approximately $3,000.
  • Average starting salary Auto Mechanics Tech. A.A.S. degree-$28,833 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies


Nondiscrimination Statement


DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).(2018)