Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

About this program

Put your troubleshooting skills to the test in state-of-the-art labs. Dive into real-life diagnostic situations. Test and solve vehicle malfunctions using the latest software. Perform routine service and maintenance. Working alongside expert faculty, you’ll study brake systems, electrical processes, engine performance and repair, suspension, steering, and more. From fundamentals to advanced diagnostics, learn what it takes to keep vehicles on the road and running smoothly. And when you’re done, you’ll have the advanced skillset you need to land a high-demand career in automotive technology.

Graduates of this major can earn a bachelor of science degree in automotive technology management, available online or on-campus, with just four more semesters of applied technology management coursework.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

2:1

Student-to-Project Ratio

95%

Overall Placement

7

Specialized Labs

Careers

  • Dealership service specialist
  • Assistant manager
  • Skilled jobs in automotive manufacturing
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Introduction to Automotive Technology (AMT100)
  • Manual Transmission & Transaxle Principles (AMT111)
  • Brake Systems (AMT112)
  • Steering & Suspension (AMT113)
  • Automotive Electrical Fundamentals (AMT109)
  • Fundamentals of Automatic Transmissions (AMT119)
  • Engine Principles (AMT122)
  • Engine Electrical Systems (AMT127)
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology (AMT267)
  • Engine Performance (AMT236)
  • Engine Repair (AMT266)
  • Vehicle Safety Inspection (AMT242)
  • Automotive Chassis & Wheel Service (AMT243)
  • Automotive Air Conditioning Systems & Service (AMT274)
  • Electrical/Electronic Accessory Service (AMT276)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Physics Survey (PHS103)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Your Path

Automotive Degrees

Interested in a career in automotive? Explore the possibilities with students Shawn and Mark. In this video, they’ll  show off the labs, explain the various degree options, and talk about the ease of leveling up from certificate to associate’s to bachelor’s.

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Facilities

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs

Get hands-on experience in specialized labs using industry-standard equipment, just like you’ll see in the real world.

Specialized Equipment

46

Vehicle Lifts

Specialized Equipment

9

Tire Mounting Machines

Specialized Equipment

8

Tire Balancing Machines

Specialized Equipment

7

Wheel Alignment Systems

Specialized Equipment

1

Chassis Dynamometer

Specialized Equipment

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

NATEF Logo
Subaru logo
Honda PACT logo
Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Penn College Motorsports Association

Penn College Motorsports Association

The club activities offer members exclusive exposure to the racing industry with tours of performance shops and opportunities to test their driving ability by participating in track days, autocross, and other driver skill events

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.01.2024

College's Transportation Scholars program featured on 'Centre County Report'

Friday’s “Centre County Report” featured a story on Penn College’s Transportation Scholars program. The weekly broadcast -- produced by students in the capstone broadcast journalism course in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State – included an interview with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

02.23.2024

Penn College receives NSF grant to aid transportation workforce

Pennsylvania College of Technology is the recipient of a nearly $1.5 million federal grant to support students majoring in a transportation-related field. The National Science Foundation awarded $1,498,465 (grant No. 2221107) as part of its S-STEM program, which funds scholarships for academically talented low-income students.

02.23.2024

Electric vehicles topic of SEDA-COG hearing, lab tour

Following a SEDA-Council of Governments hearing yesterday in the Thompson Professional Development Center on the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, participants visited the college’s EV lab in the Parkes Automotive Technology Center. Automotive technology faculty members Christopher J. Holley and Charles F. Probst described the opportunities and challenges presented by EVs with the group.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Automotive students, faculty compete in ‘Green Grand Prix’

Automotive students, faculty compete in ‘Green Grand Prix’

Members of the Penn College Motorsports Association participated in the 15th annual Toyota Green Grand Prix, which promotes innovation in sustainable transportation technologies while launching the season-opening weekend at New York’s renowned Watkins Glen International racetrack.

Read More

More Information

Master Automobile Service Technology accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

View general transfer information

You are required to have a uniform for lab classes. It is recommended that you purchase three uniforms.

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. Joey A Fleck, Competency Based Teacher Education Coordinator, The Penn State University
  • Dr. C. William Garner, Retired, Professor Emeritus, Rutgers University
  • Mr. Patrick McCormick, Retired, Ford Motor Company
  • Mr. Anthony J Piccari, '08, Aftersales Department, Ferrari North America, Inc.
  • Mr. David K Plessinger, Owner, Economy Auto Parts
  • Mr. Carlo Santora, '08, '09, Technical Manager, Eastern US, Maserati North America
  • Dr. Mark D Threeton, Assistant Professor, Workforce Education, The Pennsylvania State University
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair