Automotive Service and Technology, Associate in Science (AS)

The Automotive Service and Technology program at Santa Barbara City College is a Master Certified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation accredited program. The program primarily offers courses aligned with automotive industry standards to prepare students with the skills needed for employment in various roles. In addition to offering a comprehensive general automotive program, students can also obtain advanced certifications by completing manufacturer factory training programs offered through industry partnerships. 

The program offers courses that range from basic to advanced levels, covering all automotive content areas as required by the ASE Education Foundation. These courses are designed to expose students to real-world automotive service and mechanical repairs, emphasizing the hands-on application of skills required to diagnose, service, and repair vehicles. Employability skills are also discussed and practiced in all courses, including: effective time management, maintaining a professional attitude working in a culturally diverse workplace, and industry-standard organizational habits and ethical behavior. All courses offered through the program are designed to prepare students for ASE industry certifications. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Compare and contrast the operation of various automotive vehicle systems. 

• Analyze malfunctions of automotive vehicle systems per industry standards. 

• Demonstrate proper automotive vehicle system diagnosis, service, and repair procedures in the lab per industry standards.  

• Explain soft skills related to employability, including: effective time management, maintaining a professional attitude while working in a culturally diverse workplace, and industry-standard organizational habits and ethical behavior. 

Enrollment Limitations

Based on program accreditation standards, industry recommendations, and safety considerations, the enrollment of each class should not exceed 24 students.

Prerequisite Skills

Students are not required to have any previous automotive knowledge or experience prior to entering the automotive program.

The annual enrollment projection under this modified program would be between 96 to 120 students. By the end of year 2, at least 10 of students enrolled in the program are expected to complete the program and earn a degree. By the end of year 4, at least 20 of students enrolled in the program are expected to complete the program and earn a degree. 

The goal of the program is to create well-rounded students who can advance in a variety of industry roles, including automotive service technician, automotive service consultant, management positions, and small business owners. The program aims to provide the skills necessary for obtaining and retaining employment in the automotive industry. This includes the real-life application of lecture material in the lab to diagnose, service, and repair a wide variety of vehicles. Students will also understand the importance of soft skills directly related to the automotive industry throughout the program. After completion of each course in the program, students will be prepared to obtain ASE industry certifications. This program will also assist students in continuing their educational pathways to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology.

• All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
• A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F)
• A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
• A total of 12 units through SBCC.