West Hills Center
Associate of Science

This program prepares students to service and repair today’s high-tech automobiles. While completing this two-year program, students attend classes for 10 weeks and then work in a co-op environment for 10–12 weeks for five consecutive semesters. This program includes instruction in component identification, removal and reassembly of components, fault diagnosis in automatic transmission and transaxles, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive-trains and rear axles, suspension and steering.

Emerging green technologies such as plug-in electrics and natural gas powered vehicles, as well as currently produced hybrids will also be introduced. Academic courses included in the Associate’s degree program provide students with the necessary background for effective communication and increased opportunities for career advancement.

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Identify each component and its purpose on all vehicle systems to include: automatic transmissions and transaxles, brakes, electrical and electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive-trains and rear axles, steering and suspension.
2. Remove, dissemble and reassemble components and identify potential mechanical fault areas in vehicle control systems.
3. Identify, diagnose and repair electrical faults within electronic vehicle control systems.
4. Name all vehicle systems.
5. Discuss the complaint, cause and correction process.
6. Complete the manufacturers’ training requirements.

CCAC’s automotive curriculum prepares the student to take tests necessary to earn Pennsylvania Safety and Emission Inspection Licensing and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification. Course sections will be unique for dealership-sponsored students leading to manufacturers’ certification with Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.

Programs are certified by the National Automotive Technicians Educational Foundation (NATEF). All CCAC instructors are ASE Certified Master Technicians with years of industry repair experience and manufacturer-trained automotive technology instructors.

The CCAC–North Campus Automotive program is available at the CCAC–West Hills Center. Credit for some courses may be awarded for work completed at an area career and technology center, trade school or in the military.