Rev up your career with Kirkwood’s Automotive Technology program. This two-year degree provides entry-level skills and knowledge for tomorrow’s automotive technicians.
The curriculum emphasizes automotive electronics. You’ll learn about body electrical, engine electrical, and computerized fuel delivery systems.
The program is also Master™-certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and our instructors are certified Master Technicians by the National Institute of Automotive Services Excellence (ASE).
Classes are held in the Automotive Technology Center just north of the Main Campus on the corner of Kirkwood Blvd. and 50th Ave. SW. View Map.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year.
Students in this program may be eligible to have half their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Graduates of the Automotive Technology program will be able to:
Completion of a program conference is required to be admitted to the program. You’ll learn more about the program as well as specific admissions requirements.
Learn MoreSchool Year: 2024–25
Program Entry Semester: Fall
| Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 69 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,255 | $3,255 | $2,170 | $3,038 | $3,255 | $14,973 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $949.95 | $172.95 | $0 | $344.16 | $206.65 | $1,673.71 |
| Course/Section Fees | $50 | $90 | $40 | $70 | $30 | $280 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $1,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,250 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $180 | $106 | $140 | $310 | $104 | $840 |
| Tool Sets | $500 | $0 | $0 | $9,500 | $0 | $10,000 |
| Uniforms | $400 | $0 | $0 | $400 | $0 | $800 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $6,634.95 | $3,673.95 | $2,400 | $13,712.16 | $3,645.65 | $30,066.71 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
To get into the Automotive Technology program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
What career could this lead to?
Entry Level Automotive Technology - Diploma*
Fundamentals of Automotive Technology - Certificate
Advanced Chassis - Certificate
Advanced Drivetrain - Certificate
Advanced Powertrain - Certificate
Introduction to Automotive Technology - Certificate
Students in Kirkwood's Automotive Technology program, as well as those pursuing the Entry Level Automotive Technology Diploma, Fundamentals of Automotive Technology Certificate, Advanced Chassis Certificate, Advanced Drivetrain Certificate, Advanced Powertrain Certificate, or Introduction to Automotive Technology Certificate, are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally.
SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
Kirkwood has a partnership with the Mopar® CAP LOCAL Program. Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, and Ram vehicles are making extraordinary advancements in technology.
To meet these new demands in technology, the Mopar® CAP LOCAL Program is constantly seeking candidates who have a strong aptitude for mechanical and electronic technology as well as a desire to succeed.
Kirkwood is an authorized Snap-On Certified Training Center. After you finish the Snap-On Diagnostic products training and pass the rigorous test, you are considered a power user of Snap-On diagnostic tools, with an efficiency of 90-100 percent. Achieve master status (top 10 percent nationwide) and become one of the most sought-after technicians in the field. Snap-On certification is for the technician, educator, or student who wants to be the best in the industry.
We currently provide factory training on Snap-On Verus, Modis, Solus-Pro, Vantage Pro, and Ethos scan tools, as well as Shop-Key service information and the EEDM525D Snap-On Multi-meter. If you want to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of your investment, then Snap-On certification is what you want.
Identifies regional workplace skill needs and aligns world-class training to current industry standards for career readiness and lifelong learning.