Graduates of the Automotive Technology program are prepared for employment in the automotive industry as technicians, machinists, unit specialists, emission and performance diagnosticians, department managers, and manufacturer's representatives. The Institute enhances opportunities for employment through close association with dealerships in the Boston area as well as national manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen. Successful completion of this program provides the student with an Associate in Science degree and the opportunity to continue in the Plus Two Bachelor of Science Program.

The Automotive Department strongly endorses Automotive Service Excellence Certification. All of the Automotive Faculty are ASE Certified, and we encourage our students to take these tests for national certification, as they are ready.

Curriculum
In keeping with the Institute's Mission, the objectives of this Associate in Science program are to provide a theory-based automotive education, supported by practical experience that meets the Institute's history of high academic standards. Additionally, these standards allow graduates to improve themselves personally, economically and socially, and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning. Degree requirements are further supported by general education components including proficiency in oral and written communication, math, and physics.

The majority of this two-year program is devoted to automotive technical specialties, including actual work on live vehicles in the student instructional garage. In addition to the mechanical technologies, the program is complemented by the study of mathematics, physics, humanities, and social sciences. Humanities, social sciences, and English courses comprise part of the curriculum to ensure the graduates possess broader social visions and effective communication skills.

Special Admission Requirements for Automotive Technology Program
Due to the unique environment of automotive laboratories and repair facilities with regard to the safe operation of machinery, repair equipment, running engines, etc., the following is required of applicants to the Automotive Program:

• Correctable vision and hearing
  
• Ability to stand on one's feet for long periods
  
• Additionally, for continuation into the second year of the program involving the automotive repair garage: Students are required to have a valid driver's license. Students are required to purchase first-year and second-year tool sets.
  

• demonstrate an understanding of the internal combustion engines; demonstrate diagnostic strategies; effectively repair an internal combustion engine.
  
• understand DC electricity; demonstrate diagnostic strategies to automotive electrical systems & components, effectively repair electrical components.
  
• utilize mathematical calculations, principles, and formulae to a variety of tasks related to automotive system repair.
  
• research in a variety of modes appropriate to a range of settings encountered in the automotive industry.
  
• present verbal and written reports appropriate to a range of automotive settings.
  
• understand the inter-relationship of numerous sub-systems used in the modern automobile.
  
• effectively diagnose, repair, and adjust various sub-systems, including: suspensions, brakes, transmissions, heating & air conditioning, and lighting systems.
  
• identify and repair safety-related issues, relative to automotive vehicles, that concern the operator, passengers and general public.
  
• demonstrate an understanding of electronic principles, as applicable to engine management & emissions systems; demonstrate diagnostic strategies; effectively repair these systems in accordance with manufacturer's procedures, as well as state & federal requirements.
  
• understand the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and international economies relating to government regulations, product development, alternative fuels, etc.
  
• demonstrate an understanding of the laws and regulations relating to safety and the environments within the automotive industry.
  
• understand the various business models applicable to the automotive industry relating to consumer goods & services.