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Automotive Technology

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Program Overview

The Automotive Technology program prepares you for an entry-level career in automotive and vehicle repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You will gain hands-on skills in:

  • Automotive electronics
  • Testing and diagnosing
  • Engine drivability diagnosis and performance
  • Automatic transmissions
  • Gas engines
  • Suspension
  • Alignment
  • Brakes

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • Automotive Lab: Use the latest systems, tools, and diagnostic equipment in the industry to work on a variety of different vehicle makes and models. Learn to adapt to changing technology as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated. Learn with your hands, not in a seat.

  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) equipment: Train on Hawkeye's state of the art Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) equipment to learn about Semi-Autonomous cars and calibrating them correctly.

  • 2WD Dynojet Chassis Dyno: Assists students in shop work on driveability, diagnostics, and other related work.

  • ASE style curriculum and tailor in the FORD ACE Training program brought upon by Colwell Ford and Witham Ford for brand specific training for students that choose to follow that path.

  • The newest of tire changing and balancing equipment along with the industry standard Hunter Alignment machines.

Certifications

Students can gain several certifications such as NC3- Snap On Meter, Diagnostics, Service Information, On-Car NC3 Procut Brake lathe, and EPA 609 Refrigerant recovery and recycling certifications.

Accreditation

The Automotive Technology program meets the strict industry standards required for accreditation in Master Automobile Service Technology – the highest level of program accreditation recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Transfer Information

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Automotive Technology AAS degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

At A Glance
Award
  • Associate of Applied Science
Length of Study 2 years
Tuition-Free Eligible

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Instructor Spotlight

Gerrot Jacobson

Gerrot is a Certified Master Automotive Technician with L1, NC3 and EPA certifications also. While working in the Automotive Field, Gerrot performed electrical, engine drivability, and driveline diagnostics. As a community college graduate himself, he believes the best step to becoming the best automotive technician is to start with school. His passion for the automotive industry and teaching is second to none, as even in his free time he enjoys racing, EFI tuning, and anything high performance!

Brian Thomas

I grew up around automobiles and enjoy repairing them, as no two days are ever the same. After graduating from a community college, I worked in the automotive industry at a dealership and machine shop. I also have experience in independent repair shop ownership and extended warranty claims processing. I began teaching at Hawkeye in 2011.

I enjoy teaching hands-on classes as you get to help students see how different aspects of the automobile work and operate together. Hawkeye is a great place to be, as they want employees and students to excel in their respective areas to be the best possible.

In my free time I enjoy camping and circle track racing at local dirt tracks.

Video Overview

Automotive Technology

Develop the skills you need for an exciting career in the automotive industry.

See More Video

Graduate Spotlight
Aidan Venzon

Aidan Venzon grew up in Muscatine. Though there were several community colleges closer to home that offered training in Automotive Technology, Hawkeye's reputation drew him to the Cedar Valley.

"I was originally going to go to Scott [Community College], but I learned that [Hawkeye] had a much better program up here," he recalls.

While at Hawkeye, Aidan worked at John Deery Nissan, and participated in the UNI Marching Band and Varsity Glee Club, thanks to Hawkeye's unique partnership. After graduation, Aidan plans to stay in the Cedar Valley, and hopes his sister might even follow in his footsteps.

"I think my sister might be interested in going into auto tech," he said. "I would love for them to come here because it really helped me out."

Graduate Spotlight
Brandon Beaty

As a kid, Brandon Beaty liked to play with Legos. He loved to build things, take them apart, and build them again. He enjoyed the Automotive Technology classes he took at Hawkeye during high school, but after graduation, he first enrolled at UNI. It wasn’t a good fit, and after two years he was in need of a change. "I transferred over here to Hawkeye and I’ve loved it ever since."

Graduate Spotlight
Brock Beesecker

Brock Beesecker always enjoyed working on cars. When he decided to make it his career, friends recommended the Automotive Technology program at Hawkeye Community College. After two years in the program, the Fairbank native is ready to enter the workforce with a solid mixture of career-ready skills and confidence. "A huge thing is just the confidence," he said. "You gain a lot of confidence here."

Program Pathway

Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 76
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 4
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Automotive Technology – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Purchasing Tools

Students in the Automotive Technology program are required to purchase tools for use in program coursework.

We are a Snap-On partnership school which allows students to get the best quality tool at a very deep discount.

View the 2024–2025 Required Tools List

View the 2024–2025 Automotive Technology to Auto Collision Technologies program Required Tools List

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Auto Starting, Charging, and Electrical
  • Automotive Advanced Brake Systems
  • Automotive Brake Systems
  • Introduction to Automotive Technology
  • Introduction to Automotive Technology II
Term 2
  • Automotive Computerized Engine Controls
  • Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Automotive Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
  • Automotive Suspension and Steering
Term 3
  • Automotive Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
  • Automotive Electrical I
  • Automotive Electronics
  • Automotive Engine Repair
Term 4
  • Automotive Differentials and 4-Wheel Drive
  • Automotive Fuel Systems
  • Automotive Ignition Systems
  • Comprehensive Application

Core courses meet for 4-week terms allowing you to focus on one core course and one general education course at a time.

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program. Graduates can earn a second AAS degree with one year of additional study in the Auto Collision Technologies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program.

Careers

Positions

Graduates find employment at automotive dealerships, independent automotive shops, service stations, car manufacturers, and national automotive service centers. Positions include but are not limited to:

  • Automotive service technician
  • Electronics installer
  • Electronics technician
  • Mechanic
  • Service writer
  • Service manager
  • Truck technician

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $31,180 $46,700 $59,840
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $34,410 $39,060 $39,060

Source: 2023 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development — Statewide Wages

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Advanced Automotive Evansdale
Colwell Ford Waterloo
C&S Subaru Hyundai Waterloo
Dan Deery Toyota Cedar Falls
Davis Farm and Auto Denver
Jim Lind Service Waterloo
John Deery Nissan Cedar Falls
Rydell Chevrolet and Dodge Waterloo
Schuermans Automotive Cedar Falls
Tandem Tire Cedar Falls
Witham Auto Centers Cedar Falls, La Porte City, Waterloo

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Natasha Ceaser Email Natasha Ceaser 319-296-4014 ext.1062 Bremer Hall 136C
Faculty Advisor
Last Names A – M
 Gerrot Jacobson Email Gerrot Jacobson 319-296-2329 ext.1325 Butler Hall 128
Faculty Advisor
Last Names N – Z
 Brian Thomas Email Brian Thomas 319-296-2329 ext.1325 Butler Hall 128

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