Automotive Technology

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Automotive technology continues to advance rapidly, transforming the driving experience in remarkable ways. From the development of electric vehicles to the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous driving features, innovation in automotive technology is shaping the future of transportation. A degree in Automotive Technology focuses on providing students with a comprehensive understanding of automotive systems, diagnostics, and repair techniques. Our state-of-the-art facility and hands-on training allow students to apply the knowledge they learn in a practical setting. This field is continually evolving, so staying current with the latest technologies and advancements is essential for success in the automotive industry.

Hit the ground running with a hands-on, high-tech automotive technology education from NDSCS.

Check out the available scholarships for NDSCS Automotive Technology students!

 

Academic Options

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Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology

Students in the Automotive Technology program are provided with experiences emphasizing diagnostic and repair skills with extensive shop time. Students test, diagnose, adjust and repair automotive systems.

  • Type: A.A.S. degree, Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

 

Automotive and Diesel Master Technician (Auto Tech Graduates)
Automotive and Diesel Master Technician (Auto Tech Graduates)

This is a third-year option developed for students who complete Automotive Technology and want to continue their education and increase their technical and mechanical skills. The dual major will strengthen the marketability of students for employment in diesel, automotive and related fields.

  • Type: A.A.S. degree
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

 

Automotive Electrical & Drivability (Certificate)

This Automotive Electrical & Drivability Certificate allows students to cover diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical and drivability faults across all makes and models. Students will troubleshoot, test, measure, and repair electrical faults relating to voltage, resistance, and amperage.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Automotive Engines (Certificate)

This Automotive Engine certificate allows students to cover rebuilding and repair of engines used in automobiles. Students will troubleshoot, disassemble, rebuild, and assemble an engine during this class.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Automotive Powertrains (Certificate)

This Automotive Powertrain certificate allows students to cover brake systems, clutch systems, manual and automatic transmissions/transaxles, and driveline components and systems. Students will troubleshoot, disassemble, repair, and assemble components related to the powertrain and driveline of a vehicle.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Automotive Steering, Suspension, & Alignment (Certificate)

This steering, suspension, and alignment certificate allows students to cover diagnosis, repair, and adjustments of automotive steering and suspension systems.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Transportation
  • Green Technology Available

» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

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If you love cars - fast cars, custom cars, expensive cars, all cars - then the NDSCS Automotive Technology program might be your ticket to a well-paying career that you’re going to love. Receive hands-on instruction in automotive diagnostic and repair in a state-of-the-art shop using the latest Snap-on tools. 

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Automotive Technology Graduates from 2022-23 Academic Year - Includes Auto and Diesel Master Technician
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
10 $47231 $56160 100%

NDSCS Automotive Technology Students Volunteer for Fix It Forward Event

group photo at Fix It Forward shop
10-16-2023

On Saturday, October 14th, a group of students from the NDSCS Automotive Technology program came together with their instructors, Mr. Pfeiff and Mr. Bitz, for a meaningful volunteer morning at the Fix It Forward Auto Care Center in South Fargo. These students demonstrated the power of community service by using their automotive skills to make a difference.

The Fix It Forward Auto Care Center serves as a place where individuals facing financial hardships can get their vehicles repaired, ensuring they have reliable transportation to work, school, and other essential destinations. Fix It Forward also refurbishes and donates vehicles to people in need.

During their volunteer morning, NDSCS Automotive Technology students rolled up their sleeves and put their skills to good use. They worked on vehicles that would either be donated to individuals in need and did repairs for customers who could not afford them.

Fix It Forward Auto Care relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to continue its mission. You too can join the cause and "pay it forward" by donating vehicles or labor. Your contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate, helping them overcome transportation barriers and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community. To learn more about Fix It Forward Auto Care and discover how you can help, visit their website at https://fixitforwardministry.com/.

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NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

05-09-2019
Students from NDSCS received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.

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NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

Old Main steeple
04-17-2018

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held at NDSCS earlier this month. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

ALASKA
Fairbanks: 
Keegan Chapin, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze

MINNESOTA
Battle Lake: 
Caleb Bellig, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Cyrus: Eric Larson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: John Baumgardner, CNC Technician, Bronze
Sartell: Cole Mortiz, Welding, Gold
Spicer: Trey Johnson, Plumbing, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitch Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck:
 Tanner Klein, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Dickinson: John Heidt, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold; Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver; Caleb Krebs, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
Fargo: Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold; Rebecca Roberts, Welding Sculpture, Silver
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold; Dylan Staloch, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Gold
Milnor: Taylor Busche, Plumbing, Gold
Minot: Mason Bahl, Welding, Silver; Henry Lemar, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Napoleon: Jake Bakken, Plumbing, Bronze
Oakes: Brittney Harty, Culinary Arts, Silver
Rugby: Ethan Clements, Welding Fabrication, Gold
West Fargo: Joe Shook, CNC Milling Specialist, Bronze
Wahpeton: Austin Berger, Automotive Refinishing Technology, Silver
Walcott: Jordan Mead, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Williston: Steven Fixen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver

SOUTH DAKOTA
Aberdeen: 
Schyler Kumpf, Collision Repair Technology, Bronze

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

Old Main
06-01-2017

Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held in Bismarck this spring. By achieving gold medals at the state level, 14 of these students qualified to compete in their respective categories at the national SkillsUSA Championships, which will be held in Louisville, Ky. in June.

The NDSCS students who received gold, silver or bronze medals at the state competition include:

COLORADO
Evans:
 Jessica Starkey, Motorcycle Service Technology, Silver

MINNESOTA
Cottage Grove:
 Alex Johnson, Welding, Silver
Fergus Falls: Jared Christenson, Electrical Construction Wiring, Silver; Richard Grimm, Welding Fabrication, Gold; Mason Tell, Automotive Service Technology, Bronze; Jared Wick, Culinary Arts, Bronze
Frazee: Ryan Bade, Collision Repair Technology, Gold
Moorhead: Chantel Hamann, Power Equipment Technology, Gold
Sartell: Cole Moritz, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Spring Grove: Mitchell Anderson, Welding Fabrication, Gold
Wheaton: Brayden Lampe, Welding Fabrication, Gold

MONTANA
Sidney: 
Sean Lofthus, Welding Sculpture, Silver

NORTH DAKOTA
Argusville: Noah Trangsrud, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Bismarck: Tony DaSilva, Welding Sculpture, Bronze
Cando: Larry MacDonald, Automotive Service Technology, Silver
Des Lacs: Jonathan Fritel, CNC Technician, Gold
Dickinson: Shelby Kilwein, Diesel Equipment Technology, Bronze
Fargo: Joe Brunner, Culinary Arts, Gold; Chandler Rheault, Welding Sculpture, Gold
Grafton: Justin Simon, Welding, Gold
Jamestown: Kyle Schumacher, Automotive Service Technology, Gold
Lisbon: Cassie Witte, Culinary Arts, Silver
Marion: Greg Lahlum, Diesel Equipment Technology, Gold
New Rockford: Colten Schafer, Welding Fabrication, Silver
Rugby: Kurt Pfau, Diesel Equipment Technology, Silver
Strasburg: Trent Mattern, Motorcycle Service Technology, Gold
Valley City: Brandon Compson, CNC Turning Specialist, Gold
Williston: Ryan Hellen, Electrical Construction Wiring, Gold; Cullen Weigel, Electrical Construction Wiring, Bronze

SOUTH DAKOTA:
Herreid:
 Josh Orth, Motorcycle Service Technology, Bronze