Studies & Degrees in Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology Study Programs
Automotive technology is the study of how motor vehicles work and how to inspect, diagnose, maintain and repair them. Students learn engines, transmissions, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical and electronic systems, and heating and air conditioning. Modern vehicles add a large amount of electronics: according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, technicians must be familiar with electronic systems and sensors, such as those used for braking, transmission and accident avoidance, and some technicians focus mainly on electric vehicles.
The subject is taught at two levels. Most programmes are vocational and train service technicians for workshops and dealerships. A smaller group are university engineering degrees that prepare graduates to design and develop vehicles.
Qualifications and levels
Vocational programmes. In the United States, high schools, community colleges and technical institutes offer programmes in automotive service technology, which may lead to a certificate or an associate's degree. At the College of Lake County in Illinois, for example, a certificate takes one year or less and full-time students can earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in two years. Its credits can transfer towards a bachelor's degree under agreements with Southern Illinois University or Ferris State University. Programmes can be accredited by the ASE Education Foundation; the College of Lake County and Northeast Community College in Nebraska both state that theirs are.
In Canada, training is linked to apprenticeship. The Automotive Service Technician Foundation certificate at Camosun College in Victoria lasts 30 weeks and gives credit for 450 hours towards the Level 1 apprenticeship.
In Spain, the subject belongs to vocational training (FP), in the professional family Transporte y Mantenimiento de Vehículos. The two main qualifications each have 2,000 hours:
- Técnico en Electromecánica de Vehículos Automóviles (grado medio), open to holders of the compulsory secondary education certificate
- Técnico Superior en Automoción (grado superior), for students with the Bachiller or an equivalent qualification
University degrees. Automotive engineering is usually a specialisation of mechanical engineering at bachelor's or master's level. The Automotive Engineering MSc at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom takes one year full time, is accredited by IMechE and IET, and covers propulsion from combustion systems to hybrid and fully electrified powertrains. The master's programme in Automotive Engineering at the Universität Stuttgart has a standard period of study of four semesters.
Where to study it
SpainExchange lists 67 active schools for this subject. The United States has by far the most (43), followed by Spain (5), Canada (4) and the United Kingdom (4), with China and Germany at two each.
The language of instruction is usually the local one. The Stuttgart master's programme is taught in German and is aimed at graduates with a bachelor's degree in automotive, mechanical or energy engineering. Cranfield asks for a UK first or second class honours degree or an equivalent international qualification.
International students should check that a vocational programme is open to them before applying. Camosun College, for instance, marks its Automotive Service Technician Foundation certificate as not open to international students. Applicants should also ask how much of the programme is hands-on workshop practice and whether hybrid and electric vehicles are covered; the College of Lake County states that electric and hybrid servicing practices are integrated into its classes.
Careers
Graduates of vocational programmes work as service technicians and mechanics in dealerships, independent repair shops and vehicle fleets. With experience and a higher qualification they move into supervisory roles. Spain's official FP portal lists workshop manager, vehicle inspection (ITV) supervisor, vehicle loss adjuster and spare parts manager among the jobs for the Técnico Superior en Automoción, and vehicle electrician and car electromechanic for the grado medio. Engineering graduates work in vehicle development, propulsion and electrification, chassis and dynamics, and research.
In the United States, automotive service technicians and mechanics held about 825,800 jobs in 2025, 32% of them at automobile dealers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. Certification matters in this trade: technicians typically need previous experience and must pass an exam to become certified, and anyone who buys or works with refrigerants must be certified in refrigerant handling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to train as an automotive technician?
It depends on the country and level. A US certificate can take one year or less and an associate degree two years; the Spanish FP qualifications have 2,000 hours each; Camosun College's foundation certificate in Canada lasts 30 weeks.
What is the difference between automotive technology and automotive engineering?
Automotive technology programmes train technicians to diagnose, service and repair vehicles. Automotive engineering is a university degree, often at master's level, about designing and developing vehicles and their systems.
Do automotive programmes cover electric vehicles?
Many now do. The College of Lake County integrates electric and hybrid servicing into its classes, and Cranfield's MSc covers hybrid and fully electrified powertrains. Check the curriculum of each school.
Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after a vocational programme?
In some cases. The College of Lake County has transfer agreements with two universities, and in Spain holders of the Técnico Superior en Automoción can continue with a university degree or with a specialisation course, such as the one on hybrid and electric vehicle systems.