Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology curriculum is designed to provide students with the advanced technical knowledge, analytical skills, and leadership competencies necessary to succeed in supervisory, engineering support, and technical leadership positions within the automotive and transportation industries. Building upon the technical competencies developed through an associate degree in automotive technology, the program provides advanced instruction in vehicle diagnostics, systems integration, engineering support, quality systems, technical leadership, business operations, and emerging transportation technologies.

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology at Chaffey College expands upon the industry standards established within the associate degree curriculum by emphasizing advanced diagnostics, critical thinking, applied research, professional communication, and data-driven decision-making. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to diagnose complex vehicle systems, analyze root causes of mechanical and electrical failures, evaluate technical information, improve organizational performance, and effectively support collaboration between service organizations, manufacturers, and engineering teams in the development, diagnosis, and implementation of advanced vehicle technologies.

Students who successfully complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology will be prepared for advanced careers as diagnostic specialists, field technical specialists, technical trainers, quality and warranty analysts, engineering support specialists, fleet and operations managers, service managers, and other technical leadership positions within the automotive, transportation, and mobility industries.

The program anticipates 30 completers per year.

The goal of the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology is to prepare graduates for advanced technical and leadership careers within the automotive and transportation industries by developing expertise in complex vehicle diagnostics, engineering support, business operations, quality improvement, emerging vehicle technologies, and professional communication. The program equips students with the technical knowledge, analytical abilities, ethical decision-making skills, and leadership competencies necessary to solve complex transportation challenges, support innovation, and lead organizations in an evolving mobility industry.

Proposed Upper-Division Major (45 Units)--

Advanced Vehicle Technology Core (15 Units):

Leadership and Operations Core (18 Units):

Professional and Regulatory Core (9 Units):

Applied Learning Experience (3 Units):

Course Descriptions:

AUTO 460 – Advanced Diagnostic Strategy

Advanced diagnostic procedures used to identify and resolve complex vehicle performance, electrical, drivability, and system integration concerns. Emphasis on diagnostic planning, interpretation of vehicle data, use of service information, and root-cause analysis. Prepares students for advanced diagnostic specialist, shop foreman, and field technical support positions.

AUTO 461 – Vehicle Networks and Connected Systems

Operation, diagnosis, and service of modern vehicle communication and connected vehicle systems. Emphasis on CAN, LIN, Ethernet, telematics, cybersecurity considerations, and network troubleshooting methods. Prepares students for advanced diagnostic and technical specialist positions involving connected vehicle technologies.

AUTO 462 – Automotive Failure Analysis and Technical Case Management

Analysis and investigation of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and high-voltage system failures. Emphasis on root-cause analysis, technical case documentation, warranty trend evaluation, and development of corrective action recommendations. Prepares students for employment as field technical specialists, technical assistance center personnel, and diagnostic support professionals.

AUTO 463 – ADAS Calibration and Emerging Vehicle Technology

Operation, diagnosis, calibration, and service of advanced driver assistance systems and emerging vehicle technologies. Emphasis on camera, radar, ultrasonic, and sensor-based systems used in modern transportation applications. Prepares students for employment involving ADAS calibration, diagnosis, and advanced vehicle system support.

AUTO 464 – Advanced Vehicle Systems Integration

Study of interactions between propulsion, electrical, communication, safety, and driver assistance systems in modern vehicles. Emphasis on system integration, software-controlled functions, diagnostic considerations, and emerging transportation technologies. Prepares students for advanced technical and supervisory positions within the automotive industry.

AUTO 470 – Automotive Leadership and Team Development

Leadership principles and personnel management practices used in automotive service organizations. Emphasis on employee development, team building, conflict resolution, communication, and performance management. Prepares students for shop foreman, team leader, and supervisory positions.

AUTO 471 – Service Operations Management

Management of automotive service operations including workflow processes, scheduling, productivity measurement, quality control, and customer satisfaction. Emphasis on operational efficiency and performance improvement within dealership, fleet, and independent repair environments. Prepares students for service management positions.

AUTO 472 – Workforce Development and Technician Retention

Strategies used to recruit, develop, train, and retain skilled automotive professionals. Emphasis on mentoring programs, apprenticeship models, workforce planning, employee engagement, and succession planning. Prepares students for leadership and workforce development responsibilities within transportation industries.

AUTO 473 – Automotive Financial Management

Financial principles and performance metrics used in automotive service and repair organizations. Emphasis on budgeting, labor utilization, profitability analysis, expense management, and operational decision making. Prepares students for service management and fixed operations leadership positions.

AUTO 474 – Fixed Operations Strategy and Performance

Management of service, parts, and customer support operations within automotive organizations. Emphasis on warranty administration, customer retention, profitability improvement, performance measurement, and continuous improvement processes. Prepares students for fixed operations management positions.

AUTO 475 – Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development

Analysis of current and emerging trends affecting automotive and transportation industries. Emphasis on vehicle electrification, autonomous technologies, workforce development, aftermarket trends, OEM business strategies, regulatory influences, and strategic planning. Prepares students for leadership, management, and technical specialist positions within the transportation industry.

AUTO 480 – Automotive Law, Ethics, and Compliance

Legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements affecting automotive service and transportation industries. Emphasis on BAR regulations, consumer protection laws, environmental requirements, workplace compliance, and professional ethics. Prepares students for supervisory and management responsibilities requiring regulatory oversight.

AUTO 481 – Technical Communication for Automotive Professionals

Written, verbal, and electronic communication methods used in automotive technical and management positions. Emphasis on technical reports, repair documentation, presentations, training materials, and professional correspondence. Develops communication skills required for leadership and technical support roles.

AUTO 482 – Automotive Training and Technical Instruction

Methods and techniques used to develop and deliver technical training within automotive and transportation industries. Emphasis on instructional planning, adult learning principles, presentation techniques, assessment methods, and development of technical training materials. Prepares students for shop trainer, OEM instructor, workforce development, and technical training positions.

AUTO 490 – Applied Automotive Industry Capstone

Culminating project integrating advanced automotive technology, leadership, and management concepts. Emphasis on applied research, technical analysis, operational improvement, industry case studies, and professional presentation of project findings. Demonstrates mastery of program learning outcomes and workforce readiness.

Total Upper-Division Major

Course Learning Outcomes:

AUTO 460 – Advanced Diagnostic Strategy

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze complex vehicle concerns using a systematic diagnostic process.
2. Evaluate diagnostic data and service information to determine root causes of vehicle failures.
3. Develop and justify diagnostic and repair strategies using evidence-based decision-making.

AUTO 461 – Vehicle Networks and Connected Systems

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the operation and interaction of vehicle communication and connected systems.
2. Diagnose faults involving vehicle network communication systems and related technologies.
3. Evaluate network performance data to develop corrective action recommendations.

AUTO 462 – Automotive Failure Analysis and Technical Case Management

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze vehicle system failures using accepted root-cause analysis methodologies.
2. Evaluate diagnostic, service, and warranty data to identify failure trends and contributing factors.
3. Develop technical case reports and recommendations supported by documented evidence.

AUTO 463 – ADAS Calibration and Emerging Vehicle Technology

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the operation and integration of advanced driver assistance systems.
2. Evaluate calibration procedures and service requirements for ADAS-equipped vehicles.
3. Assess the impact of emerging vehicle technologies on automotive service and repair operations.

AUTO 464 – Advanced Vehicle Systems Integration

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Analyze interactions between interconnected vehicle systems and their effect on vehicle operation.
2. Diagnose complex concerns involving multiple integrated vehicle systems.
3. Develop system-level service and diagnostic strategies for modern vehicles.

AUTO 470 – Automotive Leadership and Team Development

1. Evaluate leadership approaches used within automotive service organizations.
2. Develop strategies to improve employee performance, teamwork, and workplace communication.
3. Assess organizational challenges and recommend effective leadership solutions.

AUTO 471 – Service Operations Management

1. Analyze operational processes within automotive service organizations.
2. Evaluate productivity, workflow, and customer satisfaction metrics.
3. Develop recommendations to improve operational efficiency and service performance.

AUTO 472 – Automotive Quality Systems and Continuous Improvement

1. Analyze quality management systems used within automotive organizations.
2. Evaluate operational performance using quality and customer satisfaction metrics.
3. Develop continuous improvement strategies based on root-cause analysis and performance data.

AUTO 473 – Automotive Financial Management

1. Analyze financial data used in automotive service and repair operations.
2. Evaluate organizational performance using financial and operational metrics.
3. Develop recommendations that support financial sustainability and operational improvement.

AUTO 474 – Fixed Operations Strategy and Performance

1. Analyze the performance of service, parts, and customer support operations.
2. Evaluate strategies used to improve customer retention and operational profitability.
3. Develop recommendations to enhance fixed operations performance.

AUTO 475 – Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development

1. Evaluate current and emerging trends affecting the automotive and transportation industries.
2. Analyze the impact of technological, regulatory, and workforce changes on industry operations.
3. Develop strategic recommendations addressing future industry challenges and opportunities.

AUTO 480 – Automotive Law, Ethics, and Compliance

1. Analyze legal and regulatory requirements affecting automotive service operations.
2. Evaluate ethical issues encountered within automotive organizations.
3. Develop compliance strategies that support responsible organizational practices.

AUTO 481 – Technical Communication for Automotive Professionals

1. Develop professional technical documents appropriate for automotive and transportation industries.
2. Deliver technical information effectively through written, verbal, and visual communication methods.
3. Evaluate communication strategies used to support technical and organizational objectives.

AUTO 482 – Automotive Training and Technical Instruction

1. Develop instructional materials and training activities for automotive technical audiences.
2. Evaluate training methods used to support workforce development and skill acquisition.
3. Deliver technical instruction using effective communication and adult learning principles.

AUTO 490 – Applied Automotive Industry Capstone

1. Analyze a complex automotive, operational, or industry-related problem using appropriate research and evaluation methods.
2. Develop evidence-based recommendations that address identified issues or opportunities.
3. Integrate technical, operational, and leadership concepts acquired throughout the program into a comprehensive project.
4. Present project findings and recommendations using professional communication standards.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

Program Learning Outcome Assessment Map:

PLO 1 – Advanced Technical Analysis

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 460 Advanced Diagnostic Strategy
• AUTO 462 Automotive Failure Analysis and Technical Case Management
• AUTO 464 Advanced Vehicle Systems Integration

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 462 Automotive Failure Analysis and Technical Case Management

Suggested Assessment:
Comprehensive failure analysis report utilizing diagnostic data, service information, and root-cause analysis methodologies.

PLO 2 – Emerging Technology Evaluation

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 461 Vehicle Networks and Connected Systems
• AUTO 463 ADAS Calibration and Emerging Vehicle Technology
• AUTO 475 Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 463 ADAS Calibration and Emerging Vehicle Technology

Suggested Assessment:
Emerging technology evaluation project assessing service, operational, and industry impacts of a current transportation technology.

PLO 3 – Leadership and Workforce Development

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 470 Automotive Leadership and Team Development
• AUTO 471 Service Operations Management
• AUTO 474 Fixed Operations Strategy and Performance
• AUTO 482 Automotive Training and Technical Instruction

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 470 Automotive Leadership and Team Development

Suggested Assessment:
Leadership case study analysis and organizational improvement plan.

PLO 4 – Operational and Strategic Decision-Making

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 472 Automotive Quality Systems and Continuous Improvement
• AUTO 473 Automotive Financial Management
• AUTO 474 Fixed Operations Strategy and Performance
• AUTO 475 Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 475 Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development

Suggested Assessment:
Strategic analysis project utilizing operational, financial, quality, and industry data to support organizational decision-making.

PLO 5 – Professional Communication and Instruction

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 481 Technical Communication for Automotive Professionals
• AUTO 482 Automotive Training and Technical Instruction

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 482 Automotive Training and Technical Instruction

Suggested Assessment:
Development and delivery of a technical training presentation with supporting instructional materials.

PLO 6 – Applied Industry Problem Solving

Supporting Courses:
• AUTO 460 Advanced Diagnostic Strategy
• AUTO 462 Automotive Failure Analysis and Technical Case Management
• AUTO 471 Service Operations Management
• AUTO 472 Automotive Quality Systems and Continuous Improvement
• AUTO 475 Automotive Industry Assessment and Strategic Development
• AUTO 490 Applied Automotive Industry Capstone

Primary Assessment Course:
AUTO 490 Applied Automotive Industry Capstone

Suggested Assessment:
Comprehensive capstone project integrating technical, operational, leadership, regulatory, and strategic concepts to address a complex transportation industry challenge.

This curriculum creates four clearly identifiable bachelor's-level career pathways:

Technical Specialist Track

• Diagnostic Specialist
• Field Technical Specialist
• Technical Assistance Center Specialist
• Warranty Analyst

Service Management Track

• Shop Foreman
• Service Manager
• Fixed Operations Manager
• Fleet Maintenance Supervisor

OEM & Industry Track

• District Service Manager
• Technical Trainer
• Regional Technical Specialist
• Product Support Representative

Business & Leadership Track

• Independent Shop Owner
• Multi-Shop Manager
• Fleet Operations Manager
• Automotive Operations Director