Automotive FAQs

The most popular path for students interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry is to complete the 70-credit Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) two year degree, covering the broad technical and soft skills you need to test, diagnose, and repair the complex mechanical and electronic equipment found in today’s automobiles.

The next most popular options are either completing the 57-credit Comprehensive Automotive Service Technician Certificate or the 27-credit Entry-Level Service Technician Certificate.

The other shorter automotive system-based certificates listed are typically earned by completing the class requirements for the AAS degree or Comprehensive/Entry-Level certificates, although it’s possible to complete them individually.

From a technical training perspective, both programs require the same 23 automotive classes totaling 54 credits. The primary difference lies in the number of general education courses required to graduate. The AAS degree requires five general education classes totaling 16 credits, whereas the Comprehensive Technician Certificate requires one 3-credit general education class.

Graduating with an AAS degree can offer added benefits such as developing stronger communication and problem-solving skills, and improved opportunities for career growth and advancement.

The Automotive program is offered at the Westminster campus as well as our Larimer campus located in Ft. Collins. Both campuses offer the same programs, so the decision is largely about location convenience and class availability. The Westminster campus recommended class sequence includes taking automotive classes during the summer, whereas the Larimer campus does not hold summer automotive classes.

Automotive classes last two to four weeks and are taken one at a time, back-to-back. Students typically take 5-8 automotive classes per semester, following a recommended sequence.

Each class meets four days a week, Monday through Thursday,
for a four-hour time block.

• If you want morning classes,
  You should start the Fall semester.
  Morning classes are held from 8 am - 12:05 pm at Westminster, and 8:30 am –12:35 pm at Larimer.
  
• If you want evening classes,
  You should start the Spring semester. Night classes at both campuses are held 5:30 - 9:35 pm.
  
• We offer an afternoon track designed for students pursuing the Entry-Level Technician Certificate.
  Afternoon classes are held from 1 - 5:05 pm and begin in Fall semester (both campuses), Summer (Westminster), or Spring (Larimer).
  If you plan to continue toward the AAS degree or Comprehensive Certificate, you’ll eventually need to switch to morning or evening classes after 1-2 semesters.

The recommended order of automotive classes depends on your campus and which semester you start the program. We have My Academic Plans (MAPS) for each time track and campus to guide you. A sample MAP for the Fall Morning start at the Westminster campus can be found here. Because certain classes are only offered once per year at specific times, staying on the MAP is very important. Missing or delaying a class could extend your time to finish the program.

Our Automotive program is in high demand and class size is limited to 14 students. Classes often fill within the first few days of registration opening. To give yourself the best chance of getting the classes you need, plan to register as soon as you are eligible. Be sure to check the Academic Calendar for registration opening dates.

Students who have previously earned credits at FRCC or from transferred classes are eligible for Priority Registration.

Absolutely. Each automotive class includes a mix of classroom instruction and substantial hands-on training in the shop. You’ll also be assigned some homework outside of class to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Tuition is calculated based on credit hours. You can find current rates on our Tuition and Fees page. The AAS degree in Automotive Technology requires 70 credits, usually completed over four or five semesters.

Costs may vary depending on your Colorado residency status and whether your general education classes are taken in-person, online, or remotely. All automotive classes are in-person.

Summer automotive classes are only offered at our Westminster campus. The most efficient path to completing your degree at the Westminster campus requires taking classes in the summer.

Many of our students work part- to full-time, often within the automotive industry, which reinforces skills learned in class. We schedule our classes in time blocks (morning, afternoon, or night) in support of students who are working to provide a predictable, consistent schedule. It will be important to register on-time each semester to keep the same schedule.

Yes, it’s possible to do this program part-time, although all classes run in 4-hour blocks, 4 days/week, so the only option to be part-time is to take breaks between each auto class. Note that if you are restricted in the time of day in which you take classes it will take significantly longer to schedule all of the required classes for your program.

If a class you need is full, we encourage you to get on the waitlist. If you are brand new to the program, we recommend you waitlist the introductory automotive class, ASE1002: Intro to the Automotive Shop, if it doesn’t conflict with your overall class schedule. In the meantime, you can still make progress toward your degree or certificate by enrolling in general education courses such as English, Physics, Math, or Communications.

There are a few expenses to plan for at the start of the program:

• Two digital textbooks that cover the entire automotive curriculum
  
• A personal set of tools (the required tool list will be reviewed during your first week)
  
• Automotive shop dress code items, including a work shirt and clear safety glasses

It is possible to take classes at both campuses. However, we strongly encourage students to complete their entire program at the same campus whenever possible. Doing so helps you:

• Stay on track with the recommended course sequence
  
• Build strong relationships with instructors and classmates
  
• Become familiar with the specific shop procedures and policies at your campus
  

Note that automotive classes are not offered at the Larimer campus during the summer. Occasionally taking automotive classes at the other campus might be useful; please consult with your academic advisor or instructor to make the best plan for your situation.