Automotive & Light Duty Diesel Technology General Info
If you want to use your problem solving and technical skills and work with gasoline and light duty diesel vehicles in the automotive industry, this is the right program for you.
As an Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology student you will study the vehicle from bumper to bumper and roof to road. This program will prepare you to meet the needs of today’s automotive industry including light duty diesel systems. The program utilizes current industry trends including student laptops with access to service information databases and shop management software widely used in the field. Students also have access to factory and aftermarket diagnostic tools. In this program your time will be spent learning how to diagnose and repair systems in a hands on environment to give you working knowledge of complex automotive and light duty diesel systems. A real world atmosphere will prepare you to enter the workforce with the problem solving skills you will need to be successful. This program will prepare you for employment in automotive dealerships, independent shops, performance shops, fleet facilities, or owning your own business.
NCC is a Snap-on Tool Educational Partner —Every student has access to a new tool box full of new, high quality Snap-on tools from day one of their first semester. This will let the student start their education without the large expense of buying the tools themselves right before school starts. Also, all of the technology in the labs will be updated twice a year to the most current available.
All of NCC’s instructors are trained in the NC3 curriculum. National certifications will be available in: Transportation, Automotive Diagnostics, Precision Measuring Instruments, Torque Fundamentals, Wheel Service & Alignment, Battery Starting and Charging, Multimeter, Diesel Diagnostics, Off-Road Diesel Technologies and Tool Safety.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.

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- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Diploma
Length
- Four Semesters & Two Summer Term
- Fall semester entry for full-time students
Student Profile
- Self-starter
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Good reading comprehension
- Basic science & math skills
- Good communication skills
- Computer skills also helpful
Program Location
- This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story Aléxandro Vazquez
“I’ve been fascinated with cars since I was 5 or 6 years old. I loved the Fast and Furious movies. My mom told me to choose a career that would always be around. I heard NCC has a really good Automotive program and the hands-on experience really sold me.”
Automotive student
Sheldon, IA


Requirements for this program
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 17 | |
AUT106-C | Introduction to Automotive Technology | 2 |
AUT165-E | Automotive Engine Repair | 5 |
AUT605-E | Basic Automotive Electrical Systems | 7 |
ENG105-A | Composition I | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC112-A | Public Speaking | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC122-A | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 18 | |
AUT251-E | Automotive Drive Trains I | 6 |
AUT805-E | Automotive Engine Performance I | 6 |
AUT867-E | Introduction to Light Duty Diesel | 3 |
MAT110-A | Math for Liberal Arts | 3 |
OR | ||
MAT102-A | Intermediate Algebra | 4 |
OR | ||
MAT121-A | College Algebra | 4 |
AUTO SERVICE DIPLOMA AWARDED | ||
Total Credits | 35 | |
SUMMER TERM | 6 | |
AUT503-E | Automotive Brake Systems | 3 |
AUT703-E | Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning | 3 |
SECOND YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 22 | |
AUT404-E | Automotive Suspension and Steering | 4 |
AUT813-E | Automotive Engine Performance II | 6 |
AUT846-E | Automotive Electronics | 6 |
BUS162-C | Workplace Professionalism | 3 |
PHI105-A | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
OR | ||
PSY251-A | Social Psychology | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 16 | |
AUT252-E | Automotive Drive Trains II | 6 |
AUT868-E | Diesel Systems Diagnosis & Repair | 7 |
SOC110-A | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
OR | ||
SOC120-A | Marriage and Family | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 6 | |
AUT912-E | Cooperative/Internship | 6 |
OR | ||
WBL300-E | Internship | 3 |
AND | ||
WBL308-C | Internship: Ind Tech | 3 |
Total Credits | 85 | |
*A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required to participate in the internship course. |
More Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Jobs in the automotive industry are in high demand. Students can get work as
technicians, parts specialists, service writers, service managers, shop owners, and mobile technicians.
Starting technician salaries begin around $12–18 per hour. When technicians refine their skill they can work on a commission base and earn more.
Classes focus about 75% of the time in a hands-on project-based learning environment and the other 25% in the classroom with lecture. In the lab students will learn on real world problems and with leading-edge equipment used by the industry. Students will cover all eight (8) ASE areas and have a summer internship within the two-year program.
This is a one of a kind program focusing on automotive platforms that include gasoline and light duty diesel systems. The program is NATEF certified and all instructors are ASE master certified and have real world experience.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.