Automotive Technology

Helena College > Academics > Academic Programs of Study > Automotive Technology

Grease monkey? Motorhead? Wrench?

How about Master?

Your Associate of Applied Science degree will provide you with the skills to become certified as well as work in any shop with professional skills that will set you apart from the rest. Do you have aspirations of owning your own shop? Let’s build some business courses into your academic plan.

Your two year degree will offer the opportunity to go right into the field of automotive repair. Many students choose to graduate with a Master ASE Certification.

Our curriculum consists of eight areas of study as defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Speaking of current technology. We also offer a certificate in Hybrid Service Technology.

Grease monkey? Motorhead? Wrench?

Call it what you want. Our students graduate as skilled professionals ready to go to work.

We Support...

ASE Logo Image

Program cost

Students should budget for the following costs:

  • Tuition and fees which are based on the number of registered credit hours, and are paid each semester.
  • The automotive program has fees attached to some courses. These fees cover shop materials and supplies and are paid each semester.
  • Textbooks, tools (see required tool list below), and work shirts are also required.

Automotive Technology C.A.S.

First Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST103 Automotive Mechanics Core
AST108 Automotive Brakes
AST130 Introduction to Automotive Electronics
M111 Technical Mathematics
Second Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST160 Automotive Engine Repair
AST172 Automotive Steering and Suspension
AST230 Manual Drivetrains
COMX106 Communicating in a Dynamic Workplace

Automotive Technology A.A.S.

First Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST104 Automotive Mechanics Core
AST108 Automotive Brakes
AST130 Introduction to Automotive Electronics
M111 Technical Mathematics
Second Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST160 Automotive Engine Repair
AST172 Automotive Steering and Suspension
AST230 Manual Drivetrains
COMX106 Communicating in a Dynamic Workplace
Third Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST118 Electrical/Electronic Systems II
AST262 Engine Performance I
AST264 Engine Performance II
Fourth Semester Courses
Course # Title
AST172 Automotive Heating/Air Conditioning
AST270 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
AST274 Introduction to Hybrid Vehicle Technology

Hybrid Vehicle Service Technology Certificate

Certificate Requirements
Course # Title
AST130 Introduction to Automotive Electronics
AST160 Automotive Engine Repair
AST230 Electrical/Electronic Systems II
AST262 Engine Performance I
AST274 Introduction to Hybrid Vehicle Technology

Tool List

$2,700 - $3,700 (Approximately)

  1. Tool Chest Roll Cabinet (with lock), 5 drawer minimum
  2. Stiff Bladed Putty Knife
  3. 1/2 Drive Breaker bar
  4. 10” Slip Joint Pliers [water pump]
  5. 1/4 Drive Metric Sockets, Shallow 4mm to 15 mm; 13 pc.
  6. Battery Service Pliers
  7. 1/2 Drive Metric Sockets, Shallow 12 mm to 24 mm
  8. Side Post Battery Wrench and Wire Brush
  9. 3/8 Metric Sockets, Deep and Shallow 8 mm to 19 mm
  10. Top Post Battery Brush
  11. 1/2 Drive Standard Sockets, Shallow 1/2 to 1-1/8
  12. Reversible Snap Ring Pliers
  13. 1/4 Drive Standard Sockets, Deep and Shallow; 3/16 to 9/16 20 pc.
  14. 10” Vise Grip Type Pliers
  15. 3/8 Standard Sockets, Deep and Shallow 1/4 to 7/8 22 pc.
  16. Wire Stripper Cutters 10-20 ga. wire
  17. 5/8 and 13/16 Spark Plug Sockets
  18. 10 pc. Punch and Chisel set
  19. Torx Sockets T8 to T55 11 pc. set
  20. 16 oz. Ball Peen Hammer
  21. 1/2 Drive Ratchet
  22. 32 oz. Ball Peen or Engineer Type Hammer
  23. 1/4 Drive Ratchet
  24. 16 oz. Dead Blow Soft Face Hammer
  25. 3/8 Flex Head Ratchet 46. Hacksaw
  26. 3/8 Ratchet
  27. Wire Brush
  28. 1/2 Drive Extensions 5”, 11”
  29. Flashlight
  30. 1/4 Drive Extensions 2”, 4”, 6”
  1. 12" Tape Measure
  2. 3/8 Drive Extensions 1”, 3”, 6”, 11”
  3. Circuit Tester
  4. 1/4 Drive Screwdriver Style Handle
  5. Radiator Hose Removal Tool
  6. Adapters 3/8” to 1/4”; 3/8” to 1/2”; 1/2” to 3/8”
  7. 4 pc. Seal Pick Set
  8. Universals 1/4”, 3/8”
  9. 16” Rolling Head [Heel] Bar
  10. Standard Wrenches 3/8” to 1”
  11. Inspection Mirror
  12. Metric Wrenches 8 mm to 19 mm
  13. Magnetic Retrieval Tool
  14. Standard Flare Nut Wrenches 1/4” to 13/16”
  15. Carbon Gasket Scraper
  16. Metric Flare Nut Wrenches 8 mm to 21 mm
  17. Ignition Gauge Set [Short Blade .010 through .035]
  18. Standard Allen Wrenches 58. Feeler Gauge Set .0015 through .025
  19. Metric Allen Wrenches
  20. Wire Gap Gauge .044 through .080
  21. 12” Adjustable Wrench
  22. Spark Plug Gap Gauge [Taper]
  23. 8 pc. Screwdriver Set
  24. Safety Glasses
  25. Ratchet Type Screwdriver
  26. Blow Gun
  27. 6” Needle Nose pliers
  28. Fluorescent Tube Trouble Light with Accessory Plug,
  29. 8” Needle Nose pliers 25 ft. cord, minimum
  30. 7” Side Cutters
  31. 6” Precision Steel Rule with Metric Scales
  32. 7” Conventional Pliers [common]
  33. 2 Uniform Shirts
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