72 Credits AAS3415, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The A.A.S. Degree in Auto Body and Collision Technology provides students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and to broaden personal horizons through the requirement of 15 Arts and Sciences credits. Each student is required to have tools relative to the trade area.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 72 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $15,440
Tools and Equipment: $1,800 - $2,600
Total Estimated Cost: $17,240 - $18,040 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (18 Courses)
Select the following courses:
ABCT1805 Auto Body Collision Technology Fundamentals (2 credits)
This course introduces students to the auto body industry, its careers and work standards. Basic shop procedures are covered in the course and students gain insight to the equipment, personal health, safety, and special tools used in auto body repair. (Prerequisites: None)
ABCT1801 Auto Body Lab I (4 credits)
This course will allow the students to develop and to practice skills needed in the auto body industry through hands-on experience.
ABCT1810 Sheet Metal I (3 credits)
Students learn the characteristics of sheet metal repair processes in minor damage. Students practice sheet metal repair on panels or damage on vehicles. Students learn material product safety and safe use of body fillers.
ABCT1820 Priming and Refinish System Preparation (3 credits)
This course teaches students refinishing safety, tools, equipment, surface preparation, and material application procedures.
ABCT1860 Auto Body Welding (3 credits)
This course covers safety procedures, setup and operation of MIG and oxyacetylene welding equipment. Flat, vertical, horizontal and overhead positions on automotive sheet metal will be practiced. Oxyacetylene and plasma arc cutting processes are included.
ABCT1802 Auto Body Lab II (4 credits)
This course will allow the students to develop and to practice skills needed in the auto body industry through hands-on experience.
ABCT1850 Trim, Hardware and Glass (3 credits)
Students learn safe procedures for removal and replacement of stationery and movable glass. Also covered are various methods of trim and hardware attachments.
ABCT1870 Refinishing (3 credits)
This course teaches panel, blending, and overall refinish procedures using single and multi-stage refinish products.
ABCT1880 Sheet Metal II (3 credits)
This course teaches advanced sheet metal repairs, replacement and sectioning on exterior cosmetic panels, panel adjustments, and fitting procedures.
ABCT2800 Damage Appraisal and Shop Management (3 credits)
This course includes identification and calculation of vehicle damage using manuals and computer assisted procedures. Shop management procedures will include inventory management, parts and repair ordering, customer relations, and communication skills.
ABCT2803 Auto Body Lab III (4 credits)
This course will allow the students to develop and practice skills needed in the auto body industry through hands-on experience.
ABCT1840 Auto Collision Mechanical I (3 credits)
This course covers the principles of removing and replacing mechanical components in front and rear wheel drive vehicles as related to the auto body industry. The course includes environmental issues. (Prerequisites: None)
ABCT2810 Appearance Matching (3 credits)
This course teaches students identification and correction of color match and appearance problems. The techniques of tinting, color correction, paint, and vehicle detailing will be covered.
ABCT2820 Composites (2 credits)
This course teaches students identification and safe repair of interior and exterior automotive plastics including sheet molded compound and fiberglass.
ABCT2830 Measuring and Pulling Systems (3 credits)
Students will use mechanical and computer assisted measuring systems to analyze and develop repair procedures on frame and unibody vehicles. Frame racks, bench, and floor pulling systems will be utilized to repair direct and indirect damage on open and closed panels.
ABCT2850 Structural Repair (3 credits)
This course covers replacement, sectioning procedures and corrosion protection of the frame, unibody, and structural members and components. Wheel alignment as it applies during structural repair will be covered.
ABCT2870 Auto Collision Mechanical II (3 credits)
This course teaches collision service techniques for chassis, electronic components, steering and suspension systems, antilock brake systems, air bags, and related vehicle safety systems.
ABCT2804 Auto Body Lab IV (4 credits)
This course will allow the student to develop and to practice skills needed in the auto body industry through hands-on experience.
OR
ABCT2910 Occupational Internship (1 - 9 credits)
Students will work in a sponsoring auto body facility. A training plan will be developed and utilized. (Prerequisite: Instructor Approval)
Technical Elective Credits (1 Credit)
Courses must be selected in consultation with advisor/faculty. Choose from the following courses or see advisor/faculty for additional offerings.
ABCT2910 Occupational Internship (1 - 9 credits)
Students will work in a sponsoring auto body facility. A training plan will be developed and utilized. (Prerequisite: Instructor Approval)
ABCT2920 Special Problems (1 - 6 credits)
This course will be of individual design to allow students hands-on or classroom as needed to practice skills required in the auto body industry.
ABCT2805 Auto Body and Collision Air Conditioning (2 credits)
This course covers the principles of air conditioning. Various system types, collision damage analysis, malfunction diagnosis, testing, and repair are studied in the classroom. Practical work such as component replacement, system evacuation, charging, and performance testing will be included. (Prerequisites: None)
Required Arts and Sciences
To complete an AAS Degree, students must complete 15 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC goal areas. Courses must be selected in consultation with advisor/faculty.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
