64 Credits DIP3416, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Learners graduating with a diploma in Automotive Service receive intense training and experience in the diagnosis, repair and service of contemporary vehicles.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 64 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: $13,725
Tools and Equipment: $2,500
Total Estimated Cost: $16,225 *
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 (28 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses: NOTE: For qualified sophomores, COE may be substituted for up to 2 credits of Auto Lab.
AST1112 Introduction to Auto Service (2 credits)
This course is a requirement for the Automotive Service program. The course includes the following topics: shop safety, shop practices and procedures, vehicle identification, use of electronic service information, proper use of hand tools, power tools, hoists and other shop equipment, fasteners, tires, and fluids. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST1130 Introduction to Hybrid Electric Vehicles (1 credits)
The course introduces the fundamentals of hybrid electric vehicles. The course includes hybrid vehicle classifications, high voltage safety, vehicle systems, components, operation, and basic diagnosis. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service Program).
AST1212 Basic Electrical (2 credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of electricity. The battery, DC electrical circuits, circuit components, wiring diagrams, digital multimeter use, Ohm's law, Watt's law, and circuit testing will be presented in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST1222 Advanced Electrical/Electronics (2 credits)
This course covers the operation and diagnosis of relays, motors, lighting systems, gauges, windshield wiper systems, power windows, power locks, solid state electronic components, and other automotive electrical systems. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST1212 is recommended for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST1233 Starting and Charging Systems (3 credits)
This course covers the operation and diagnosis of the starting and charging systems. Instruction in component identification and operation, circuit diagnosis, and component testing will be included. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service Program)
AST1311 Engine Diagnosis (1 credits)
This course covers engine diagnosis using various types of test equipment. This course focuses on developing the skills needed to diagnose and analyze basic engine problems. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1712 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST1323 Lower Engine Service (3 credits)
This course covers the theory of engine operation and construction, parts identification, measurements, and engine wear locations. Determining the service procedures an engine will require and the reconditioning of all lower engine components are included in this course. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1311 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST1332 Upper Engine Service (2 credits)
This course covers testing and rebuilding the cylinder head. The student will analyze cylinder compression and leakage to determine if valve and valve seat service is necessary. Hands-on experience consists of valve refacing, valve guide service, valve seat reconditioning, valve spring testing, shim selection, and proper assembly and installation. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1311 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST1341 Engine Lab (1 credits)
This course is designed to allow students enrolled in the engine services sequence of courses, time to complete the assigned projects. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1323 and AST 1332 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST1412 Clutch & Drive Line (2 credits)
This course covers standard automotive and light truck clutches. Content includes design, adjustment, overhaul, diagnosis, and repair. Also included are mechanical and hydraulic systems. The drive line section includes phasing, alignment and balance. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST1423 Manual Transmission/Transaxle & 4X4 (3 credits)
This course covers the operation and the proper repair procedures for the types of manual transmissions/transaxles and transfer cases used in late model vehicles. Four wheel drive, locking hubs, axle disconnects, AWD, full-time, and part-time four-wheel drive systems will also be covered. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST1513 Suspension/Steering & Wheel Alignment (3 credits)
This course covers front and rear suspension systems, wheel balance, and steering systems and components. Students will be required to perform a front and rear wheel alignment. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST1613 Brakes (3 credits)
This course will cover the principles of friction and braking systems, disc and drum brakes, parking brakes, and power assist units. Emphasis will be placed on system operation, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of various types of braking systems. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST1622 Advanced Brakes (2 credits)
This course will cover anti-lock brake systems. Emphasis will be placed on system operation and controls. Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the various types of systems will also be included. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST1714 Introduction to Engine Operation (2 credits)
This course covers the theory of operation, basic diagnosis, and maintenance of the automotive gasoline engine, fuel system, ignition system, and emission system. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST1212 is recommended for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST2432 Rear Axle/Differential (2 credits)
This course will cover the operation and proper repair procedures of current differentials used on late model vehicles. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST2442 Automatic Transmission I (2 credits)
This course covers how an automatic transmission works, the basic parts, functions, and power flow of the hydraulic circuits. This course also includes the basic theory of torque converters, planetary gears, clutches, bands, and hydraulic circuit operation. Prior knowledge gained by successful completion of AST 1112 is required for student success in this class. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2452 Automatic Transmission II (2 credits)
This course is a hands-on lab class in which various transmissions and transaxles are overhauled, adjusted, and bench tested. Basic overhaul techniques and special tool and gauge usage are included. Prior knowledge gained by successful completion of AST 1112 and AST 2442 is required for student success in this class. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2462 Automatic Transmission III (2 credits)
The student, after completing this course, will have a basic understanding of troubleshooting, repairs, and adjustments of conventional and electronic shift automatic transmissions. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST2723 Fuel Systems I (3 credits)
This course covers the principles of operation of the various types of automotive fuel systems. Fuel system component identification, operation, and testing is included in this course. Gasoline fuel system diagnosis and repair will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2733 Introduction to Automotive Computers (3 credits)
This course covers the operating principles and testing of automotive computers, sensors, and control devices. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST2743 Fuel Systems II (3 credits)
This course covers fuel injection and emissions systems used with gasoline engines. This course focuses on the operation, diagnosis, and repair of automotive fuel injection and emissions systems. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service program)
AST2752 Engine Performance & Drivability (2 credits)
This course emphasizes the accurate and efficient diagnosis and repair of drivability and emission concerns associated with all aspects of engine operation. Particular attention will be placed on computerized engine management systems. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2812 Basic Air Conditioning (2 credits)
This course covers the principles of air conditioning. Various system types, malfunction diagnosis, testing, and repair are studied in the classroom. Practical work such as component replacement, charging, and performance testing will be on actual systems. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST2911 Auto Lab I (1 credits)
This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop practical automotive repair skills. Auto Lab provides the student shop time to complete projects and lab assignments required in the Automotive Service program. This is a hands-on, performance based course where students work on diagnosing, maintaining and repairing vehicles. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1112 or concurrent enrollment in AST 1112 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2921 Auto Lab II (1 credits)
This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop practical automotive repair skills. Auto Lab provides shop time to complete projects required in the Automotive Service program. This is a hands-on, performance based course where students work on diagnosing, maintaining and repairing vehicles. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Automotive Service Program)
AST2931 Auto Lab III (1 credits)
This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop practical automotive repair skills. Auto Lab provides the student shop time to complete projects required in the Automotive Service program. This is a hands-on, performance based course where students work on diagnosing, maintaining and repairing vehicles. Prior knowledge gained by successful completion of AST 1112 is required for student success in this class. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
AST2941 Auto Lab IV (1 credits)
This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop practical automotive repair skills. Auto Lab provides the student shop time to complete projects and lab assignments required in the Automotive Service program. This is a hands-on, performance based course where students work on diagnosing, maintaining and repairing vehicles. Prior knowledge gained by the successful completion of AST 1112 or concurrent enrollment in AST 1112 is required for student success in this course. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program)
Required Arts and Sciences (6 Credits)
Complete 6 MNTC credits from MNTC goals 1-10.
Technical Electives (1 Credit)
Complete 1 credit from the following courses:
AST1622 Advanced Brakes (2 credits)
This course will cover anti-lock brake systems. Emphasis will be placed on system operation and controls. Diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of the various types of systems will also be included. (Prerequisite: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST1112 or instructor approval)
AST2822 Advanced Heating and Air Conditioning (2 credits)
This course covers automatic temperature control systems operation, testing and repairs of vacuum and electrical controls, air flow distribution, and heater system controls. (Prerequisites: Admission into the Automotive Service program and AST 2812 or instructor approval)
AST2951 Individualized Study (1 - 8 credits)
This course allows the student to design a program of study geared toward individual need and special interest. The student will specialize in developing skills and competencies in selected areas. (Prerequisites: Instructor approval)
AST2961 Cooperative Occupational Experience (1 - 8 credits)
Students will work in a sponsoring automotive service facility. The tasks and activities must be consistent with prior course work. The work schedule will be determined on a case-by-case basis. (Prerequisites: The student must be in the second year of the program and instructor approval is required. Credits are variable up to a maximum of 8)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
