Automotive Technology

Students and instructor working on a car

Supercharge Your Career with NOVA’s Automotive Technology Program

Turn your passion for cars into a lifelong, fulfilling career in an automotive technology program at the center of Northern Virginia's automotive industry.

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AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Associate Degree in Automotive Technology

Get ready for full-time employment in the automotive industry with NOVA's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Automotive Technology degree. You'll be well-trained for a variety of jobs, including line technician, new car make-ready worker, and customer service representative. You'll also be prepared to transfer to a four-year institution to earn your bachelor's degree.

Length
Two Years
Credits
66-67
Locations
Alexandria, Manassas
Curriculum Details

Maintenance and Light Repair Certificate

This program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as light repair technicians in new car dealerships and after-market service outlets.

Length
One Year
Credits
19
Locations
Alexandria, Manassas
Curriculum Details

Automotive Diagnosis and Repair Career Studies Certificate

With NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Automotive Diagnosis and Repair program, you'll be prepared to seamlessly transition into an apprentice role, entry-level technician position or other related jobs in the automotive industry.

Length
One Year
Credits
29
Locations
Alexandria, Manassas
Curriculum Details

Electric, Hybrid, and Autonomous Vehicles Career Studies Certificate

This program is to enhance a student’s employment options to include electric, hybrid, and autonomous (ADAS) vehicle technology repair facilities.

Length
One Year
Credits
17
Locations
Alexandria, Manassas
Curriculum Details

Collision Repair Technology Career Studies Certificate

With NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Collision Repair Technology program, you can become a collision repair technician with the knowledge and skills to evaluate, repair, and refinish automotive body damage.

Length
One Year
Credits
26
Locations
Alexandria
Curriculum Details

Diesel Basic Repair Career Studies Certificate

With NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Diesel Basic Repair program, you'll learn the basics of diesel equipment technology and repair. You'll split your time between the classroom and the shop so that you have hands-on experience in hydraulic and braking systems and diesel engines, including overhauling and tuning up engines. You'll also have the option to gain on-the-job experience through cooperative education. Earning your NOVA certificate will prepare you to work as a technician, supervisor, purchasing agent, or salesperson.

Length
One Semester
Credits
16
Locations
Manassas
Curriculum Details

Diesel Preventative Maintenance Career Studies Certificate

With NOVA's Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Diesel Preventative Maintenance program, you'll learn how to service and repair diesel engines, electrical systems, and transmissions and how to conduct preventative maintenance inspection (PMI). You can also get hands-on experience through cooperative education. With your diesel preventative maintenance certificate, you'll have the background in advanced diesel equipment technology principles and business skills to work as a supervisor, purchasing agent, or salesperson.

Length
One Semester
Credits
16
Locations
Manassas
Curriculum Details

Why Study Automotive Technology at NOVA?

Experienced Automotive Technology Faculty

You'll learn from NOVA's highly experienced automotive technology faculty. They are also caring mentors who are committed to helping you succeed.

Hands-On Automotive Technology Courses

You'll be ready to work at dealerships, fleet services companies, and other settings, thanks to automotive technology courses that include classroom and shop time.

Affordable Automotive Technology Programs

You'll receive an affordable automotive technology education. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships to help you pay for your associate degree or certificate.

Program Details

GM ASEP Program – Alexandria Campus

General Motors, local GM dealers, and NOVA work together to provide students with the latest technical training in the classroom, hands-on experience at the dealership, and an Associate degree with 80% GM certifications. These qualifications turn our highly motivated GM ASEP students into highly paid technicians upon graduation in two years.

Our Faculty

Our instructors are dedicated to guiding you through an immersive educational journey that will prepare you for success in the automotive industry. Here's a glimpse of the qualifications our esteemed faculty members possess:

  • ASE Master Technician
  • L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist
  • L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle & L4 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • General Motors Master Technician Certifies
  • Certified Emissions Repair Technician
  • Over 30 years of combined diverse industry experience, including Automotive Technicians, Management and Fleet Operation Technicians.

Automobile Dealer Education Institute

The Automobile Dealer Education Institute (ADEI), part of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, is a non-profit apprenticeship program that trains and places automotive technicians in successful dealership careers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Accreditations

Northern Virginia Community College's automotive technology program is accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.

Automotive Technology Program Career Outcomes

NOVA's automotive technology program will prepare you for rewarding careers in the automotive industry, including as a line technician, new car make-ready worker, and customer service representative. You can specialize in areas such as automotive diagnosis and repair, collision repair technology, diesel basic repair, diesel preventative maintenance, and maintenance and light repair. Through the associate degree program, you'll be equipped to continue your studies at a four-year college or university.

Credits and
Transfer Info

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.

Transferring

Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.

We recommend the following universities:  Ferris State University, Penn College, Weber State University and Northwestern Ohio.

Your Next Steps to NOVA