Automotive Technology - A.A.S.

*100% placement

  • SUNY Canton Automotive is the first in the country to achieve the Zeus Level of Snap-On Diagnostics.
  • SUNY Canton Automotive is still the only college in New York State to be Snap-On Diagnostics Certified.
  • All classes and labs are in-person.

Graduates of the Automotive Technology program experience an exciting period of transition as technologies continue their shift toward much higher fuel efficiency, hybrids, and EVs. Recruiters and employers of SUNY Canton's graduates include dealerships, service industries, automobile manufacturers, and parts suppliers. Graduates learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose and repair all aspects of the automobile power train, suspension, steering, braking and air conditioning systems.


Placement Rates

Employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Mission Statement:

We educate and train for future Automotive Professionals. Using critical thinking skills, students will understand the history of the industry, evaluate the dynamics of the present, and envision mobility in the future.

Subaru logo

Students in this Major:

  • Utilize the latest technology in an electronics-based curriculum.
  • Acquire extensive hands-on experience in well-equipped laboratories.
  • Receive a world class education in automotive mechanical, technical, and services areas.
  • Learn on late model cars donated by automotive manufacturers.
  • Get special attention from faculty in small laboratory classes.
  • Are encouraged to take the Automotive Service Excellence certification test upon completion of course work.
  • Enjoy outstanding career placement.

Latest News

  • One more hybrid and many more European vehicles added to program.
  • Recently NATEF recertified.
  • Just added Electrical Certification and Advanced Diagnostics to our list of Snap-On Certifications

Career Opportunities:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Service Manager
  • Service Advisor
  • Industrial Research/Development
  • Automotive Machine Shop
  • Auto Parts Manager/Owner
  • Technical Representative
  • Automatic Transmission Technician
  • Wheel Alignment/Suspension Technician
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Fleet Maintenance Supervisor/Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technician

Students repair a hybrid vehicle.

Recent Employers of SUNY Canton Graduates:

  • Advanced Auto Parts
  • Blevins Brothers dealerships
  • Chrysler Corporation
  • Fay Motors Cadillac Dealership
  • Firestone Tire Company
  • Ford Motor Company
  • General Motors Corporation
  • Goodyear Tire Company
  • Mort Backus and Sons Chevrolet Buick and GMC
  • NAPA Auto Parts
  • Sears
  • Snap-On Education - New York State's Snap-On Diagnostic Certification CenterSnap-On Tools Corporation
  • Stephenson Equipment Incorporated Cranes
  • Subaru Distribution Corporation
  • Taylor Rental Corporation
  • Toyota (Lexus Division)
  • Troyer Race Car Engineering
  • Various dealerships throughout NYS
  • Many graduates own their own businesses

NATEF ASE Certified Program

* SUNY Canton is a 7404 ASE Testing Site. Call Julie Parkman or Shelly Thompson at 315-386-7119 to make an appointment.

Career Outlook:

The U.S. Department of Labor cites a strong demand for qualified automotive technicians and master technicians. There are more automotive jobs available than there are qualified graduates to fill them. Our graduates can look forward to a 100% job placement.

Overhead view of Auto lab with a dozen cars and trucks.

Transfer Opportunities:

  • SUNY Canton Management or Mechanical Engineering Technology bachelor's degrees.
  • Non-Automotive courses within the degree can be tailored to fit desired end goal.

National Accreditation:

SUNY Canton’s automotive technology program has received the highest level of national certification following an extensive review and analysis. The program has received certification by National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It gives the already-renowned program instant credibility nationwide and will assist graduates in their career pursuits anywhere in the nation.

To achieve this coveted recognition, the school’s automotive technology program underwent rigorous evaluation and met or exceeded nationally accepted standards of excellence in areas including instruction, facilities, and equipment.

Articulation:

  • Applicants who have completed a two year vocational-technical automotive program may qualify for advanced standing (transfer credit).

Admission Requirements:


PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS (Curriculum 0525)

Semester I Credits

Semester II Credits

Prefix Course Name Credits
AUTO 113 Engine Performance I 2
AUTO 114 Engine Performance I Laboratory 1
AUTO 141 Automotive Braking Systems 3
AUTO 144 Automotive Braking Systems Lab 1
  Social Science Elective (GER 3) 3
  DEISJ Elective (GER 5) 3
Automotive Elective Choose One:
AUTO 102 Diesel Engines3 2
AUTO 103 Automotive Air Conditioning3 2
  TOTAL CREDITS 16

Semester III Credits

Semester IV Credits

Prefix Course Name Credits
AUTO 212 Automotive Electrical Systems II 4
AUTO 214 Automotive Computer Systems 3
AUTO 230 Service Mgt. and Operations 1
AUTO 240 Hybrids and Electric Vehicles 3
  Humanities Elective (GER 7,8,9) 3
  TOTAL CREDITS 14

1 Mathematics level depends on previous preparation. Applied College Mathematics (MATH 101) is the minimum requirement. MATH 106 Intermediate Algebra or higher maybe substituted.
2 PHYS 121/125 - College Physics I lecture/lab may substitute if student meets prerequisites
3 One required. Courses offered alternating years
4 Writing Intensive course
5 GERs can be taken in different order than suggested if desired GER cannot fit into schedule.

ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Students must complete 11 credit hours that include AUTO 113, AUTO 114, AUTO 213, and AUTO 214 at SUNY Canton. Student's transfer records must be reviewed and approved by the Program Lead.

Automotive Technology Department
Brandon Baldwin
Program Lead
Nevaldine South 124A
baldwinb@canton.edu
315-379-3866

Fall Enrollment Trends

  FT PT Total
2024 15 0 15
2023 19 0 19
2022 13 2 15
2021 20 0 20
2020 20 0 20


Graduation Rate Trends*

Cohort Entering Cohort Size %
Fall 2021 11 0%
Fall 2020 2 100%
Fall 2019 16 38%
Fall 2018 8 75%
Fall 2017 10 30%


*Graduate rates are based on first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen entering in fall and graduating within 150% of time.

Degrees Conferred

  Total
2023-24 8
2022-23 3
2021-22 4
2020-21 17
2019-20 9