One in seven jobs in the US is related to transportation, which means that there will virtually always be a demand for competent, trustworthy, and educated automotive engineers, mechanics, managers, and more. In fact, research shows that in 2020 there will be around 76 million vehicles over 16 years old. 2020 also shows that 18% of American households will bring in their cars to an auto shop at least once a year. In the last 10 years, the average length of time that new and used automobiles are owned has increased 60%. These statistics make 2020 a great time for future auto mechanics.
These five Online Schools for Auto Repair Degree Programs provide students with pivotal coursework that trains them in the many critical facets of the trade of auto repair. Coursework often starts more broadly and narrows down to specifics.
This detailed index includes online degree, certificate, and diploma programs, as well as training programs, all of which lead to testing preparation and licensure in individual states. Anyone is capable of taking on coursework at one of these fine schools, and, upon graduation, will have a comprehensive understanding of the discipline.
What qualities do I need as an Auto Repair Technician?
What kind of education is required to be an Auto Repair Technician?
What kind of career and salary can I expect with an online certificate in Auto Repair?
What areas of specialization can I focus on in Auto Repair?
What sort of certification do I need to be an Auto Repair Technician?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the job outlook for automotive service technicians, mechanics, and managers, at 1% over the next 10 years, which is little to no change. The typical annual wage for these professionals is between $37,000-$50,000/yr.
These schools were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online programs—due to the: nature of the coursework, degree of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum, 100% online availability, sufficient financial aid availability and/or low tuition costs, and an education that gives students more than just classroom experience. In developing this list, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, chose not to list the schools in an ordered way but instead highlighted five of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths.
WANT MORE? You may also want to check out other lucrative trade school programs and jobs!
ASHWORTH COLLEGE
Program Standouts:
Ashworth College is one of the most highly recognized online trade schools in the country, and its Automotive Technician Training Career Diploma Program follows guidelines set forth by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. Coursework is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the operation, performance standards, and inspection procedures of automobile systems.
Campus Location: Norcross, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition and Fees:
- $769 with full payment; $659 with auto monthly payments; $899 with manual monthly payments—tuition
Types of Aid: Low tuition costs; various highly affordable monthly payment plans that start as low as $50/mo; family tuition discounts; student referral bonuses; periodic savings opportunities.
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Admission Requirements: None, unless otherwise specified from individual students.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Specialty Tools and Equipment
- Suspension Components, Operation, and Repair Procedures
- Safe Work Practices and Emergency Procedures
Degree Outcomes:
In this program, students can graduate in as little as four months and will have gained an invaluable repertoire of skills and techniques. This curriculum prepares graduates to sit for any and all state licensing exams, who will then have their choice of employment as a service mechanic, auto parts specialist, specialty shop technician, accessories installer, and more!
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ASHWORTH COLLEGE’S ONLINE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRAINING
PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL
Program Standouts:
Penn Foster’s online Auto Repair Technician Program is designed by Automotive Service Excellence Master Technicians and leading experts in the field. This school provides students with books, study guides, and learning aids to refine their skills and knowledge in a complex discipline. This program gives students the opportunity to get hands-on and field experience through a work experience option.
Campus Location: Scranton, PA
Accreditation: Penn Foster Career School is regionally accredited for non-degree granting postsecondary programs by the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission; and accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Tuition and Fees: Penn Foster offers a quality education at an affordable price. They offer flexible monthly payment plans with 0% interest! Penn Foster Career School is also approved for veteran’s education benefits!
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit transcripts representing an educational level of at least the 8th grade, and must be at least 17 years of age.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Engine Repair
Degree Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, students have the option to take advantage of the Work Experience Option, the self-arranged program that allows students to seek out and gain experience with a local employer, and further their practical skills. Assisted by dedicated faculty and staff members, students can take the first step toward gainful employment in a number of areas of the discipline.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL’S ONLINE AUTO REPAIR TECHNICIAN CAREER DIPLOMA
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Ferris State University offers two pathways through which student may earn their Bachelor in Automotive Management: the “2+2 option,” which is for students with an associate’s degree in an area of auto repair/service who want to marry their 2-year degree with a third and fourth year; and the 0+4 option for high school students seeking a full undergraduate degree! This challenging program endows students with a massive understanding and command of the discipline.
Campus Location: Big Rapids, MI
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Tuition and Fees:
- $11,788 Undergraduate
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Types of Aid: Institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; federal and private loans; student employment programs; military and veterans’ benefits.
Acceptance Rate: 74.2%
Admission Requirements:
Those applying for the 2+2 option must submit a completed application and official transcripts from an accredited academic institution representing an associate’s degree with a GPA of 2.3 or higher. Those applying for the 0+4 option must submit a completed application, official high school transcripts representing a GPA of 2.5 or higher, as well as ACT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Suspension-Steering-Alignment Service
- Automatic Transmission
- Management of Variable Options
Degree Outcomes:
Upon exiting this online school, students will be able to enter into positions such as: service managers, field service representatives, field service engineers, sales representatives, shop managers, service advisors, and more! The curriculum gives students an understanding of the administrative and managerial side of the automotive industry, as well as the crucially important service aspects of the trade.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE AUTOMOTIVE MANAGEMENT DEGREE
INTER-INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ON AUTO COLLISION REPAIR (I-CAR)
Program Standouts:
Founded in 1979 and partnered with several other schools, I-CAR is an international academic organization that provides hundreds of online courses to distance education students who are studying auto repair and its many facets. Coursework ranges from such classes as collision repair to insurance. Students in this online school have innumerable options through which to advance their education in the automotive industry.
Campus Location: Hoffman Estates, IL
Accreditation: National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation
Tuition and Fees:
- $36-$38 per credit hour—tuition
Types of Aid: Institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; various student discounts; pre-paid coupons.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit the completed application for their specific area of choice, as well as the application fee.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Building Effective Vendor and Insurer Relationships
- Honda & Acura Electrical Collision Repair
- Advanced Material Damage Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
While this school does not grant specific degrees, it provides its students with valuable training programs that are equivalent to certifications. Students exiting this school on the completion of their self-designed, or industry-designed curriculum, will have the knowledge, experience, and understanding to sit for any and all state licensure/certification exams.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT I-CAR’s ONLINE MECHANICAL TECHNICIAN PLATINUM PATH
SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS
Program Standouts:
The SAE is a noteworthy institution that provides a huge range of fascinating certificate programs and seminars. Students can explore a vast area of topics through which to earn a specialization certificate, from design engineering and styling to management and product development. This Society gives students and members access to outstanding resources and technologies that will expand their career and goals to great levels of success.
Campus Location: Warrendale, PA; Troy, MI
Accreditation: SAE is, itself, an accrediting body; Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Tuition and Fees: For information about SAE’s membership dues structure, click here.
Types of Aid: Numerous institutional and outside scholarship opportunities; discounts and tuition-free opportunities; student and professional awards.
Acceptance Rate: unavailable
Admission Requirements: Applicants must submit a completed online application for membership at the SAE, along with the nonrefundable membership fee. For more information, click here.
Sampling of Programs:
- Fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
- Root Cause Problem Solving: Methods and Tools
- Finite Element Analysis for Design Engineers
Degree Outcomes:
Students can significantly bolster their understanding of the field of automotive service and repair, and apply this knowledge to their careers. Mostly intended for practicing professionals who are seeking to concentrate their trade, the SAE is a hugely beneficial resource to any automotive professional.
LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOCIETY OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERS’ ONLINE AUTO CERTIFICATE PROGRAM