Online Associate in Engine Repair

Engine repair professionals keep America's automobiles running safely and efficiently by testing, repairing and rebuilding various engine models. With today's complex vehicles, these specialists have to master more than just engines; electronics and brake systems, transmissions, climate control, and computer chips must also constitute the 21st century mechanic's areas of expertise. Increasingly difficult to learn on your own, most mechanics master the fundamentals of vehicle repair by getting an online associate degree in engine repair.

Why an Associate Degree?

An associate degree in engine repair online program is a good choice for someone who wants to quickly begin a career. Typically, it takes only four semesters to complete the degree, and many finish the program in less than two years. Nearly all schools are hands-on, so students master the practical aspects of engine repair, as well as various mechanical theories. Most find work shortly after graduation in repair shops and/or at automotive retailers.

Inside an Engine Repair Associate Degree Program

The best engine repair programs cover the fundamentals of the entire vehicle. Courses cover electrical, suspension, and steering systems; drive trains and axles; braking systems, transmissions, and chassis. Students attend at least one class for using modern diagnostic instruments and other reporting tools.

As an associate degree program, students will also take complementary courses outside the automotive field. Dedicated classes in economics and math are usually required. Many programs also require coursework in sociology and interpersonal communication, and most conclude with a practical, problem-solving course.

What's Next for Engine Repair Associate Degree Holders?

Graduates of engine repair programs can expect to find work quickly. According to the BLS, the field is expected to grow through 2024. The median annual wage for automotive mechanics was $37,120 in 2014; around 739,000 people were successfully employed as automotive service technicians in the United States that same year.