Trinidad State College

AutomotiveServiceTechnology

Hands-on training, expert instructors, and industry connections — everything you need to launch a career as an automotive technician, in as little as one semester.

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Automotive

AAS & Certificates Available

Recognition & Rankings

Rated #2 Best Value Automotive Program in the Nation

#2 in the Nation

Tops in the Nation recognition badge

About the Program

Accelerate Your Career in Automotive

Trinidad State College’s Automotive Technology Program offers a comprehensive, hands-on education designed to propel you into the automotive field with confidence. Our two campuses in Trinidad and Alamosa provide the same rigorous curriculum, taught by instructors with real-world industry experience.

New semesters start every August and January, and our entry-level courses have no prerequisites — making it easy to start whenever you’re ready. The two-year AAS degree path is affordable, and stackable certificates let you earn credentials along the way.

Through our partnership with Snap-On Tools, students can participate in student excellence programs and receive significant discounts on hand tools and diagnostic equipment. We also maintain strong relationships with other automotive tool representatives and dealers, ensuring you train on industry-standard equipment.

We also offer concurrent enrollment courses for high school students, giving motivated learners an early head start on a promising career path.

What You Will Learn

General Maintenance — Automotive care and upkeep essentials
Electrical Systems — Basic electricity, starting, charging, and body electrical
Brakes & Suspension — Brake service, ABS, suspension, and steering
Engine Repair — Diagnosis, repair, and engine service
Drivetrain — Manual and automatic transmissions, transaxles, and clutches
Fuel & Emissions — Fuel systems, computers, ignition, and driveability
HVAC — Automotive heating and air conditioning systems

Tool access via Snap-On partnership — significant discounts on hand tools and diagnostic equipment for enrolled students.

Degrees & Certificates

Choose Your Credential

Every certificate stacks toward the AAS degree — you never lose credits by starting with a shorter program.

Full Degree

AAS in Automotive Service Technology

4 semesters · Trinidad & Valley

Code: AAS_ATC · CIP: 47.0604

69 credit hours

Certificate

Automotive Service Technology

4 semesters · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_ATC

54 credit hours

Certificate

Automotive Electrical

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AAEE

11 credit hours

Certificate

Brakes

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AB1

8 credit hours

Certificate

Engine Repair

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AB4

8 credit hours

Certificate

Engine Performance

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AT4

12 credit hours

Certificate

HVAC

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AB

7 credit hours

Certificate

Manual Transmission

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AUTQ

8 credit hours

Certificate

Automatic Transmission

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AAUT

6 credit hours

Certificate

Suspension & Steering Technology

1 semester · Trinidad & Valley

Code: CER_AB8

8 credit hours

Program Cost

Tuition rates are identical at Trinidad and Valley campuses. Fees vary slightly by campus and credit load — see the full schedule for exact per-term totals. Estimates do not include books, supplies, or room and board. Rates are for 2025–2026 and subject to change.

In-State Resident

$175/cr hr

$291/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend

Must be a Colorado resident to qualify for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).

WUE Student

$288/cr hr

$403.50/cr hr minus $116 COF stipend

Western Undergraduate Exchange rate for residents of AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY & US Pacific territories. Learn more at wiche.edu

Out-of-State

$292/cr hr

Standard non-resident rate

COF stipend does not apply. Financial aid, scholarships, and payment plans are available to all students regardless of residency.

Apply Now Course Specific Fees › Explore Financial Aid & Scholarships › Trinidad Tuition Schedule (PDF) › Valley Tuition Schedule (PDF) ›

Where You Can Study

This program is offered at the following TSC campus locations.

TrinidadTrinidad, CO 81082

Trinidad Campus

Address: 600 Prospect StPhone: (719) 846-5011

Campus MapView ›

ValleyAlamosa, CO 81101

Valley Campus

Address: 1011 Main StPhone: (719) 589-7000

Campus MapView ›

Automotive Service Technology Associate of Applied Science

Click any semester to see the full course list.

Program Code:AAS_ATCConcentration: CIP Code:47.0604

1

Semester One

Foundational automotive training covering shop safety, brake systems, electrical systems, and starting and charging, paired with a math elective.

20credit hours

⌄

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1010 – Automotive Brake Service I (2 credits)
ASE 1011 – Automotive Brake Service II (2 credits)
ASE 1020 – Basic Automotive Electricity (2 credits)
ASE 1022 – Automotive Elective Safety Systems (1 credit)
ASE 1023 – Starting and Charging Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2010 – Automotive Power and ABS Brake Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2021 – Automotive and Diesel Body Electrical (4 credits)

Choose one:

MAT 1140 – Career Math (3 credits)
MAT 1240 – Mathematics for Liberal Arts: GT-MA1 (3 credits)
MAT 1260 – Introduction to Statistics: GT-MA1 (3 credits)
MAT 1340 – College Algebra: GT-MA1 (3 credits)

2

Semester Two

Engine diagnosis and repair, suspension and steering systems, and an English or technical writing course.

15credit hours

⌄

ASE 1030 – General Engine Diagnosis (2 credit)
ASE 1040 – Suspension and Steering I (2 credits)
ASE 1041 – Suspension and Steering II (2 credits)
ASE 1060 – Automotive Engine Repair (2 credits)
ASE 1062 – Automotive Engine Service and Repair (2 credits)
ASE 2040 –Suspension and Steering III (2 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

ENG 1015 – Technical English and Communication
ENG 1021 – English Composition I (GT-CO1)
ENG 1020 – Technical Writing I (GT-CO1)

3

Semester Three

Manual and automatic transmission systems, drivetrain maintenance, and automotive computers and ignition, rounded out by a communication and a general education elective.

18credit hours

⌄

ASE 1050 – Manual Drive Train and Axle Maintenance (2 credits)
ASE 1051 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches I (2 credits)
ASE 1052 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches II (2 credits)
ASE 2050 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service (1 credit)
ASE 2031 – Automotive Computers and Ignition Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2051 – Automotive Transmission and Transaxle Repair (3 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

COM 1150 – Public Speaking
COM 1250 – Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3

Choose one: (3 credits)

ART 1111 – Art History: Ancient to Medievial: GT-AH1
AST 1110 – Planetary Astronomy w/Lab: SC1
ECO 2001 – Principles of Macroeconomics: GT-SS1
HIS 1210 – U.S. History to Reconstruction: GT-HI1
PSC 1011 – American Govt: GT-SS1
SCI 1105 – Science in Society: GT-SC2

4

Semester Four

Fuel and emission systems, driveability diagnosis, and heating and air conditioning, rounded out by a general education elective.

16credit hours

⌄

ASE 1034 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems I (2 credits)
ASE 2033 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems II (4 credits)
ASE 2035 – Driveability & Diagnosis (2 credits)
ASE 2064 – Introduction to Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning (1 credit)
ASE 2065 – Heating and Air Conditioning Systems (4 credits)

Choose one: (3 credits)

AGY 2140 – Introductory Soil Science: GT-SC1
BIO 1005 – Science of Biology with Lab: GT-SC1
THE 1005 – Theatre Appreciation: GT-AH1
HIS 1220 – US History since the Civil War:GT-HI1
MUS 1020 – Music Appreciation GT: AH1
SOC 1001 – Introduction to Sociology I : GT-SS3

Total Program Credits: 69

Certificate Curriculum

Each certificate is a standalone credential. Click any certificate to see the full course list.

CIP Code:47.0604

Automatic Transmission Certificate

Foundational automotive shop skills paired with automatic transmission service and repair.

6credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AAUT

Semester One (6 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 2050 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service (1 credit)
ASE 2051 – Automotive Transmission and Transaxle Repair (3 credits)

Automotive Electrical Certificate

Foundational automotive shop skills with a deep focus on electrical systems, safety, and starting and charging systems.

11credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AAEE

Semester One (11 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1020 – Basic Automotive Electricity (2 credits)
ASE 1022 – Automotive Elective Safety Systems (1 credit)
ASE 1023 – Starting and Charging System (2 credits)
ASE 2021 – Automotive and Diesel Body Electrical (4 credits)

Automotive Service Technology Certificate

A four-semester program building comprehensive automotive technician skills — from brakes, electrical, and engine repair to transmissions, fuel systems, and heating and air conditioning.

54credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_ATC

Semester One (17 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1010 – Automotive Brake Service I (2 credits)
ASE 1011 – Automotive Brake Service II (2 credits)
ASE 1020 – Basic Automotive Electricity (2 credits)
ASE 1022 – Automotive Elective Safety Systems (1 credit)
ASE 1023 – Starting and Charging Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2010 – Automotive Power and ABS Brake Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2021 – Automotive and Diesel Body Electrical (4 credits)

Semester Two (12 credits)

ASE 1030 – General Engine Diagnosis (2 credit)
ASE 1040 – Suspension and Steering I (2 credits)
ASE 1041 – Suspension and Steering II (2 credits)
ASE 1060 – Automotive Engine Repair (2 credits)
ASE 1062 – Automotive Engine Service and Repair (2 credits)
ASE 2040 –Suspension and Steering III (2 credits)

Semester Three (12 credits)

ASE 1050 – Manual Drive Train and Axle Maintenance (2 credits)
ASE 1051 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches I (2 credits)
ASE 1052 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches II (2 credits)
ASE 2050 – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Service (1 credit)
ASE 2031 – Automotive Computers and Ignition Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2051 – Automotive Transmission and Transaxle Repair (3 credits)

Semester Four (16 credits)

ASE 1034 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems I (2 credits)
ASE 2033 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems II (4 credits)
ASE 2035 – Driveability & Diagnosis (2 credits)
ASE 2064 – Introduction to Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning (1 credit)
ASE 2065 – Heating and Air Conditioning Systems (4 credits)

Brakes Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals with comprehensive brake systems training, from basic service through advanced ABS and power brake systems.

8credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AB1

Semester One (8 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1010 – Automotive Brake Service I (2 credits)
ASE 1011 – Automotive Brake Service II (2 credits)
ASE 2010 – Automotive Power and ABS Brake Systems (2 credits)

Engine Performance Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals with focused training in driveability diagnosis, fuel and emission systems, and computer and ignition systems.

12credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AT4

Semester One (12 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 2035 – Driveability & Diagnosis (2 credits)
ASE 1034 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems I (2 credits)
ASE 2031 – Automotive Computers and Ignition Systems (2 credits)
ASE 2033 – Automotive Fuel and Emission Systems II (4 credits)

Engine Repair Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals paired with hands-on engine diagnosis, repair, and service.

8credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AB4

Semester One (8 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1030 – General Engine Diagnosis (2 credits)
ASE 1060 – Automotive Engine Repair (2 credits)
ASE 1062 – Automotive Engine Service and Repair (2 credits)

HVAC Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals with focused training in heating and air conditioning systems.

7credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AB

Semester One (7 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 2064 – Introduction to Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning (1 credit)
ASE 2065 – Heating and Air Conditioning Systems (4 credits)

Manual Transmission Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals paired with comprehensive manual drivetrain, axle, and transmission training.

8credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AUTQ

Semester One (8 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1050 – Manual Drive Train and Axle Maintenance (2 credits)
ASE 1051 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches I (2 credits)
ASE 1052 – Automotive Manual Transmission/Transaxles & Clutches II (2 credits)

Suspension and Steering Technology Certificate

Automotive shop fundamentals with progressive suspension and steering training from foundational through advanced levels.

8credit hours

⌄

Program Code:CER_AB8

Semester One (8 credits)

ASE 1002 – Introduction to the Automotive Shop (2 credits)
ASE 1040 – Suspension and Steering I (2 credits)
ASE 1041 – Suspension and Steering II (2 credits)
ASE 2040 – Suspension and Steering III (2 credits)

All courses completed in any Certificate program count toward the degree. You never lose credits by starting with a certificate.

Where You'll Go

Real job market data for the careers our graduates pursue, powered by Lightcast.

Industry Resources

Helpful Links

Automotive industry publications and resources used in our program.

Underhood Service Brake & Front End Motor Magazine Auto Service Professional Motor Age Ratchet & Wrench

Contact Us

Have questions about this program? Reach out to a faculty or staff member.

James Brunelli

(719) 846-5596

Trinidad

TitleFaculty
DepartmentAutomotive
LocationTrinidad, Colorado • 101 Banta
EmailJames.Brunelli@trinidadstate.edu

Tanner Kingery

(719) 587-1696

Valley

TitleFaculty
DepartmentAutomotive
LocationAlamosa, Colorado • Auto Shop Behind Ortega Middle School
EmailTanner.Kingery@trinidadstate.edu

Emily Hammer

(719) 589-7051

Valley

TitleDean of Instruction
DepartmentBUS, CIS, ECE
LocationAlamosa, Colorado • 112 Main
Emailemily.hammer@trinidadstate.edu