Automotive Technology
The Department of Automotive Technology, located within the Kansas Technology Center, is recognized by the industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation.
Through the Automotive Technology program at PSU, gain advanced diagnostic skills needed to service the complex vehicles of today. Learn more about our program through a Virtual Automotive Department Tour.
With decades of experience teaching and working in the automotive industry, our faculty are world-renowned teachers and experts in their craft.
Train on the newest tools and latest equipment found in the industry in 1 of our 7 specialized lab spaces:
Automotive Technology - 2-Year Lab
Automotive Technology - Collision Lab
- Certificate Programs
- 2-Year Programs and Tool List
- 2+2 Bachelors of Applied Science (BAS)
- 4-Year Bachelors of Science (BST)
- Minors
- FAQs
2-Year Automotive Service Technology (AST) Certificate
2-Year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Associates Degree
2-Year Application Form
Automotive/Power Mechanics (BAS)
Collision/Repair and Insurance (BAS)
4-Year Automotive Technology Planning Guide (BST)
Course Sequence Guides
- BST – Advanced Vehicle Systems sequence guide
- BST – Automotive Mechanical Design sequence guide
- BST – Automotive Technical Option sequence guide
- BST – Collision Repair & Insurance Mgmt sequence guide
- BST – Dealership and Corporate Transportation Management + Minor in Business sequence guide
- BST – Diesel and Heavy Equipment sequence guide
- Why Automotive Technology at Pitt State?
- Career Options
- Automotive Employers
- Diesel & Heavy Equipment Employers
- Alumni Testimonials
Graduates are highly recruited by leading edge dealerships and corporations
The 2-Year Program is an NATEF-accredited program
The 4-Year Program is considered by the industry as 1 of the top 4 programs of its kind in the country.
Depending upon the area of the country, a corporate starting salary can vary between $35,000 to $60,000 a year. Graduates that accept jobs in small rural communities might start at a lower hourly wage, such as $10 to $15 per hour.
Automotive students have a variety of career options. Follow this link to explore careers in the automotive industry and learn what you can do with a Pitt State Auto Tech degree from fourteen different companies.
- Advanced Auto Parts
- Advantage Technical Recruiting/Ford
- Allstate
- American Honda
- Bridgestone-Firestone
- Caliber
- Conklin Cars
- Chrysler
- Davis Moore
- General Motors
- Hendrick Auto Group (MPP)
- Mavis Discount Tire
- Mazda
- Midas
- Midway Truck Center
- Mitsubishi
- NAPA
- Nationwide
- Nissan
- Pep Boys
- Progressive Insurance
- Reliable Automotive
- Sherwin Williams Automotive Finishes
- State Farm Insurance
- Travelers Insurance
- Toyota
- TTI
- Wolfe Automotive Group
- Zurich Insurance
- AGCO
- Berry Companies
- Caterpillar
- CNH
- Cummins
- Fabick Caterpillar
- Foley Equipment
- Ford Motor Company
- GE Transportation Systems
- Granite Construction
- Heritage Tractor
- Inland Truck Parts & Service
- International Truck & Engine
- John Deere
- John Deere Dealerships
- Kiewit
- Larson Group
- MHC
- Paccar
- Prime
- Road Builders Machinery and Supply
- Stewart & Stevenson
- Trans Am Trucking
- United Rentals
- UPS
- Walsh Construction
- Zachry Construction
Automotive Company Day
As part of the College of Technology Company Days, the Automotive Department will host Automotive Company Day 2023 on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. Company Days are held in the Kansas Technology Center from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. The Automotive Company Day is always held on Wednesday.
Automotive Orientation Day
Automotive Orientation Day offers a unique blend of industry related panel discussions with students, as well as an afternoon of informal table displays in a mini career fair environment.
- Automotive Internships and Handbook
- Capstone Portfolio Information
- Course Substitution Forms
Annual Car Show
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) local chapter hosts at least one Car Show each year. The Car Show has a low cost registration fee for entries, and viewing the entries is free and open to the public.
Christian Automotive Majors (CAM)
The purpose of CAM is to encourage friendships and support for automotive majors who share the Christian faith and a love for cars, motorcycles, tractors, and trucks. The group typically meets twice a month during the school year for Bible study social activities. The social activities include going to the local drag strip, participating in the PSU SAE car show and several other gatherings.
SkillsUSA and WorldSkills
When someone wants to be the best in the world in automotive technology, they come to train at Pittsburg State University. See the flier below for the full story about the SkillsUSA national automotive competitors, WorldSkills Competitions, and PSU.
- Who can apply for an automotive and or diesel scholarship?
- How do I apply?
- When is the scholarship application date deadline?
- Are any other Automotive or Diesel scholarships offered throughout the semester?
- What is the likelihood of an incoming freshman receiving a scholarship?
- Can Graduate Students earn automotive or diesel scholarships from the department?
- What can new students/not yet enrolled student do in order to be considered for scholarships?
- Are there other places that I can apply for automotive scholarships?
- Bachelors of Science degree in Automotive Technology" (BST) or
- Bachelors of Applied Science in Technology" with an emphasis in Automotive or Diesel (BAS)
The three items below are required in order to apply on-line:
- Granted admission into the University
- Obtain a student identification number
- Obtain a GUS PIN number
After obtaining a "GUS PIN", prospective and current students can apply on-line for scholarships using the PSU Scholarship Portal. Click on the link to complete and submit the application.
Students can also submit a letter of interest to the Automotive Technology Scholarship Coordinator. The letter should contain:
- The date of your letter
- Major
- Class standing (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior)
- Freshmen should submit a copy of their high school transcript
- Transfer students should submit a copy of your college transcript and possibly high school transcript
- New students should mention the date you plan to start attending Pitt State
- GPA
- Relevant experience in the automotive or diesel field
- Special needs or concerns
- Expected graduation date
- Current PSU students should include their ID #
- Statement that you have applied on-line for scholarships
I missed the deadline, and the scholarships have already been awarded for the academic year. Can I somehow still be considered for a scholarship?
The majority of scholarships are awarded during the February/March time frame. However, at the discretion of the faculty and if funds are still available, candidates might be reviewed again in late July or up until the start of the fall semester. Candidates may send a letter of interest to the scholarship coordinator as listed above and apply on line.
- Newsletters and Calendars
- In the News
Building back a Baja team helps students prep for careers (May 2023)
First International Student set to graduate from Caterpillar ThinkBIGGER program (Dec 2022)
Prof. Tim Dell to offer trainings in mobile hydraulic systems and hydrostatic drives (May 2022)
World-class competitors in automotive technology train at PSU (Jan 2022)
Peruvian becomes first in-person international student Caterpillar ThinkBIGGER (Dec 2021)
Timmy Malinowski: The rest of the story (Nov 2021)
Truck Donation Aimed at Helping Industry Shortage (Aug 2019)
Grads give back to Automotive Technology Program in a Big Way! ( May 2019)