The first step to taking any course at COD is to apply for admission. Once you have applied there are a few other things that must be done before you can register for automotive courses.
Placement Testing
The automotive program and COD want you to be successful in your coursework, so before you can register there is a reading placement test that will need to be completed. The placement test is intended to confirm that you will be capable of reading at a level that will allow you to be successful in your studies. If you are going to take any math or English courses (associate's degree students) you will also need to take the math and writing placement tests.
If you took the ACT or SAT test and have sufficient scores you may not need to take the placement tests if you had/have your score report sent to the college records office.
Visit the Placement Testing for additional details regarding Reading, Writing and Math Placement testing and course selection.
Prerequisites
A prerequisite is a course or class that must be successfully completed before another class can be taken. Prerequisites are used to help ensure that students do not take courses that they are not properly prepared for.
- Classes that require Auto 1120: Auto 2120
- Classes that require Auto 1131: Auto 1232, Auto 1240, Auto 1250, Auto 1261, Auto 2162, Auto 2220, Auto 2280, Auto 2345
- Classes that require AUTO 1110, and Auto 1131: Auto 1261
- Classes that require Auto 1120: Auto 2120
- Classes that require Auto 1120, 1131, 1140 and Auto 1240: Auto 2140
- Classes that require Auto 1131, Auto 1232, Auto 1261: Auto 2162
- Classes that require Auto 1120, Auto 1131, and Auto 2120: Auto 2220
- Classes that require Auto 1110, Auto 1120, Auto 1140, Auto 1232, Auto 1240, Auto 1250, Auto 1261, and Auto 2120: Auto 2280
First Semester Auto Courses
Now that you have been admitted and got your placement testing complete, you are ready to register for classes. The automotive program at COD is in demand so it is suggested that you register for courses as soon as you can. The suggested courses to take in your first term are:
- Auto 1110 Engine Design and Operation
- Auto 1120 Manual Drivetrain and Axles
- Auto 1131 Automotive Electrical I
- Auto 1140 Suspension, Steering and Alignment
Auto 1131 is a prerequisite for most of the other 2nd and 3rd semester courses, so if at all possible Auto 1131 should be taken in your first term.
What Should I Do If?
One of the classes is full?
- Take the three that still have spots available, and/or
- Take the general education requirements and register earlier next term.
Two of the classes are full?
- Take the two that still have spots open, or
- Take the general education requirements and register earlier next term, and/or
- Take a welding course, WELD 1100 is a program elective.
Three of the classes are full?
- Take the one that still has spots open, and
- Take the general education requirements and register earlier next term, and/or
- Take a welding course, WELD 1100 is a program elective.
All of the classes are full?
- Take the general education requirements and register earlier next term, or
- Take a welding course, WELD 1100 is a program elective.
After the First Semester
For your second, third, and fourth semesters you will need to take whichever automotive courses you haven't successfully completed yet. The course numbers are set up so that you can tell which order to take them in.
- Auto 11XX classes are intended to be taken in your first year, first semester
- Auto 12XX classes are intended to be taken in your first year, second semester
- Auto 21XX classes are intended to be taken in your second year, first semester
- Auto 22XX classes are intended to be taken in your second year, second semester
- Auto 23XX classes are elective courses and may be taken during any semester as long as you have completed any prerequisites of that class.
Remember that many 12XX, 21XX, and 22XX classes require that prerequisite classes have been successfully completed.
Entry Level Automotive Service Technology, Certificate
The Entry Level Automotive Service Technology Certificate is designed to prepare students for an entry-level career in the automotive field. Students will learn foundational knowledge and skills in order to diagnose, service, and maintain today's sophisticated vehicles. Upon successful completion of the program students will be prepared to take several of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tests. The Automotive Service Technology Program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF).
Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced Certificate Seeking
The Master Automotive Service Technology Advanced Certificate is designed to prepare students for a career in the automotive field. Students will learn both foundational and advanced automotive systems in order to diagnose, service, and maintain today's sophisticated vehicles. Upon successful completion of the program students will be prepared to take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Tests. The Automotive Service Technology Program is accredited by Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF).
Automotive Service Management Certificate Seeking
Students pursuing a Certificate in Automotive Service Technology need to complete the 8 required automotive courses; there are no required general education courses. Additional Automotive elective courses are not required, but are highly suggested as a way to gain additional exposure to advanced and emerging technologies, learn about systems not included in the required classes, and obtain additional practice and experience with diagnostic processes and procedures.
Master Automotive Service Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree Seeking (AAS)
Students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Service Technology need to complete the 15 required automotive courses, complete at least 1 approved Automotive elective course, and the required general education courses. Additional Automotive elective courses are not required, but are highly suggested as a way to gain additional exposure to advanced and emerging technologies, learn about systems not included in the required classes, and obtain additional practice and experience with diagnostic processes and procedures.
General Education Suggestions
There is a minimum of six general education courses that have to be completed in order to earn an AAS degree from COD.
Non-Transfer Students
There are several options for most of the requirements; the suggested courses may be beneficial if you elect to transfer at some point in the future.
Communications: 6 credits required- English 1101 and Speech 1100 recommended.
Physical/Life Sciences: 3 to 5 credits required- Select at least one course with a lab component.
Mathematics: 3 to 5 credits required- Math 1100.
Humanities and Fine Arts: 3 credits required
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits required
Transfer Students
There are several options for most of the requirements; the suggested courses will be beneficial when transferring your courses to a four-year institution. To increase the likelihood that course will transfer nicely it is suggested that courses with an IAI number be chosen, IAI numbers are listed in the college catalog course descriptions. Many transfer students from the automotive program at COD choose to pursue a four-year Baccalaureate Degree in Automotive Technology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Automotive Engineering Technology at Ferris State, Automotive Management at Ferris State, or Automotive Technology Management at Penn College of Technology.
Communications: 6 credits required- English 1101 and Speech 1100 recommended
Physical/Life Sciences: 3 to 5 credits required- Select at least one course with a lab component. Any course from the approved list is ok.
Mathematics: 3 to 5 credits required- Math 1218 recommended
Humanities and Fine Arts: 3 credits required- Any course from the approved list is ok.
Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits required- Any course from the approved list is ok.
COD Stories
“There are so many directions you can apply your learned skills in the automotive industry, from parts and service to corporate positions with manufacturers and aftermarket companies. Learn as much as you can while attending classes." - Dominic Pacenti
Dominic's COD StoryCOD Stories
“The instructors at COD are there for the students and have heaps of knowledge to share. No one knows where their path in life will take them. Develop relationships and skills at COD with the instructors and your classmates that will build a network of support as you start down your new path in life." - Thomas "T.J." Krause
Thomas' COD StoryCOD Stories
“When I earned my Automotive Service Certificate, I had gained the knowledge and confidence to apply for my first automotive job." - Mark Rafacz
Mark's COD StoryContact Information
Joe Aranki, Program Coordinator
Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 1054
(630) 942–2534
Email: arankij@cod.edu
Peter Deeman, Program Advisor
Email: deemanp@cod.edu
Bridget McFarland, Program Support Specialist
Email: mcfarl@cod.edu
Business and Applied Technology Division
Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 1034, (630) 942-2592