Automotive Technology: IMPORT - AAS Degree
Overview
Limited Entry Program
See Department website and program contacts here
The Automotive Technology: IMPORT (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers as automotive service technicians working with a variety of import and domestic vehicle manufacturers. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, hands-on technical training, and paid dealership or repair shop work experience to prepare students for employment in automotive service and repair environments.
The Individualized Mechanical Program of Repair Technicians (IMPORT) program is a partnership between Mt. Hood Community College and participating dealerships and repair facilities. Students complete training using current industry equipment and technologies while gaining real-world experience at a sponsoring dealership or repair shop throughout the program.
The IMPORT program is completed over two years, including fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree along with dealership and repair shop experience that supports transition into full-time employment in the automotive industry.
Students in the IMPORT program may gain experience with manufacturers and repair centers such as Acura, BMW, Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet, and others. Participating employers view MHCC students as future automotive service professionals and provide opportunities for students to develop technical and workplace skills throughout the program.
Because this is a limited entry program, students should review application requirements carefully and work with program advisors regarding eligibility, sponsorship opportunities, and program planning.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- How to Apply – details the steps required to apply to the program
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate safe shop practices and hazardous material handling
- Diagnose and repair electrical systems
- Diagnose and repair engine performance systems
- Diagnose and repair emission systems
- Diagnose and repair internal combustion engine systems
- Diagnose and repair automatic transmission and transaxles systems
- Diagnose and repair manual drive train and axles systems
- Diagnose and repair brakes systems
- Diagnose and repair automotive steering and suspension systems
- Diagnose and repair automotive heating and air conditioning systems
- Perform minor vehicle services
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
Cohort Start Term(s): Cohorts begin in fall term for even years and summer term for odd years.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
Please note: All core (AM) courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better, and must be completed within 5 years of starting the program.
Start in Fall or Summer
| First Quarter | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| AM103 | Automotive Service Theory | 2 |
| AM104 | Automotive Service Lab | 1 |
| AM105 | Chassis Basic Theory | 3 |
| AM106 | Chassis Basic Lab | 1 |
| AM112 | Electrical 1 Theory | 3 |
| AM113 | Electrical 1 Lab | 2 |
| AM114 | Engines 1 Theory | 2 |
| AM115 | Engines 1 Lab | 1 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| AM171 | Chrysler MCAP, IMPORT Subaru-U E-Learning Fundamentals 1 | 1 |
| AM281 | Automotive Dealership Experience 1 | 6 |
| MTH065 or MTH058 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher) or Quantitative Reasoning I | 4-6 |
| Credits | 11-13 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| AM140 | Drivetrains 1 Theory | 3 |
| AM141 | Drivetrains 1 Lab | 1 |
| AM142 | Chassis 2 Theory | 3 |
| AM143 | Chassis 2 Lab | 1 |
| AM154 | Electrical 2 Theory | 3 |
| AM155 | Electrical 2 Lab | 1 |
| AM158 | Engine Performance 1 Theory | 3 |
| AM159 | Engine Performance 1 Lab | 2 |
| AM170 | Automotive Project 1 | 1 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| AM282 | Automotive Dealership Experience 2 | 6 |
| WR101 or WR121Z | Workplace Communications I or Composition I | 3-4 |
| Credits | 9-10 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| AM224 | Engines 2 Theory | 2 |
| AM225 | Engines 2 Lab | 1 |
| AM228 | Engine Performance 2 Theory | 4 |
| AM229 | Engine Performance 2 Lab | 2 |
| AM232 | Electrical 3 Theory | 3 |
| AM233 | Electrical 3 Lab | 1 |
| AM238 | Air Conditioning Theory | 3 |
| AM239 | Air Conditioning Lab | 1 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| AM283 | Automotive Dealership Experience 3 | 6 |
| Health and Physical Education requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Seventh Quarter | ||
| AM242 | Electrical 4 Theory | 3 |
| AM243 | Electrical 4 Lab | 1 |
| AM244 | Drivetrains 2 Theory | 2 |
| AM245 | Drivetrains 2 Lab | 3 |
| AM246 | Engine Performance 3 Theory | 3 |
| AM247 | Engine Performance 3 lab | 1 |
| AM248 | Electric Vehicle Theory | 2 |
| AM249 | Electric Vehicle Lab | 1 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Eighth Quarter | ||
| AM284 | Automotive Dealership Experience 4 | 6 |
| Human Relations requirement | PSY101 recommended | 3-4 |
| Credits | 9-10 | |
| Total Credits | 104-108 | |
Awarding Requirements
The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Automotive Technology: IMPORT degree:
- All core program courses (AM) must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
- All core program courses (AM) must be completed within five (5) years of starting the program.
How to Apply
The Chrysler Mopar College Automotive Program (MCAP), Individualized Mechanical Program of Repair Technicians (IMPORT), and Subaru U Automotive Technology programs are limited-entry programs. The programs admit approximately 24 students each fall term on alternating enrollment cycles. Because space is limited, students must meet specific eligibility requirements before applying.
View current admissions requirements, deadlines, and application information
Application Steps
Step 1: Apply to MHCC
Students new to MHCC, or students who have not attended within the past four terms, should apply for admission to Mt. Hood Community College and select General Studies as their major.
Step 2: Complete Placement or Transcript Evaluation
Students must complete placement testing or submit qualifying transcripts to demonstrate eligibility in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Step 3: Submit the Limited Entry Program Application
Students must submit all required application materials during the published application period.
Step 4: Secure a Dealership Sponsor
Students are responsible for obtaining sponsorship from a participating dealership or independent repair facility. Students currently employed by a dealership are encouraged to speak with their service manager or service director regarding sponsorship opportunities.
Application Eligibility
The eligibility requirements below are based on current application requirements and may change in future admission cycles.
- Must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
- Must possess a valid driver’s license prior to program entry
- Must maintain a safe driving record
- Must meet reading, writing, and mathematics eligibility requirements through placement scores or qualifying coursework
Placement Score Option
- Reading: placement into RD 115
- Writing: placement into WR 115 or WR 121Z
- Mathematics: placement into MTH 060
Course Completion Option
- Reading: completion of RD 090, IECC 201R, WR 091, WR 115, or a higher-level reading or writing course with a grade of C or higher
- Writing: completion of WR 090, IECC 201W, or a higher-level writing course with a grade of C or higher
- Mathematics: completion of MTH 020 or a higher-level mathematics course with a grade of C or higher
Additional Information
Admission to Mt. Hood Community College does not guarantee admission to the MCAP, IMPORT, or Subaru U Automotive Technology programs. MHCC reserves the right to modify admission requirements and selection processes.
If you have questions regarding admissions requirements or application procedures, please contact the Admissions, Registration, and Records Office at LRadmissions@mhcc.edu.