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If you’d like to learn more about the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Financial Aid Available
Program Transfers
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Program Overview
The Automotive Technology program at Madison college is a two-year associate degree in automotive mechanical systems. Graduates may choose to go on to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution.
As an Automotive Technology-Comprehensive student, you will:
- Develop hands-on skills in automotive and light truck technology, diagnosis and repair, focusing on electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems.
- Learn about engine breathing, ignition systems, computer control and sensors, fuel and air management and emission systems.
- Develop the skills needed to diagnose, service, repair automatic transmission/transaxles and overhaul procedures.
- Test equipment and troubleshoot circuits, such as lighting, windshield wipers, power windows, instruments and sound systems.
- Cover in detail service department operation and depth, from large to small organizations.
- Receive hands-on experience, including inspecting, troubleshooting, and repairing and replacing defective or worn parts of the complete brake system.
- Gain skills needed to diagnose, service and repair clutches, manual transmissions/transaxle, differentials, four-wheel drive/all-wheel drive and drive axles.
We strongly recommend that you work in the automobile repair industry while in this program to gain additional real-world experience.
Automotive Technology Program Details
Students in the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program can attend full- or part-time.
Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Students who are in the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program who finish the course work for the Automotive Technician program will receive the Automotive Technician Technical diploma on their way to earn the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program degree.
Automotive Technology Careers
Earning your associate degree in the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Service Technician
- Service Writer
- Auto Parts Salesperson
- Diagnostic Specialist
- Service Manager
- Specialized Technician
- Equipment Salesperson
- Equipment Service and Training Technician
- Service Director
- Lab Technician
- Shop Owner
- Fleet Manager
- Service Writer
- Parts and Sales Specialist
You also will be prepared for employment in other industries, including;
- Forklift Service
- Small Engine
- Industrial Equipment Repair
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Automotive Tools and Equipment Sales
- Auto Repair
Accreditation
The Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program is accredited through the ASE Education Foundation.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
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Admission
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
To Apply
Submit all application materials by the deadline.
Application Dates
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Program Status: Waitlist
Due to demand, the program is currently accepting students to the waitlist.
- This program is available to in-state residents only
- Estimated wait time: 0-1 year
- Students will be notified by email when space becomes available
- Selection from the waitlist into the program is based on:
- Date of application completion
- Residency
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
3. Residency Requirement
Per Wisconsin Statute TCS-10 because this program has a waitlist:
- Out-of-state residents (except Minnesota residents*) are not eligible for admission consideration to this program
- Non-district state residents
- May only be considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term
- *Minnesota residents are considered non-district state residents for admission purposes
Additional Notes
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Automotive Technology-Comprehensive career.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherStudents with an AAS transfer in with articulated general education transfer credit, 12 credits of 1000T Industrial Studies credits, and 15 credits of 3000T Industrial Studies credits. 27 credits of Industrial Studies electives can apply to the ITM.Wisconsin Private Schools
Students with an AA, AS or AAS are Advanced Core. Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 60 credits. Students transferring prior to completion or with less than 60 credits are standard core and credits are evaluated course by course.Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2015, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement.Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring.Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
MATC Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program graduates are prepared for:
Lifelong Learning
- Assume responsibility for continuing education in order to maintain skills and enhance professional growth.
- Exhibit self-management and study skills necessary to succeed in increasingly challenging academic environments.
Employability
- Demonstrate work ethics and reliable behavior, including but not limited to assuming responsibility for decisions and actions, utilizing time and stress management skills, and displaying initiative.
Professionalism
- Demonstrate pride in profession through motivation and initiative, positive attitude, and flexibility.
Ethics/Respect/Integrity
- Demonstrate professional ethics, honesty and respect when dealing with customers, co-workers and supervisors.
Working Cooperatively
- Work as a team member by demonstrating good communication and listening skills, cooperating and providing a supportive environment.
Communication
- Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal communications to customers, co-workers and supervisors, using positive interpersonal skills including but not limited to empathy, active listening and flexibility.
Technical Knowledge
- Explain and apply technical concepts and their interrelationships between various vehicular systems.
- Demonstrate applications of technical knowledge to other technologies and disciplines.
Technical Skills
- Diagnose customer complaints accurately and demonstrate mechanical aptitude in the servicing of vehicles.
- Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 9 11 16 Number of Surveys Sent 9 11 16 Number of Surveys Returned 5 10 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 5 9 5 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 90.0% 71.4% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 10.0% 14.3% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 5 9 4 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 80.0% Employed in Related Occupation 4 9 4 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 80.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 1 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3.9 3.8 Number of Satisfaction Responses 5 10 6 Very Satisfied (4) 4 9 5 Percent Very Satisfied 80.0% 90.0% 83.3% Satisfied (3) 1 1 1 Percent Satisfied 20.0% 10.0% 16.7% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 5 10 6 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 5 9 4 Before Enrollment 1 0 2 Percent Before Enrollment 20.0% 0.0% 50.0% While Attending the College 1 4 1 Percent While Attending the College 20.0% 44.4% 25.0% After Training at the College 3 5 1 Percent After Training at the College 60.0% 55.6% 25.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 5 9 5 In College District 1 8 4 Percent In College District 20.0% 88.9% 80.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 2 1 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 40.0% 11.1% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 2 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 40.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 4 9 4 Average Monthly Wage $2,979 $4,183 $3,920 Average Hourly Wage $17.32 $24.32 $22.79 Average Work Hours per Week 43.8 41.6 41.3 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Bergstrom Chevrolet-Cadillac-Oldsmobile Service Technician Crown Lift Trucks Forklift Service Technician Don Miller Automotive Technician 2 * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
