Search | Menu 
Ready to Learn More?
If you’d like to learn more about the Automotive Technology-Comprehensive program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
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
-
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.
First SemesterSecond SemesterThird SemesterFourth Semester -
Admission
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
Apply Now – Limited Seats Available!
This program has limited capacity and may reach maximum enrollment quickly. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
- Program capacity: 80 students every fall semester
If the program reaches capacity, a waiting list will be used to manage additional qualified applicants. However, we’d anticipate only a brief wait for most applicants.
- Students are added to the waiting list based on the date they complete all application requirements
- Being on the waiting list gives you priority for future openings
- Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program
- You may remain on the waiting list if you continue to follow the steps to notify Madison College of your continued interest
Application Dates
Fall 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Fall 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
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
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
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.
-
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.
