North Dakota Community Colleges
Automotive Technology Programs
Automotive technology programs at community colleges in this state. ASE-aligned coursework for technicians and service writers.
3 colleges · 28 sections · 27 unique courses · Spring 2026 · Updated today
Auto-tech programs at North Dakota community colleges prepare students for ASE-certified service technician careers at dealerships, independent repair shops, fleet operations, and specialty performance/heavy-equipment facilities. The 28 sections at 3 NDUS colleges this term combine shop hours on real vehicles with theory in engines, transmissions, brakes, electronics, HVAC, and (increasingly) electric and hybrid drivetrains.
Most North Dakota programs are NATEF-accredited and aligned to ASE testing — graduates can sit for individual ASE exams (A1 engine repair, A4 suspension/steering, etc.) and stack credentials over their career. The diploma or AAS gets students into the shop; the ASE certifications and dealer-specific training (Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Honda PACT) are what determine long-term pay.
Colleges offering Automotive Technology
Automotive Technology is a transfer program — community colleges offer the coursework; you earn the degree, and its earnings, at a four-year university. See where it transfers →
| College | Sections | Courses | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Region State College | 15 | 15 | — |
| Bismarck State College | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| North Dakota State College of Science | 5 | 5 | — |
Automotive Technology Availability Snapshot
How automotive technology sections are being offered across 3 colleges in North Dakota this term (28 sections total).
Delivery format
- in person27 (96%)
- online1 (4%)
When sections meet
- Morning (before noon)5
- Afternoon (noon–5 PM)2
- Asynchronous / TBA21
Start dates
Sections begin on 3 distinct dates. 5 late-start more than two weeks after the term's earliest start.
Instructor diversity
Taught by 9 distinct instructors across 3 colleges.
Common Automotive Technology courses
- AUTO 148Suspension and Steering(2 sections)
- AUTO 131Clutches, Drive Trains and Axles(1 section)
- AUTO 132Manual Transmissions and Transaxles(1 section)
- AUTO 151Brake Fundamentals(1 section)
- AUTO 152Brake Repair(1 section)
- AUTO 282Ignition Systems(1 section)
- AUTO 283Fuel Delivery Systems(1 section)
- AUTO 284Emission Control Systems(1 section)
- AUTO 111Engine Fundamentals(1 section)
- AUTO 112Engine Overhaul(1 section)
- AUTO 158Brakes(1 section)
- AUTO 162Electrical Systems(1 section)
Career outlook for Automotive Technology graduates
Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for the primary career outcome of this program (2024 OEWS release). Compare North Dakota’s typical pay to the national picture before choosing where to study.
Wage data reflects all workers in the occupation, not just recent CC graduates — entry-level pay is typically lower. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I need to buy my own tools?
- Eventually yes. Most North Dakota programs supply the shop tools you'll use during training, but ASE-certified service technicians at dealerships and independents are expected to bring their own. Tool collections build over a career; budget $3-8k in the first year of full-time employment, much more over time. Some shops offer tool-purchase assistance for new hires.
- What's the pay range for an auto tech?
- Starting techs (apprentices, lube-rack roles) earn $15-20/hr at most North Dakota shops. Master-certified techs with multiple ASE credentials at busy dealerships earn $25-45/hr, often on a flat-rate (book-time) system that rewards faster, more efficient work. Diesel and specialty techs (BMW, Mercedes, performance shops) earn the upper end. Independent-shop ownership is the long-tail career path.
- Are EV-specific training and certifications part of the program?
- Increasingly yes. Most North Dakota community college auto-tech programs have added high-voltage safety training and intro EV-drivetrain content in the last few years; some offer dedicated EV-tech credentials. The dealer-specific programs (Ford ASSET-EV, GM ASEP-EV) cover brand-specific procedures and are the strongest credential for EV-focused careers.
- Do I need an associate degree or just the diploma?
- For getting hired as a tech, the one-year diploma plus ASE certs is enough at most North Dakota shops. The AAS adds business courses, management, and writing — useful if you eventually want to run your own shop or move into service-advisor / shop-foreman roles. Many techs come back for the AAS after a few years in the field.
Compare Automotive Technology programs in other states
Same comparison view, different state systems. Useful if you’re considering an out-of-state community college or just want to see how North Dakota’s automotive technology programs stack up.
Other programs in North Dakota
Some programs may not be offered at every college — pages render only when the program meets a coverage threshold for the state.