Which Schools Offer Automotive Mechanic Degrees in San Francisco?

Important Information for a Career in Automotive Mechanics in San Francisco

You can gain entry-level employment in the field of automotive mechanics by completing a degree and/or certificate program. Fortunately, the San Francisco area offers a range of degree and certificate options to prepare you for a career in the field. Some of these programs may also prepare you for the prerequisite certifying exams administered by organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Many employers require you to become certified once you've obtained an entry-level position. In addition, you may also need to acquire a license from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if you plan on handling refrigerants. In 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for all automotive service technicians and mechanics working in the San Francisco metropolitan area was about $50,000, significantly higher than the national average for this profession of approximately $39,000.

Automotive Mechanic Certificate Programs in San Francisco

City College of San Francisco

• Program Name: Auto Body Structural Analysis and Damage Repair Certificate
• Program Length: 35 units (approximately 3 semesters, assuming 12 credit hours per semester)
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $187 plus $46 enrollment fee per semester unit for out-of-state students
• Prerequisites: At least 18 years old by the start of the term
• Admission Requirements: Health fee
• School Type: 2-year, public; nearly 35,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 50 Phelan Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
• Phone: 415-239-3000

This City College of San Francisco's certificate program comprises an advanced curriculum in areas such as welded panel replacement, auto body frame repair and auto body dent repair. Once you've completed the program, you should be able to conduct repair estimates, articulate the methods you use to replace damaged parts and accumulate enough knowledge to sit for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. In order to successfully complete this program, you'll need to have earned at least a 'C' in each course.

Skyline College

• Program Name: Automotive Department Certificate - Engine Performance Technology
• Program Length: 19 credits (approximately 2 semesters, assuming 12 credits per semester)
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $203 per semester for out-of-state students
• School Type: 2-year, public; almost 10,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 3300 College Dr., San Bruno, CA 94066-1698
• Phone: 650-738-41000

Skyline College is located in San Bruno, California, less than 15 miles outside of San Francisco. If you plan on completing the school's certificate program in engine performance technology during the mornings and/or afternoons, you'll be required to provide your own hand tools, including combination wrench sets, pocket flashlights and vacuum pumps. The total costs may fall somewhere within the range of about $500 to $1,000, depending on the brand you purchase. The curriculum for this program encompasses an introduction to basic tools, fundamental mathematical concepts and a study of engine sub-systems.

Automotive Mechanic Associate's Degree Programs in San Francisco

City College of San Francisco

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $187 plus $46 enrollment fee per semester unit for out-of-state students
• Prerequisites: At least 18 years old by the start of the term; completion of appropriate prerequisite courses or placement in courses (see description below)
• Admission Requirements: Health fee
• 'School Type:' 2-year, public; nearly 35,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 50 Phelan Ave., San Francisco, CA 94112-1898
• Phone: 415-239-3000

In order to begin coursework in this degree program, you'll need to have either successfully completed a series of basic English and math courses or tested at a certain level on the college's placement exams. In addition, the college recommends that you take high school courses in auto shop, electricity, mechanical drawing and welding prior to enrolling. Once admitted, you'll study a range of automotive topics, such as automatic transmission, engine repair and automotive electrical. By the time you've completed your studies, you should be able to apply the theoretical principles and practical methods you learned to a variety of professional tasks, such as appropriately removing fiberglass, implementing safe practices in your shop and analyzing the different systems of an automobile.

Skyline College

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $203 per semester for out-of-state students
• School Type: 2-year, public; almost 10,000 students (all undergraduate)
• Address: 3300 College Dr., San Bruno, CA 94066-1698
• Phone: 650-738-41000

As with Skyline's certificate program, the associate's degree program in automotive technology also requires you to purchase your own hand tools if you plan on enrolling in morning and/or afternoon courses. In addition to core automotive topics, such as wiring, electrical circuits and charging systems, you'll also need to complete Skyline's general education regimen, which may include courses in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, among other areas. To enhance your training, the college offers numerous resources, such as a general automotive technology training program, a program that trains students to repair Japanese automobiles and a fleet of late model cars on which you may practice your skills.

College of Alameda

• Program Name: Associate in Science in Automotive Technology
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $177 per semester for out-of-state students
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 6,000 (all undergraduate)
• Address: 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway, Alameda, California 94501
• Phone: (510) 748-2334

The College of Alameda is located about 10 miles outside of San Francisco and offers an associate's degree in automotive technology. The program is certified through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and is part of the Toyota T-TEN program, which provides you with Toyota training and job placement opportunities with Toyota dealerships. You will learn how to repair and test automobiles, in addition to diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical systems.

College of Marin

• Program Name: Associate of Science in Automotive Technology: Chassis Repair Technician
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition: $46 per semester unit for in-state students; $202 per semester for out-of-state students
• School Type: 2-year, public; about 7,000 (all undergraduate)
• Address: 835 College Ave, Kentfield, California 94904-2590
• Phone: (415) 457-8811

The Associate of Science in Automotive Technology: Chassis Repair Technician program prepares you to enter the field at the second year apprentice level. The program combines both theory courses and practical training. You will learn about engines, brakes, drive trains and heating and cooling units. In order to complete the program, you are required to provide your own basic tool set.