Certificate in Automotive Research and Development

The High Performance Institute offers a Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Research and Development. The field of automotive research and development offers many exciting career opportunities, including: engineering design, prototype building, vehicle evaluation and engineering, materials engineering, powertrain tuning and design, regulatory affairs and advanced technical research. The Citrus Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Research and Development area of emphasis is Engine Research, Development and Testing. The Engine Research, Development and Testing concentration provides a solid background in engine design and development, as well as testing procedures using both engine and chassis dynamometers.

The Certificate of Achievement in Automotive Research and Development is a stepping stone to exciting career opportunities. Completion of the certificate is excellent preparation for students desiring to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in engineering, production technology or industrial technology. Students can also choose to step directly into the exciting world of the automotive aftermarket or new vehicle production where a number of entry-level positions await the highly-motivated student.

Certificate of Achievement Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Automotive Research and Development Certificate of Achievement will:

  1. Be able to test and evaluate the design of systems that affect performance, emissions, energy production and consumption, and will either enter the automotive aftermarket industry as a research and development technician, or transfer to a four-year school to continue their education in technology and engineering.
Required courses:
AUTO 291Engine Performance Enhancements and Tuning3
AUTO 295Engine Design4
AUTO 296Cylinder Head Development4
AUTO 297Cylinder Block Development4
Select at least eight (8) units from the following courses: 1
Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience A1
Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience B2
Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience C3
Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience D4
Special Topics: Automotive Technology0.5
Special Topics: Automotive Technology1
Special Topics: Automotive Technology2
Special Topics: Automotive Technology3
Special Topics: Automotive Technology0.5
Special Topics: Automotive Technology0.5
Special Topics: Automotive Technology1
Special Topics: Automotive Technology1
Introduction to Business3
Business, Ethics and Society3
Philosophy - Ethics
Small Business Management3
Foundation Digital Design Tools - Intermediate Computer Aided Design (CAD)3
Physics in Everyday Life4
Total Units23
1

Work Experience AUTO 230A, AUTO 230B, AUTO 230C, AUTO 230D and Special Topics AUTO 695A, AUTO 695B, AUTO 695C, AUTO 695D or AUTO 696A, AUTO 696B, AUTO 696C, AUTO 696D require department approval.

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
AUTO 291 Engine Performance Enhancements and Tuning 3
AUTO 296 Cylinder Head Development 4
Assumes completion of AUTO 168 and AUTO 295  
 Units7
Winter Term 1
AUTO 230A Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience A 1
 Units1
Spring Term 1
AUTO 297 Cylinder Block Development 4
AUTO 230D Automotive Service and Repair Work Experience D 4
 Units8
Summer Term 1
BUS 130
Introduction to Business
or Business, Ethics and Society
or Small Business Management
3
 Units3
 Total Units19

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.