Cancel
Cancel
Loading...

Western Dakota Technical College Learn. Do. Now.

Apply Now Schedule a Tour Visit Us Request Info Chat Online

Automotive Technology

The Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science degree will provide education in most types of land transportation vehicles.

Are you interested in our Automotive Technology Degree Program?

Sign up to receive more information!

I want to Learn More

Degree Description

The Western Dakota Technical College Automotive Technology program, through the use of effective teaching techniques, clear student learning outcomes, and effective assessment, strives to enable students the ability to acquire the latest technology and training. With the students’ efforts, we help prepare them for entry-level placement in the automotive service industry and provide them the skills for lifelong learning. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2021, the average wage in western South Dakota was $45,590.

This program is fully accredited by the ASE Education Foundation

1503 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Suite 401
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 669-6650

For more information about accreditation, click here.

Request More Info

Application Process

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

Apply Now

Career Description

Automotive service technicians inspect, maintain or repair automobiles and light trucks with gasoline engines. The ability to diagnose the source of the problem quickly and accurately, one of the technician’s most valuable skills, requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication, and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive technician jobs complete a formal training program after graduating from high school, continuing their education, or changing careers.

Apply Now

Virtual Tour Automotive Technology Labs

Take the Virtual Tour Now Next, schedule an on-campus tour and receive a FREE WDTC T-Shirt when you arrive.

Lab 1
Lab 2
General Education EMT

After Earning Your Degree

The number of vehicles in use continues to rise, and more entry-level service technicians will be needed to perform basic maintenance and repair, such as replacing brake pads and changing oil. New technologies, however, such as electric vehicles, may limit future demand for automotive service technicians and mechanics because they will be more reliable and thus require less maintenance and repair. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2023, the average wage in western South Dakota was $51,010.

Meet Your Faculty

Western Dakota Technical College has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning more one-on-one learning. Individual attention from your professor can make your college experience more fulfilling.

  • Photo of Doyle Bouzek
    Doyle Bouzek

  • Jason Linneweber

Financial Aid

Continuing your education is crucial and Western Dakota Technical College wants to make sure that any student who wants to attend school, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason, WDTC is dedicated to administering the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Financial Assistance Program fair and consistently to anyone who needs it.

Build Dakota Scholarships

The Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Technical College will pay all your tuition and fees and prepare you for a career that is in-demand and growing in South Dakota. Build Dakota Scholarships will be awarded to students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical institutes to fill the state’s technical careers with skilled professionals.

Student Housing

Finding affordable housing during school can be a challenge for students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not have on-campus housing, but partners with a Rapid City VRBO to offer a limited number of apartments for full-time students in the fall and spring semesters.


Learn More

Child Care

Finding child care during school is a challenge for many students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not offer on-campus child care, but here are some resources that may help you in your search.

Youth & Family Services is an organization dedicated to helping children in Western South Dakota. They offer a variety of services, including child care at multiple locations.

The Y of Rapid City offers child care and other services.

Disclaimer: Western Dakota Technical College provides these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by Western Dakota Technical College of any site or any information contained therein. When you leave wdt.edu, you should be aware that our terms and policies no longer govern. Western Dakota Technical College makes no claim or representation regarding, and accepts no responsibility for, the quality, content, nature or reliability of third-party websites or vendors.

WESTERN DAKOTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE MISSION
Western Dakota Technical College prepares students to be highly-skilled professionals through accessible, career-focused programs to improve their lives, while adapting to community workforce needs and positively impacting our economy.

Join the Conversation

Connect with Western Dakota Technical College

facebook logo instagram logo snapchat logo x logo youtube logo LinkedIn

Website Powered By PageFramer, Development By Robert Sharp & Associates