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Autobody Repair

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AOS Degree – Code #0453

Bradley Smith, Department Chair and Program Coordinator
Email address: smithbp@alfredstate.edu

This specialization will prepare you with 1,800 hours of practical experience and classroom training applicable to the dynamic autobody repair field. Your laboratory experience will range from spot repair, total wreck repair, and specialized paint jobs to estimating, panel replacement, and frame straightening.

Advantages

  • Inter-Industry Conference on Automotive Collision Repair (ICAR) certified.
  • Students successfully completing autobody repair may wish to remain at Alfred State in the automotive service technician; heavy equipment, truck and diesel technician; or motorsports programs for another one-and-one-half years to receive a second degree upon successful completion of course. This requires department chair’s approval.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a focused, coherent, organized written report.
  • Perform mathematic calculations required for entry-level automotive employment.
  • Demonstrate a functional ability to read and retain/apply written instructions and specifications relevant to their work environment.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking and program-solving skills to work with sheet metal repair.
  • Demonstrate ability to identify different types of frame damage.
  • Demonstrate painting skills for B/C and single stage painting.
  • Demonstrate the ability to repair frame and structure collision damage.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate, remove, and replace various mechanical components.

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Alfred State autobody repair graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program. Graduates who have credit for freshman composition, statistics, literature, history, and speech may complete the BBA program in two additional years; others may complete the BBA program in two-and-one-half years.

Occupational Opportunities

  • Autobody repair specialist
  • Automotive refinisher
  • Body shop owner
  • Frame straightening specialist
  • Shop foreman
  • Service manager
  • Wheel alignment specialist

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent – 83 percent are employed; 17 percent continued their education.

Related Programs

Entrance Requirements/recommendations

Recommended: Algebra

Required Tools/Equipment

A list of required tools, equipment, PPE, etc. for all of the programs mentioned above can be found at http://www.alfredstate.edu/tool-lists. 

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops.

Technical Standards

It is essential that students in this degree program are able to participate fully and safely, with or without reasonable accommodation, in all classroom and laboratory experiences required for completion of the program.  Students in this degree program should be able to:

  1. Lift 50 pounds to industry standard automotive lift height
  2. Effectively communicate with a person six (6) to ten (10) feet away.
  3. Visually decipher small images on a monitor or digital display.
  4. Distinguish sounds associated with mechanical failures.
  5. Comprehend written information found in service repair resources.
  6. Possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
  7. Function in a safe manner, not placing themselves, faculty, staff, other students, or property in jeopardy.
  8. Appropriately and safely use standard laboratory equipment, materials, and instrumentation to include possession of fine motor skills and mobility.

Certification Or Licensure

Graduates may take Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams. Graduates are also eligible to take the New York State inspection certification. Students may take the ASE exam for certification in refrigerant recycling and recovery during their senior year.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Autobody Repair - AOS Degree

TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

AUTO 1326 Body Welding 6
AUTO 1313 Wrecker Operation & Estimating 3
AUTO 1306 Rust Repair 6
AUTO 1343 Refinishing Basics 3
      18

Second

AUTO 2309 Brakes, Susp & Structrl Anlys 9
AUTO 1344 Recondtnng & Mechancl Componts 4
AUTO 2365 Chassis Electrical 5
      18

Third

AUTO 3819 Auto Body Skls/Computrzed Est 9
AUTO 3809 Inspec, Gen Alignment & AC 9
      18

Fourth

AUTO 4639 Major Collision Repair 9
AUTO 4629 Major Refinishing 9
      18

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in major courses.