Whether your plan is to take classes and transfer to a four-year university or enter one of our career programs designed to get you into the workforce right away, Rock Valley College has what you are looking for. Select from one of our more than 60 transfer areas or more than 30 career programs.
Course Listing Check out a comprehensive list of courses offered at RVC...
At Rock Valley College, you're not just a number. Our highly respected faculty have master's degrees, doctorates and real-world experience. You won't be competing for attention in a huge lecture hall. Our average class size is 21, so you'll get a chance to interact, challenge and be challenged by your instructors.
Get Started! Find out how to get started at RVC! We make it easy for you to pursue your goals...
Have fun. Try stuff. RVC gives you opportunities to get involved. There are lots of student activities to choose from. We offer more than 20 clubs and organizations. Try your hands at student government. Join the staff of our campus newspaper. What's it going to be?
Get Engaged! Join a club, attend events, become a student leader. What's your passion?
Whether you are new to the college or know your way around, we have a variety of services designed to help you succeed. We're here for you every step of the way.
How can we help? Our focus is on student success. We're here to ensure you reach your goals.
RVC competes in NJCAA Division III in men's and women's basketball, women's volleyball, golf, baseball, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Not to brag, but we're pretty good at it. Our teams have won seven national championships and we have had more than 100 All-Americans.
Golf Outing Play in the RVC Golf Classic on June 14! Click to learn more...
The Estelle M. Black Library at Rock Valley College features nearly 75,000 volumes and more than 650 periodicals, and access to the interlibrary loan system. It also features spaces for individual and group study, and if you get thirsty, there's a coffee shop in the lobby!
Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science - 69 credits
Program contact: Division of Technical Programs, (815) 921-3000
Quick Links
Graduates of this program are prepared to assume positions in the automotive industry as entry-level technicians. Students become adept in all aspects of the vehicle, including electrical, engine, heating/AC, suspension and brakes, and transmission. Those with a 3.0 GPA should be able to pass the industry-recommended ASE tests.
Successful graduates who become ASE-certified can move into such positions as journeymen technicians, service managers, parts managers, jobber salespersons, insurance adjusters, and shop operators.
Graduates can use their degree in partial fulfillment of a baccalaureate degree at select universities.
Certificates available
Automotive Electrical
Automotive Technician
Automotive Engine
Automotive Transmission
Automotive Engine Performance
Automotive Heating & Air Conditioning
Automotive Suspension & Brakes
*Students are expected to furnish their own tool kits for class. This will be discussed during the first class session.
Automotive Course Requirements (51 credits)
ATM 105 Introduction to Brake and Chassis Systems (3)
ATM 106 Introduction to Automotive Electrical Systems and Powertrains (3)
* ATM 107 Automotive Electronic Fundamentals (4)
* ATM 114 Brakes (4)
* ATM 140 Engine Diagnosis and Repair (6)
* ATM 203 Heating and Air-conditioning Systems (4)
* ATM 221 Steering and Suspension (4)
* ATM 222 Manual Transmission/Transaxles (4)
* ATM 223 Automotive Electrical Circuits (4)
* ATM 242 Automatic Transmission/Transaxles (5)
* ATM 228 Engine Performance I (5)
* ATM 229 Engine Performance II (5)
General Education Course Requirements: (18 credits)
* ENG 101 Composition (3)
* ENG 103 Composition II, or
* ENG 105 Business Communications, or
* ENG 110 Introductory Technical Writing, or
* SPH 131 Fundamentals of Speech, or
SPH 141 Business and Professional Speech (3)
* MTH 100 Technical Mathematics, or (5)
* MTH 120 College Algebra, or (3)
* MTH 125 Plane Trigonometry (3)
Electives: Select credits from the following if needed:
CIS 102 Intro to Computers & Info Systems (3)
BUS 170 Human Relations in Business, or
PSY 170 General Psychology (3)
Physical Education Course
Humanities Course
Note: Other General Education courses are acceptable.
*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course descriptions below
If students are interested in pursuing the Automotive Management option in this program, they should take the following General Education and Business courses. Students must complete 18 credit hours from the following:
Requirements: 12 credits
* ENG 101 Composition (3)
* ENG 103 Composition II or
* ENG 105 Business Communications or
* ENG 110 Introductory Technical Writing or
* SPH 131 Fundamentals of Speech or
SPH 141 Business and Professional Speech (3)
BUS 101 Introduction to Business (3)
PSY 170 General Psychology or
BUS 170 Human Relations in Business (3)
Electives: 6 credits
Select from 6 credits from the following:
ATG 106 Introduction to Accounting Debits and Credits (1)
ATG 107 Introduction to Accounting Special Journals (1)
ATM 236 Advanced Computer Control Systems (4)
* MGT 270 Principles of Management (3)
* MGT 273 Small Business Management (3)
* MTH 100 Technical Mathematics (5), or
* MTH 120 College Algebra (3)
Note: Other General Education courses are acceptable.
|
ATM-103
Automotive Technology III IAI: None Automotive Technology III provides additional training in gasoline engine theory, plus diagnosis and repair. The emphasis will be on cylinder head diagnosis and repair, valve train diagnosis and repair, and engine block assembly diagnosis and repair. The students will be provided with late model engines for disassembly and reassembly. Prerequisite: None Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
ATM-105
Introduction to Brake and Chassis System IAI: None Intro to Brake and Chassis Systems course offers the student an introduction to automotive brake and steering/suspension systems. Theory and operation of these systems is covered. Students will complete basic service procedures on brake and steering/suspension systems to prepare them for initial employment in the automotive service industry and further training in the Automotive Service Technology program. Safety in the use of automotive tols, equipment, and chemicals is also covered. Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment with ATM 106 and ATM 140. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 1 Lab: 4
ATM-106
Intro to Auto Electrical Systm/Power Trn IAI: None The Introduction to Automotive Electrical Systems and Powertrains course offers the student an introduction to automotive electrical and engine/transmission systems. Theory and operation of these systems are covered. Students will complete basic service procedures on electrical and engine/transmission systems to prepare them for initial employment in the automotive service industry and further training in the Automotive Service Technology program. Safety in the use of automotive tools, equipment, and chemicals is also covered. Corequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment with ATM 105 and ATM 140. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 1 Lab: 4
ATM-107
Automotive Electronic Fundamentals IAI: None The Automotive Electronic Fundamentals is a continuation of ATM 106 (Introduction to Automotive Electrical Systems and Powertrains). This class will emphasize electrical and electronic theory and analysis and introduce students to solid-state electronic components and systems. Students will determine circuit types and analyze both mathematically and with a digital multimeter. Prerequisite: ATM 105, ATM 106, or consent of the instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
ATM-114
Brakes IAI: None The Brakes course continues the student's studies automotive brake systems. This course covers in depth diagnosis, service, and repair procedures of base barek systems and anti-lock brake systems. Live work will be performed on customer vehicles in a real-world shop environment. Prerequisite: ATM 105, ATM 106, or consent of the instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 2 Lab: 4
ATM-140
Engine Diagnosis and Repair IAI: None The Engine Diagnosis and Repair course provides basic information on gasoline engine theory, construction, systems, and diagnosis. This information will be applied to mechanical testing and repair procedures for the entire engine. The college provides late model engines for disassembly and reassembly. Corequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment with ATM 105 and ATM 106, or consent of instructor. Credit: 6 semester hours Lecture: 4 Lab: 4
ATM-203
Heating and Air Conditioning Systems IAI: None The Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems course is a lecture-laboratory course designed to train the student in theory, construction, installation, diagnosis, and proper servicing of all types of automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Emphasis is on safety procedures, practical application and refrigerant recycling to protect the environment. Prerequisite: ATM 104 and ATM 107, or consent of instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
ATM-221
Steering and Suspension IAI: None The Steering and Suspension course continues the student's studies of automotive steering and suspension systems. This course covers in-depth diagnosis, service, and repair procedures of steering and suspension, and electronic suspension and steering. Live work will be performed on customer vehicles in a real-world shop environment. Prerequisite: ATM 105 and ATM 106, or consent of instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
ATM-222
Manual Transmission/Transaxles IAI: None Manual Transmissions/Transaxles provides training and hands-on experience in diagnosis, service and repair of manual transmissions, transaxles, clutches, drive shafts, CV joints and half shafts, and 4-wheel drive systems. Prerequisite: ATM 104 or consent of instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 4
ATM-223
Auto Electrical Circuits IAI: None The Automotive Electrical Circuits course is designed in diagnosis and repair of automotive electrical circuits and diagnosis of automotive electronic circuitry. Emphasis will be on accessory circuits and components. Prerequisite: ATM 105, ATM 106, and ATM 107, or consent of instructor. Credit: 4 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 3
ATM-228
Engine Performance I IAI: None Engine Performance I is a course designed to provide instruction and experience in the theory of operation, diagnosis, and service of solid state, computer-controlled, and distributorless ignition systems. This course is designed to provide instruction and experience in the theory of operation, diagnosis, and service of automotive fuel systems and their related sub-systems. This course covers related emission systems and usage of ignition scopes, digital analyzers, scan tools, and other hand held equipment. Prerequisite: ATM 106, 107 and 140; or consent of instructor Credits: 5 semester credits Lecture: 3 Lab: 5
ATM-229
Engine Performance II IAI: None Engine Performance II is the second course in Engine Performance and a continuation of Engine Performance I. This course is designed to analyze, diagnose, and test second-generation ignition, fuel, On-board Diagnostics I (OBD I), and On-board Diagnostic II (OBDII) computer systems. Emphasis is placed on scan tool analysis and recording along with current graphing of fuel, ignition and sub-systems. Analysis will be performed by the usage of aftermarket and manufacturers' scan tools and digital storage scopes interfaced with induction current probes. PREREQUISITE: ATM 106, ATM 140, and ATM 107, ATM 228, or consent of instructor. Credit: 5 semester hours Lecture: 3 Lab: 5
ATM-236
Advanced Computers/Control Sys IAI: None Advanced Computers & Control Systems is a lecture-laboratory course designed to increase the student's level of knowledge of automotive computer-controlled systems. Topics include in-depth analysis and testing of OBDII, ABS, theft deterrent systems, body electrical systems and data commmunications networks. Analysis is performed using digital meters, oscilloscopes, PC interfacing software, and other hand held equipment. Prerequistes: ATM-107 and ATM-223; Completed or concurrent enrollment in ATM-228 and ATM-229; or consent of instructor. Credit: 3 semester hours Lecture: 1 Lab: 4
ATM-242
Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles IAI: None The Automatic Transmissions/Transaxles course covers the theory of Simpson gear trains, removal, disassembly, rebuilding and installation of automatic transmissions and transaxles. Includes in-car diagnosis and service, hydraulics and electronics. Prerequisite: ATM 105 and ATM 106, or consent of instructor. Credit: 5 Lecturea: 3 Lab: 5
ATM-290
Special Topics IAI: None The Special Topics course is designed to satisfy topics of special interest in a particular area of automotive. Topics will vary from semester to semester. You may repeat this course up to a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Automotive maintenance experience or completion of automotive courses in the process area of study. Credit: 1-6 semester hours Lecture: 1-6 Lab: 0 |