De Anza Introduces First Bachelor Degree in Automotive Technology California
De Anza College has received official approval to launch its inaugural baccalaureate program, a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management. This significant development offers students enhanced job prospects and career advancement opportunities within the automotive sector. The program aims to meet the growing demand for skilled managers at dealerships, repair facilities, and commercial fleet operations, establishing a key option for those seeking a Bachelor Degree In Automotive Technology California.
The college anticipates admitting the first cohort of students into this new upper-division program as early as the fall of 2025, following the completion of the curriculum development process for the required advanced courses. This approval was formally announced by the Board of Governors for California Community Colleges, expanding upon an initiative that previously permitted select community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees.
Innovative Program Built on Strong Foundation
The new degree program originates from De Anza’s Business, Computer Science and Applied Technologies Division and its highly respected Automotive Technology Department. This department serves over 2,000 students annually and boasts a strong record of student success and innovative offerings, including noncredit classes, certificates, evening courses, and a new career track focused on the burgeoning field of autonomous and electric vehicles.
young woman and two young men in auto tech coveralls
Curriculum and Career Pathways
The Bachelor of Science program will integrate General Education requirements and existing Automotive Technology courses with newly developed upper-division coursework. These advanced courses will cover essential topics such as automotive marketing, supply chain management, sales forecasting, human resources, and other business practices crucial to the automotive industry.
Bridging Technical Skills with Business Acumen
“The degree is built around the concept of stackable credentials, allowing individuals to progress on a career path to improve their economic status,” explained Moaty Fayek, Dean of Business, Computer Science and Applied Technologies. Students taking Auto Tech classes at De Anza can now earn credits that contribute towards certificates, associate degrees, and ultimately, this new bachelor’s degree. Fayek also noted that the program welcomes transfer students who have completed automotive coursework or earned associate degrees at other accredited institutions.
Addressing Industry Needs and Equity
Dean Fayek highlighted the program’s significance as “an equity breakthrough.” It broadens academic and career pathways, particularly for women and individuals from historically underrepresented groups who might have previously faced barriers to obtaining bachelor’s degrees or advancing into automotive management roles.
smiling young man in blue dress shirt
De Anza College President Lloyd A. Holmes expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m thrilled that we’re able to offer this new program. The Board of Governors’ approval amounts to recognition for a great deal of hard work that Dean Moaty Fayek, Auto Tech chair Dave Capitolo and their colleagues have put into developing and refining this concept.”
During the proposal development phase, the Auto Tech program solicited input from leaders at auto dealerships, repair shops, parts suppliers, and other employers. This feedback revealed a significant need for managers possessing both “an automotive background as well as business savvy,” as detailed in De Anza’s submission to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), which granted its approval in February 2022.
Meeting Demand in a Key Employment Sector
California’s automotive industry represents a vital employment sector, continually evolving with advancements in consumer automotive technology and expanding into new areas like autonomous vehicles for passenger transport and goods delivery.
“We’re excited about expanding the Auto Tech program with this new degree, which will offer greater career and financial opportunities for our students while filling a need for local employers,” stated Dave Capitolo, Auto Tech Department Chair. De Anza was one of ten community colleges submitting baccalaureate proposals earlier in the year; following a thorough review, six, including De Anza’s, were forwarded for Board of Governors approval.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management at De Anza College marks a significant advancement for students seeking comprehensive automotive education combined with management skills in California. This program not only provides a clear pathway from technical training to a bachelor’s degree but also addresses critical industry demands for qualified managers and promotes equity within the automotive field. Prospective students now have a valuable new option for pursuing an advanced Bachelor Degree In Automotive Technology California.
