De Anza Joins Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Colleges
De Anza College has received official approval to launch its first-ever baccalaureate degree, positioning it among the select Bachelor Of Science In Automotive Technology Colleges. The new Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management program is designed to create significant opportunities for student career advancement and fill a critical industry need for skilled managers in dealerships, repair facilities, and commercial fleet operations. The college anticipates admitting the first cohort of students into this innovative program as early as the fall of 2025, pending the completion of the curriculum development process for the new upper-division courses. This milestone was announced by the Board of Governors for California Community Colleges, expanding a pilot program allowing more community colleges to offer four-year degrees.
Innovative Program Meets Industry Demand
This new bachelor’s degree initiative was spearheaded by De Anza’s Business, Computer Science and Applied Technologies Division in collaboration with the college’s highly respected Automotive Technology Department. Known for its strong student success rates and drawing over 2,000 enrollments annually, the Auto Tech department has a proven history of innovation, including noncredit certificates, evening classes, and a forward-thinking career pathway focusing on autonomous and electric vehicles (AV/EV).
Development of the Automotive Technology Management degree included gathering substantial input from key industry employers, such as auto dealerships, repair shop owners, and auto parts chains. These stakeholders confirmed a pressing need for managers who possess both a solid automotive technical background and strong business acumen. This feedback was crucial in shaping the program and securing approval from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) in February 2022.
Curriculum and Career Pathways
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management integrates General Education requirements and existing Automotive Technology courses with newly developed upper-division coursework. These advanced courses will cover essential topics like automotive marketing, supply chain management, sales forecasting, human resources, and other business practices vital to the modern automotive industry.
“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 can now seamlessly accumulate credits at De Anza, progressing from certificates and associate degrees directly into this bachelor’s program. Importantly, the program also welcomes transfer students who have completed automotive coursework or earned associate degrees at other accredited institutions, broadening its accessibility.
Three De Anza automotive technology students in coveralls working in the lab
Advancing Equity and Opportunity
Dean Fayek emphasized the program’s role in promoting fairness, calling it “an equity breakthrough.” It significantly expands academic and career pathways, particularly for women and individuals from historically underrepresented groups who might have previously faced barriers to earning bachelor’s degrees or advancing into automotive management positions.
“I’m thrilled that we’re able to offer this new program,” stated De Anza President Lloyd A. Holmes. He acknowledged the California Community Colleges Board of Governors’ approval as recognition of the extensive effort invested by Dean Fayek, Auto Tech Department Chair Dave Capitolo, and their colleagues in developing and refining this unique degree proposal.
Smiling student considering automotive management career path
Program Approval and Future Outlook
The automotive sector remains a vital component of California’s economy, continuously evolving with advances in consumer vehicle technology and expanding into burgeoning markets like autonomous passenger vehicles and delivery systems. De Anza’s new degree directly addresses the needs of this dynamic industry.
“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,” said Capitolo. De Anza was one of only ten community colleges submitting baccalaureate proposals earlier this year, and its program was one of six rigorously reviewed and subsequently approved by the Board of Governors. This initiative also sees its sister institution, Foothill College, expanding its baccalaureate offerings, further strengthening the region’s higher education landscape.
Conclusion
De Anza College’s introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology Management marks a significant step, placing it among the pioneering community Bachelor Of Science In Automotive Technology Colleges. This program promises enhanced career prospects for students through stackable credentials and advanced coursework, directly addresses the automotive industry’s demand for skilled managers with technical expertise, and promotes greater equity in higher education and career advancement. With classes projected to start in Fall 2025, the program is poised to become a valuable asset for students and the regional economy.
