Breadcrumb
Automotive Technology
Technical Job Skills, Applied
The University of Central Missouri's Automotive Technology Management program prepares you to become a leader in the automotive industry. With our bachelor's degree in Automotive Technology Management, UCM is one of fewer than 20 universities in the nation meeting the demand for well-qualified, corporate-level and technical graduates.
As a graduate from this program you are suited for high-demand, well-paying, corporate-level, technical management positions within the automotive/diesel and alternative-fuel/hybrid vehicle industries. Historically 98% of our graduates gain employment in the field within six months of graduation, with a starting salary ranging between $40,000 - $55,000.
Automotive Technology Programs
The automotive technology area of the ATM degree program focuses on technological skill-sets of the automotive professional and benefits most career positions in the industry, giving the widest versatility out of the three "areas." Learn more about each.
Area 1: Automotive Technology
Area 1 of the Automotive Technology Management degree places an emphasis on the technical skills you as a graduate will be recruited for. While all three areas of the degree have some aspect of hands-on technical training, Area 1 features added course content in HVAC, Automatic Transmissions, and Engine Repair. The most popular of the three, Area 1 is for those that love hands-on, technical learning, and in general is the most universal.
Area 2: Design Technology
The Design area of the Automotive Technology Management degree places emphasis on design or engineering skills utilized in the applied service industry by manufacturers. Do you ever wonder how an engineer works with service professionals to develop service procedures, or how they work together to make components more serviceable for their dealers? This may be the focus area for you!
Area 3: Service Management
The Service area of the Automotive Technology Management degree places emphasis on service shop and dealership management skills utilized in corporate and private businesses, and relates them to the automotive industry. Do you ever wonder how a dealership or manufacturer estimates warranty costs or manages employees? Have you considered opening your own small business, and want to go beyond a business administration minor? This concentration area might be for you!
Alumni Testimonials
The School of Technology at UCM would like to recognize some of our outstanding alumni who have graduated from our programs. We would like to commend them for their success and to give them the opportunity to talk about their experience at UCM.
Stephen F. Marlin
Driver Relationship Manager, (GM) Fuel Cell Activities
The Power Technology program at Central provided me the confidence to take a lead position in GM's Advanced Technology Program by instilling a strong sense of current automotive knowledge combined with the curiosity to stretch that knowledge to new limits. The degree I received opened up a broad set of possibilities for me to help sustain my growth in the industry even 16 years after I graduated.
Matt Miller
Factory Representative - Houston, TX, Jasper Engines and Transmissions
Thanks to UCM, I have been able to pursue a great career as a Factory Representative with the largest automotive remanufacturer in the United States, Jasper Engines and Transmissions. While attending UCM, I was able to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s Automotive Industry. I would not be positioning myself as a leader in the automotive market if not for the instruction, professors, application, and atmosphere that you will only find at UCM’s Automotive Department.
Michael A. Wehmeir
District Parts & Services Manager, American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
The Automotive degree that I received from UCM gave me the necessary skills in automotive technology & management to land my first entry level job with General Motors. After working for GM, I then became employed by American Honda Motor Company, Inc. where I have worked the last 21 years as a District Parts Service Manager. As an Alumnus, I have been given the honor to serve on the UCM Automotive Advisory Board for over 12 years. UCM is very committed to advisory board input on curriculum changes to make sure that their degree is preparing the student for the real world. UCM offers an exceptional automotive degree that has given me a very satisfying & successful career!
Lou Gilbert
Director, North American Marketing, Allison Transmission
The Automotive Program at UCM provides a foundation built on common sense and solid technical knowledge. These qualities have been critical as a I have progressed through business the past 17 years.
Jennifer Kamler
District Parts and Service Manager, American Honda
Since graduating UCM in 2004, I've had many successes with my career, ultimately leading to my current position as a District Parts and Service Manager with American Honda. The technical knowledge and experiences I gained through UCM have been invaluable in helping me achieve these goals. I would recommend UCM’s School of Technology to anyone who is looking for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.
Brad Kline
Sales Manager, Gateway Classic Cars
The automotive program helped me land my dream job by giving me knowledge not only
of automobiles but also of the inner working of businesses. I am now the Sales Manager
of one of the largest classic car dealerships in the world, just two years after graduating!
Brenndan Zang
Service Manager, MHC Kenworth Atlanta
The Automotive degree prepared me to find a job in a technologically advancing workforce,
and helped place me with a developing company, MHC Kenworth.
Daniel Cross
Supervisor, Cummins Inc. Customer Assistance Center
Career decisions can be difficult, and none more so than choosing the right degree.
Pursuing a B.A. in Music, I was unsure of what I would do to provide for my family,
so I switched to the Automotive Technology program at UCM. I realized that my social
skills and the technical expertise I gained from UCM would be valuable assets when
seeking employment. I graduated in May of 2007 and that same month started working
at Cummins Inc. as a Customer Assistance Engineer. Just under three years later, I
supervise the Customer Assistance group, a feat I could not have accomplished without
the knowledge, skill set, and work ethic the Automotive Technology program at UCM
instilled in me.
Derek M. Harmon
Service Engineer, Ford Motor Company
Without my BS in Automotive Technology, I would not have made it to where I am now.
It opened doors and provided me with knowledge that is excellent for working for an
automotive company.
Jake Brooke
Field Service Manager, Technical Services & Support, AGCO
The UCM Automotive Program has been a strong foundation for becoming a field service
manager in a very demanding industry. The diversity of the program provided both technical
and administrative skill sets that are vital to a successful and rewarding career.
Thanks again to a truly amazing staff!
Phil Griggs
Chassis Launch Coordinator, General Motors
UCM gave me the foundation to have a rewarding and successful career in the Automotive
Industry. This foundation has provided me with many exciting opportunities globally!
Faculty
Programs
Improvement through Accreditation
National Automotive Technician Education Foundation
Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
Contact
Dr. Scott Wilson
Professor & Program Coordinator
TRG 318C
Tel: (660) 543-4065
