If you are passionate about cars and trucks and want to enter the automotive industry, then you might consider earning an automotive management degree online.
A bachelor in automotive technology or management focuses on teaching skills necessary for management and operations of service and repair facilities, dealerships, retailers, or manufacturers.
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After earning an automotive management bachelor’s degree, you may be qualified for a variety of positions within the auto industry. After studying business management, you may be prepared for leadership positions in other sectors as well.
Read on to discover whether an automotive online degree is right for you.
Best Online Automotive Management Colleges
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University offers a bachelor’s degree in automotive management program online or on campus. The school aims to provide hands-on experience from the beginning of the program. Coursework is designed to teach various aspects of the automotive business, including accounting, customer relations, marketing, and more. The program requires an earned associate’s degree in an automotive or related program for admission.
Ferris State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration online program with a concentration in Automotive Dealership Management. Courses are typically 8 weeks long, and there are usually 8 start dates per year. The program is designed to provide real-world experience in the automotive industry and is completed in an average of 3.5 years.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology offers a BS in Automotive Service Management program online. Classes are often available in both daytime and evening time slots, and class sizes are usually kept small. The program requires completion of a combination of liberal arts courses, technical courses, and labs. Classes are typically 10 weeks long, and there are often 4 start dates each year.
New England Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education..
Pennsylvania College of Technology
The Pennsylvania College of Technology offers an online program for a BS in Automotive Technology Management. Potential courses include Automotive Management and Customer Service, Business Law, Advanced Topics in Automotive Technology, and Senior Project. An earned associate’s degree in a related field is required for admission. The school charges the same tuition regardless of state residency.
Pennsylvania College of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Automotive Management Degrees
An automotive management major can vary depending on the program you attend. Some programs emphasize more technical knowledge and hands-on practical skills, while other programs focus more on the business and management side of the automotive industry.
The coursework that automotive online degrees provide reflects these focuses, but you may also have the opportunity to take a wide variety of courses as electives.
As a student in an automotive management degree program, you may take classes in subjects like:
- Management
- Economics
- Vehicle repair and safety
- Automotive technology management
- Customer service
- Business law
- Human relations
- Human resource management
Much like in an auto mechanic certificate online or on-campus program, some of these classes may be hands-on and offer practical experience for you to practice what you’ve learned. After earning an automotive management bachelors degree, you may be ready and qualified for a variety of jobs in the industry.
For example, some graduates go on to work in a managerial position at a dealership, working with employees and customers. You might also pursue work for other auto industry companies, such as car makers and parts manufacturers. Others find employment working for service garages or repair facilities.
When it comes to the types of positions, some professionals work as general managers, human resources managers, administrative managers, and technician supervisors. Some graduates go into the marketing and sales sector of the auto industry.
One of the advantages of this degree is that many of the business management skills you learn can be applicable to other industries.
Automotive Business Management Careers & Salaries
There are many careers that an automotive business management graduate may pursue after earning their degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries for various roles associated with the study of automotive management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Sales Managers | $127,490 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,150 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Managers | $99,290 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $71,260 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $63,920 |
| Auto Damage Insurance Appraisers | $62,680 |
Many of these occupations revolve around different management processes. The types of jobs you can qualify for may depend on a number of factors, such as the focus of your degree program, prior experience, geographic location, and potential employer.
Automotive Management Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
Automotive management bachelor’s degrees will set their own curriculum, but there’s often course overlap and similarities between programs.
Here are some examples of classes you may take in an automotive management program:
- Human Resource Management: This course shows you the best practices and principles for human resources management.
- Principles of Microeconomics: This course introduces you to the principles and theories of microeconomics.
- Accounting Principles: This course covers basic business accounting principles.
- Occupational Health and Safety: This class teaches the basic occupational health and safety principles followed in auto shops.
- Management Principles: This course introduces you to basic business management theories and practices.
- Collision Estimating: This course teaches the theory and practice of collision estimating and how to employ it.
- Vehicle Repair Diagnostic Procedures: This course overviews the procedures that are taken when repairing a vehicle’s systems.
- Automotive Management: This class looks specifically at management in different types of automotive facilities and companies.
- Metallurgy Introduction: This class shows you the basics of the science of metallurgy and the properties of metal.
- Business Law: This course introduces you to the principles and basics of business law.
Your program may have different names for these courses. Some programs focus more on business management, while others focus more on hands-on technical skills.
Admissions Requirements
Colleges and universities will set their own requirements for prospective students, though there may be similarities between programs.
Some common admissions requirements include:
- Official transcripts. You’ll typically submit high school transcripts and any previous college transcripts.
- Online application. Most programs ask you to complete an electronic application. Some also require an application fee.
- Standardized test scores. While some programs still require SAT or ACT scores, this requirement has become less common.
It’s strategic to verify that you meet all the admissions requirements of a school before applying.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is a process whereby a regional accrediting agency ensures that a university provides its students with a high-quality education.
The accrediting agency looks at how well a university meets rigorous standards by analyzing and evaluating its educational procedures, student services, and faculty. Earning a degree from an accredited university can positively impact your chances of using your degree for employment or further education.
To see if the colleges you are considering are accredited by credible organizations, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are various sources of financial aid that you can explore if you choose to pursue an automotive management degree.
Federal student aid is one of the largest sources of financial aid for students. To see if you qualify, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website to create an account and fill out the application. Many federal aid options are based on financial need. States can also have their own aid programs.
In addition, you can research scholarship opportunities and each of their application and eligibility requirements. Scholarships can be offered by a range of sources, including schools, public organizations, and private institutions. Some employers even have their own sources of support for employees who are seeking a college education.
What Is an Automotive Management Degree?
An automotive management degree is a bachelor’s degree that generally focuses on learning the ins and outs of the automotive industry. Programs can be varied in their content.
Some programs focus on the automotive business and offer courses focusing on human relations and management. Other programs are more tailored toward automotive technology. Their curriculum reflects this, offering courses on more hands-on subjects, like vehicle safety. Some programs offer opportunities for students to develop their skills through practical, hands-on experiences.
What Can You Do with an Automotive Dealership Management Degree?
An automotive management degree can help you qualify for a range of career opportunities in this sector. Many graduates pursue management positions in dealerships, repair and service facilities, retailers, and automotive manufacturers. Some work in sales, marketing, human resources, administration, or customer service.
Professionals may also become general managers or business owners. Those with technical training may work as automotive technicians or supervisors. If your program focuses on business management, your skill sets could apply to business and leadership positions in other industries as well.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelors in Automotive Technology Online?
The time it takes to get a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology depends on many factors. If your university follows a traditional 16-week semester structure, then you can generally complete your degree in 4 years if you stay enrolled full-time.
If your institution follows an 8-week semester structure and you can stay enrolled throughout the year, then it may take less time to complete your bachelors degree. Part-time enrollment can allow for more flexibility, but it could also extend your overall completion time.
What Jobs Can I Get with a Degree in Automotive Management?
Automotive management majors go on to work in a variety of roles. Some graduates go on to work in the auto industry as managers of operations, human resources, customer service, sales, or automotive repair and maintenance.
Others may work as management analysts for consulting firms, advising an automotive company on how to better implement management processes. Some automotive management graduates may also become technical writers, marketing specialists, and auto damage insurance appraisers.
It’s beneficial to remember that factors such as geographic location, experience level, and company policies may affect the types of jobs you can qualify for.
Is an Automotive Management Degree Worth It?
Yes, an automotive management degree is worth it for many students. Careers associated with this area of study vary widely, from auto technician supervisors to human resources managers.
Some programs focus more on technical skills, while others focus more on business management. You could also get the chance to develop your skills through practical experiences. Your preferred career path may influence the degree track you choose.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8% job growth is projected for management occupations overall during the next ten years, which is faster than average.
Getting Your Bachelor’s in Automotive Management Degree Online
An automotive management online degree program may enable you to grow both your technical skills and your business management expertise.
Since auto management programs can have different focuses, it could be helpful to explore your options and determine which course offerings best match your professional goals.
Earning an automotive management degree online may also add flexibility to your academic schedule. While programs that focus on business management may be completed fully online, those with more hands-on classes may have in-person requirements at local facilities.
The sooner you start exploring accredited online trade schools, the sooner you may find the automotive management program that’s right for you.
