De Anza College’s automotive technology program is now offering the college’s first-ever bachelor’s degree, announced in January, expanding career opportunities for students by building on its curriculum to prepare them for leadership roles in the industry.

Faculty and administrators developed the bachelor’s program to give students a path to continue their education in automotive technology. The program was approved by the Commission for Community and Junior Colleges in 2022 and 2023, recognizing its significance to the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

According to the program’s announcement, students could be admitted as early as fall 2025, pending the completion of the curriculum development process for upper-division courses.

Brandon Ngo, 19, undecided major, said he is attracted to De Anza’s automotive technology program due to its reputation, facilities and immersive training.

“I’ve been looking into stuff that’s more hands-on, like kinetic learning,” Ngo said.

With the new bachelor’s program, students will be prepared for entry-level management positions, such as human resources manager, service manager and general manager.

De Anza’s auto tech program draws in students like Landen Pharris, 21, an automotive major, who already has an interest in cars.

“What attracted me to this program is my love for cars. I’m super into anything with a V-8 (engine), but specifically I’m into LS (luxury sport engines),” said Pharris. “I very recently learned about (the program), so I don’t have a whole bunch of knowledge on it, but I have heard about it.”

The program web page estimates that, excluding quarterly student fees, the degree would cost California resident students $8,940 in total units. The college is expected to charge $87 per upper division unit, compared to $31 for lower division units. The website has not yet released cost estimates for out-of-state or international students.

“My favorite aspects are genuinely being able to learn,” said Blake Lennan, 19, automotive technology major. “(You are) not pressured, but you are asked to try and put your hands on and if you don’t understand it, then you have got to take a step back and look at it.”

While the program has not released its application for fall quarter yet, the application page has released the materials it will require, including an unofficial transcript, any status letters from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and two personal statements.