Rio Hondo College was chosen to offer a bachelor’s of science in automotive technology due to a state law allowing select community colleges to develop baccalaureate programs in technical fields. Senate Bill 805 was authored by Senator Marty Block.
Rio Hondo College was among the first 15 California community colleges selected to begin offering a baccalaureate degree program as early as Fall 2016. Rio Hondo and the other selected colleges became the first community colleges in California to grant four-year degrees under the state’s historic Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program. A final vote by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors affirmed the selection on May 18, 2015.
The Baccalaureate Degree Pilot Program was fueled by several studies showing that the state needs to produce 60,000 more graduates with bachelor’s degrees annually by 2025 to meet workforce needs. California is joining 21 other states that allow their community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Automotive Technology is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. This program covers various aspects of automotive technology, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the automotive sector. Students will study areas in automotive industry practices, vehicle development, hybrid/electric vehicles, vehicle electrical/electronic systems, fuels and combustion, vehicle stability, business management, finance, ethics, and more. The program aims to provide a well-rounded education, blending technical expertise with business acumen to prepare students for diverse roles within the automotive industry.
