Starting Fall 2026, students and automotive industry professionals in Southern California will have a new opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree at Santa Ana College.
SAC’s Automotive Technology faculty are working closely with auto manufacturers to create a comprehensive two-year course that builds on the existing two-year associate’s program.
“To be employed at an automotive manufacturer, you need to have a bachelor’s degree,” said Automotive Technology department chair professor David Roper. While having an associate’s degree is critical for a successful career as a mechanic at a local dealership, there is a ceiling without further education. “You can only go so high in the dealership unless you want to own it. The other path is to work for the manufacturer. Go work for Toyota or Honda or BMW and from there there’s all kinds of different opportunities.”
As unveiled at this year’s convocation, a third bachelor’s program is coming to Santa Ana College in 2026—the most of any community college in the state. SAC currently offers an Occupational Studies bachelor’s program and will begin a Paralegal Studies program next fall…