(Santa Ana, Calif.) – Santa Ana College (SAC) officially received approval from the Chancellor of California Community Colleges (CCC) to offer a baccalaureate degree program (BDP) in Automotive Technology. Final approval for the program was made on Sept. 5 and SAC expects to launch the program in the fall semester of 2026.
“Santa Ana College is proud to be the home of three bachelor's programs, more than any other community college in the state of California," said Dr. Annebelle Nery, president of SAC. “Our newest bachelor's is in Automotive Technology with an emphasis in Vehicle Manufacturer. We are excited to be able to offer an affordable pathway for students to attain a degree that leads to high-paying jobs."
According to a UC Davis Benefits and Opportunities report, graduates of community college bachelor degree programs earn twice as much as they did before obtaining their degree, with nearly 98 percent of students reporting their employment in the same field of study as their degree.
SAC Automotive Technology Department Chair Dr. David Roper shares that the baccalaureate-level program was originally ideated when many SAC students expressed interest in obtaining a higher degree but hesitated with campuses offering similar programs due to the distance.
Housed within the Automotive Department of SAC's Human Services & Technology Division, the new program is designed for students who already have an associate degree in Automotive Technology. The program is specifically geared towards students seeking higher level jobs for Vehicle Manufacturer companies, which often require a bachelor's degree. Students will gain advanced knowledge and skills that position them to thrive in Southern California's robust automotive industry, which collectively employs over 60,000 automotive service technicians and mechanics, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Santa Ana College's program in Automotive Technology will help graduates qualify for high-wage positions in their region, bolster their upward mobility, and strengthen their communities," said California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian.
The program will feature a range of hands-on and theory-based courses, as well as two new courses that will be introduced and created alongside the Computer Information Systems Department and the Geology and Earth Science Department.
“It's about the legacy – giving the students what they want, what they ask for and what they need," said Roper. “Even though we plan to be here for a long time, we are striving to create something that will continue on, even after us."
When the program opens in fall 2026, the new baccalaureate degree in Automotive
Technology will be the third bachelor's program at SAC. SAC also offers a baccalaureate degree in Paralegal Studies and a baccalaureate degree in Occupational Studies.
Questions about this press release can be directed to Young Kim from the Public Information Office at kim_young@sac.edu.
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 54,600 students yearly. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two- year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel. Santa Ana College is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.
