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Associate of Science Degree
Honda Professional Automotive Career Training Program Specialization - (PACT)

The courses listed in the Associate of Science Degree are comprised of a comprehensive list of job skills needed to enter the automotive field. The skills developed during class will enhance the student’s ability to complete the (ASE) Automotive Service Excellence Certification Tests A-1 through A-8, Automotive Technician and to become a specialist for Honda/Acura vehicles. The Degree is designed to prepare an individual for transfer and/or entry-level employment as an Automotive Technician within a Honda/Acura Dealer. This is a full-time two-year accelerated training and career placement program.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Select one: MATH 150 / FIN 101 (IGETC 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning.

IGETC 3A - ArtsGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

IGETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE3.0

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
A total of 6 units required in Social and Behavioral Sciences from 2 different disciplines.

 Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 110, 115, 125
CD 106, 208
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135
EGSS 110, 120, 130
GEOG 102, 103
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158,159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130
MSCM 128
PHIL 128, 128H, 135
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130,135, 140, 150
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 200
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130
SPCH 150

IGETC 3B - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

Total Semester Units:15.5† 
2nd Semester
IGETC 4 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE3.0

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
A total of 6 units required in Social and Behavioral Sciences from 2 different disciplines.

 Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 110, 115, 125
CD 106, 208
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135
EGSS 110, 120, 130
GEOG 102, 103
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158,159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130
MSCM 128
PHIL 128, 128H, 135
POLS 110, 110H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130,135, 140, 150
PSY 101, 101H, 112, 114, 200
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130
SPCH 150

IGETC 3A or 3B - Arts or HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Arts
Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Humanities
Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

IGETC 1B - Critical Thinking and CompositionGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
ENGL 201, 201H
PHIL 110, 110H

IGETC 7 - Ethnic StudiesGE3.0

Notes:
Students who started at Rio Hondo College beginning in Fall 2023 or later will be required to complete a course in Area 7. Students who started at Rio Hondo College prior to Fall 2023 and have maintained continuous enrollment will not be required to complete a course in Area 7 (instead, they will complete 9 units from at least two disciplines in Area 4). Please see a counselor for details.

Select one:
CHST 101
EGSS 110

IGETC 5A - Physical SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*'.

Select one:
ASTR 110, 110H, 112*, 137*
GEOG 101, 101L*
GEOL 150, 151*, 152, 152L*
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*
PHY 120*, 150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

IGETC 5C - Lab ScienceGE1.0

Select one if lab has not been completed in IGETC 5A or 5B.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':
ANTH 101L*;
ASTR 112*;
BIOL 101*, 105L*, 111L*, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 222*, 226*;
CHEM 110*, 120*, 130*, 140*, 230*, 231*;
GEOG 101L*;
GEOL 151*;
PHY 120*,150*, 160*, 211*, 212*, 213*

Total Semester Units:16.0† 
Summer 1
HOND 045 - Honda/Acura Express ServiceM4.0
HOND 045 - Honda/Acura Express Service (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 101

This course is an introduction to maintenance, light, repair, and service (MLRS) operations for late model Honda and Acura vehicles. Students engage in interactive activities related to MLRS, lessons, and/or special assignments via distance learning using Honda Interactive Network Training MLRS modules. Upon completion of each MLRS training module, students are assessed. Successful completion of all MLRS modules is followed by an Express Service performance evaluation. During Express Service, students have an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in MLRS areas in a mock dealership environment. Successful completion of all MLRS modules and the Express Service evaluation count toward MLRS certification.

IGETC 5B - Biological SciencesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.
All labs or courses with labs are indicated by an '*':

Select one:
ANTH 101, 101H, 101L*; BIOL 101*, 105, 105L*, 111, 111L*, 120, 120L*, 200*, 201*, 206, 222*, 226*;
PSY 210, 210H.

Total Semester Units:7.0† 
3rd Semester
HOND 125 - Power Train System Service and Transmission DiagnosticsM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 125 and AUTO 046 must be taken together.

HOND 125 - Power Train System Service and Transmission Diagnostics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course in power train service and light repair addresses topics related to manual transmissions, automatic transmissions/ transaxles, differentials, clutches, and drive shafts. Emphasis is placed on correct procedures for sustaining transmission service life, identifying service intervals for prolonging component life, procedures for proper transmission removal and reinstallation, and inspection of components. Students are informed about specific power train -related faults, how problems are diagnosed, and protocols for updating transmission shift logic using updated computer software. Topics are facilitated through classroom discussions, live demonstrations, and student laboratory exercises. Students use scan tools, flushing equipment, computers, and a variety of specialty tools to complete classroom and laboratory exercises.

HOND 046 - Honda/Acura Automatic Transmission SystemsM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 125 and AUTO 046 must be taken together.

HOND 046 - Honda/Acura Automatic Transmission Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires acceptance into the Honda/Acura program and AUTO 103
Corequisite: AUTO 125

This course provides instructions related to specific internal operations of automatic transmissions, including drive, driven, and holding components, as well as fluid pressures and sensor voltages. Students engage in activities using specialized Honda diagnostic equipment to research automatic transmission topics from the Honda Interactive Training Network (HINT). Students also participate in instructor-led demonstrations and interactive classroom assignments. Successful course completion includes finishing designated Honda Interactive Network Training modules (where proof of completion is posted on students' Dealer Personal Tracking System (DPTS), The course is a requirement for the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training Program Specialization (PACT) Associate of Science and the Honda/Acura Powertrain and Transmission Systems Certificate of Achievement.

AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related FieldsM4.0
AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related Fields (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the automotive/transportation field and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
4th Semester
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM3.0
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the 21st century automobile. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 103, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

AUTO 240 - Heating and Air ConditioningM4.0
AUTO 240 - Heating and Air Conditioning (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers the operating principles of common automotive heating and air conditioning systems. Topics include new service equipment, contamination issues, servicing and diagnosing manual and automatic systems, retrofitting R-12 refrigeration systems to R-134a, and Air Quality Management District (A.Q.M.D.) and Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) rules. Students who take the course also have the opportunity to earn their certification license (E.P.A. Rule 1411). Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
Summer 2
IGETC 1C - Oral Communication (CSU Only)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
SPCH 100, 101, 101H, 120, 140

IGETC 6 - Foreign Language (UC ONLY)GE4.5

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
Courses in this area that also appear in IGETC 3B Humanities may be counted toward both areas.

Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one:
ASL 101, 102, 201;
CHIN 101, 102;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
JAPN 101, 102;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202
There are additional ways to satisfy the Language Other than English Requirement. Please see a counselor for advisement.

Total Semester Units:7.5 
5th Semester
AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related FieldsM4.0
AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related Fields (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:CSU

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the automotive/transportation field and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical SystemsM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 140 and AUTO 201 must be taken together.

AUTO 140 - Body and Chassis Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Advisory:Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the body and chassis of the vehicle. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, and methods of problem diagnostics and repair of systems including lighting; instruments; windshield wipers; power windows, seats, and mirrors; convertible tops; safety restraints; and audio, anti-theft, and supplemental restraint systems (S.R.S). This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-6 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

HOND 201 - Automotive Brake and Suspension ServiceM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 140 and AUTO 201 must be taken together.

HOND 201 - Automotive Brake and Suspension Service (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 103
Transfers to:CSU

This course covers the theory of operation, service and repair procedures, related tool and equipment use, and strategy-based problem diagnosis related to brakes and suspension. These procedures for imported and domestic automobiles and light trucks are developed through classroom discussions, demonstrations, and laboratory experiences. This course is designed for students who want to work in the automotive sector or automotive technicians who need to improve their skills and knowledge in brake and suspension service.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
6th Semester
HOND 0451 - Honda/Acura Chassis Electrical SystemsM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 0451, AUTO 150, and AUTO 160 must be taken together.

HOND 0451 - Honda/Acura Chassis Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 106

This course focuses on automotive chassis electronics. The content includes operation of digital circuits, semiconductor devices, and methods for troubleshooting complex problems. Students engage in a variety of activities using diagnostic equipment, the five-step diagnostic method, and research to discover vehicle failures. To support their diagnoses, students are also expected to discover and retrieve research materials from the Honda Interactive Network's Technical Library. The purpose of the course to build upon students' prior knowledge of electronics using basic parallel/series circuit design fundamentals as the foundation. Students learn how to make circuit performance predictions from schematics. In addition to test data, students navigate a circuit’s operation via diagnostic flow charts. Successful course completion includes finishing designated Honda Interactive Network Training modules (where proof of completion is posted on students' Dealer Personal Tracking System (DPTS), correctly diagnosing vehicle failures, completing homework assignments, and performing satisfactorily in practical exams. The course is a requirement for the Honda Professional Automotive Career Training Program Specialization (PACT) Associate of Science and Honda/Acura Engine Repair and Engine Electrical Systems Certificate of Achievement.

AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical SystemsM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 0451, AUTO 150, and AUTO 160 must be taken together.

AUTO 150 - Engine Electrical Systems (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 106
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the 21st century automobile’s electrical system as related to the engine and engine-related systems. The course covers the theory of operation, operational characteristics, methods of problem diagnosis, and repair of systems including electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection, engine management, emission control, charging, cooling, and starting. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A8 Engine Performance test, and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

AUTO 160 - Upper End Engine Rebuilding and MachiningM4.0
Notes:
AUTO 0451, AUTO 150, and AUTO 160 must be taken together.

AUTO 160 - Upper End Engine Rebuilding and Machining (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides occupational preparation by teaching the skills required for the adjustment and repair of the 21st century automobile engine's upper end and valve train assembly. Emphasis is placed on problem diagnosis, repair techniques, service procedures, and machining operations. This course prepares students for the Automotive Service Excellence (A.S.E.) A-1 exam and is intended for automotive majors. Students with permission from the Division of Career and Technical Education (CTE) may re-enroll only one time for certification or licensure standards.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Total Units for Honda Professional Automotive Career Training Program Specialization - (PACT) AS program (Transfer to UC/CSU)89.0† 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
HondaPACT instructor does not recommend AUTO courses with GE courses, the PACT program is a rigorous program that has a work site component.
AUTO 290 can be taken in semesters 3-6.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

The skills developed during classes will enhance students’ ability to complete the (ASE) Automotive Service Excellence Certification Tests A-1 through A-8, Automotive Technician, and to become a specialist for Honda/Acura vehicles.


2

The degree is designed to prepare students for transfer and/or entry-level employment as an Automotive Technician within a Honda/ Acura Dealer.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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