Northern auto program again top-ranked in nation

Montana State University-Northern's automotive program again has been recognized on a national level, with The Best Schools ranking it second in the country.

"Each one of (the automotive faculty) holds master (Automotive Service Excellence) status and accreditation through the ASE education foundation," Kevin Holzworth, assistant professor of Automotive Technology at Northern, said in a press release. "This makes how we serve our population of students unique."

The entry by The Best Schools, an independent organization providing insights into the field of education through articles and rankings, highlighted Northern's comprehensive curriculum centered on ASE certification standards.

"The school is focused on making sure its students are well-qualified for careers as soon as they have graduated, by communicating with industry representatives," the entry on Northern said. "The College of Technical Sciences encourages students to develop relationships with employers prior to graduation through practicums, which gives the students valuable worksite experience."

It notes that Northern offers a range of studies, with two-year, four-year and non-degree options to study Automotive, as well as Diesel Technology and Agriculture Mechanics Technology.

The entry said Northern's Fast Track option is attractive, letting people get an Associate of Applied Science of Automotive Technology in half the time, letting people get into careers faster. It adds that the College of Technical Science's partnership with Ford "provides ready career opportunities for students who earn the Ford Maintenance & Light Repair Certificate."

The report says Northern also offers a unique experience with an opportunity to study biofuels, as it is home to the Advanced Fuels Center, which researches the development and application of locally grown biofuels. Students have the opportunity to work in the lab alongside Northern's research scientists.

The report lists degrees and certificates available in automotive technology and related fields:

Degree programs:

• Bachelor of Science - Automotive Technology

• Bachelor of Science - Diesel Technology, with additional options for emphasis in Equipment Management or Field Maintenance

• Associate of Applied Science - Automotive Technology, with option for Fast Track

• Associate of Applied Science - Diesel Technology

• Associate of Applied Science - Agriculture Mechanics Technology

• Option to minor in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology or Agriculture Mechanics Technology

Other programs:

• Certificate - Automotive Technology

• Certificate - Ford Maintenance & Light Repair

The complete list of The Best Schools top 10 automotive schools are:

1. University of Northwestern Ohio

2. Montana State University-Northern

3. Ferris State University

4. Weber State University

5. Southern Adventist University

6. Utah Valley University

7. Brigham Young University - Idaho

8. Walla Walla University

9. Idaho State University

10. Northern Michigan University