Bachelor Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Career Education is designed to prepare students for the high demand jobs with the changing high technology automotive industry. The upper division coursework will focus on vehicle electrification, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle systems, while providing students with the knowledge and skills in business operations and management in the automotive industry.

The upper division coursework is offered as fully online to provide students with the flexibility to pursue a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work.  The program is a full-time cohort program where admitted students will start and complete the program together. Students must adhere to the prescribed schedule of courses in order to complete the program in two years. 
 

Fall Application

The Automotive Bachelor Degree Program Application for admission to the Fall cohort opens on February 10. Applications are due by 10 am on March 1st.

For more information about the program and application process, please attend one of our information sessions. 

ASE Certified Program

The Automotive Career Education baccalaureate program builds on the existing and highly regarded associate’s degree in Automotive Career Education at Ventura College.  The associate’s degree program has received the highest level of accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for over 30 years. It has also been a part of the Toyota Technician and Training Education Network (T-TEN) program since 1986.  T-TEN has been considered the auto manufacturers’ benchmark for technician career-entry programs, with over 10,000 students who have completed the program and received Toyota factory certification. Each year, nine out of 10 T-TEN graduates are hired by a Toyota or Lexus dealer.  Ventura College graduates show high levels of success in terms of employment, living wage and skills attainment.

To learn more about the lower division program, visit www.venturacollege.edu/automotive

Applying to the California Community College Bachelor's Degree program is a two-step process.

All Bachelor Degree Program (BDP) applicants must first apply for Admission to Ventura College via the California Community College CCCApply.org. Becoming a student at Ventura College is free and easy.

Apply to Ventura College

Ventura College/VCCCD students receive:

• Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) Student ID 900#
• myVCCCD Email Address
• Access to Bachelor Degree Program (BDP) Admissions Application for their intended program of study

Notes for Alumni/Returning Students:

• Welcome back! All students, current, returning, and new, must complete a CCCApply application and select a BS program to gain access to the BS online admissions application
• Returning students may make changes to their e-mail address, phone number, or address on the MyVCCCD Student Portal
• If your name has changed since you last attended, please visit the Admissions & Records Office to make the change

To apply to the Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive Career Education at Ventura College, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Associate Degree in Automotive – Applicants must be in their final semester or have completed an Associate’s degree in automotive.
    
2. Grade Point Average – Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

The B.S. in Automotive program is limited to 40 students.

Qualified applicants will be selected for admission based on a comprehensive review process that gives additional weight to the following:

• Completion level of lower-division major preparation completed at the time of applying.
• General education for lower-division requirements.
• Employment in the automotive industry, including internships.
• Automotive industry professional certifications.
• Relevant life experiences or special circumstances.

* See the AS in Automotive + GE Program Mapper

Applying to the bachelor degree program is a two-step process that begins with applying to the college via CCCApply.org. The Bachelor's Degree Program Application link will be sent to students who designate a BS program on their application as part of the Ventura College Acceptance Letter.

BDP Application reference: Steps and Requirements

Questions about the Ventura College Acceptance process can be directed to 805-289-6457 or vcadmissions@vcccd.edu. 

List of Approved CA Bachelor’s Degree Programs

 

By law, California Community Colleges can now offer bachelor's degree programs in academic areas with a regional labor market need. In fact, the Board of Governors may approve up to 30 new programs across our state per year.

At Ventura College the Bachelor Degree Program includes a B.S. in Automotive Career Education. Students can begin their journey with our flexible certificate and associate degree program and apply to the corresponding 2-year bachelor's degree completion program.

The California State University and University of California are accredited by WASC. Ventura College is accredited by ACCJC/WASC and our bachelor's degree programs fall within this accreditation. Graduate programs will accept Ventura College bachelor degrees in the same way other WASC-accredited undergraduate programs are accepted. 

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Career Education at Ventura College builds on the college’s Automotive Career Education Associate in Science program.  Ventura College assists students with course selection, educational planning, and questions concerning requirements for majors, general education, graduation, or transfer to a four-year college or university. Contact the Academic Counseling Office at 805-289-6448 or vc_e-counseling@vcccd.edu to schedule an appointment.

The bachelor degree programs require a separate admissions application. Students apply to complete their upper-division coursework as part of a bachelor's degree completion program. Currently, there is no guaranteed admissions process however, the bachelor's degree program builds on the existing Associate of Science program. Current students are advised to update their Student Education Plans with a college counselor to ensure prerequisite courses and general education certification requirements are met. 

Link to: Program Mapper for the A.S. in Automotive

Ventura College has many academic programs that will help you prepare for transfer to other California Community College bachelor degrees, California State Universities, University of California, or Private universities. Ventura College assists students with course selection, educational planning, and questions concerning requirements for majors, general education, graduation, or transfer to a four-year college or university. Contact the Academic Counseling Office at 805-289-6448 or vc_e-counseling@vcccd.edu to schedule an appointment.

Students must be admitted to the bachelor's degree program to enroll in upper-division courses. Restrictions on enrollment are in place by program and course.  

Yes. Students who hold a bachelor's degree from a WASC-accredited college or university can minimally waive the general education certification. Students are still required to meet prerequisite requirements.  For more information contact the Academic Counseling Department at (805) 289-6448.

Is your question not addressed here? Email us at VCbpd@vcccd.edu

Ventura College is in the process of gaining approval for upper-division financial aid from the Federal Department of Education.

• For students applying to the bachelor's degree program for Fall 2026, the FAFSA and CADAA applications will be available starting October 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year.
• Be sure to complete the FAFSA or CADAA as early as possible to ensure you qualify for all available aid.

Learn more and prepare for FAFSA at: FAFSA Website.
Learn more about CADAA at: California Dream Act Application.

Yes! Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree may still qualify for specific types of financial aid when pursuing additional educational goals, such as a second bachelor’s degree.

Aid eligibility will depend on:

• Courses that are required for your second major.
• Your remaining loan eligibility and other aid limits.

If you are pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, you are considered a second-degree student and may qualify for:

• Federal loans (based on remaining undergraduate borrowing limits).
• Federal work-study programs.
• Scholarships and state aid, including Cal Grants for eligible students.
• Private loan options.

Please note:

• Federal Pell Grants are not available to students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or completed their maximum 12 semesters of eligibility.
• Loan eligibility is determined based on your previous borrowing history and your status as a third-year or beyond undergraduate.

To ensure you’re ready to apply for financial aid, make sure to:

1. Complete the FAFSA or CADAA by the priority deadline to maximize your aid eligibility.
2. Have your required documents, such as tax returns and proof of residency, ready to submit.

3. Contact the Ventura College Financial Aid Office for assistance with your application or guidance on eligibility requirements.

We’re here to help! Visit us online or in-person to discuss your financial aid options.

California is one, of 24 U.S. states that has authorized its community college system to offer bachelor degree programs.

April 2024 CCC BDP List