What are the courses required to get associates in automotive collision repair?

Hows a good way to really learn in depth about cars and repair?

• I've been wanting to really learn cars really well, so that I can work on my own cars and work on my own race cars. I've also dreamt of opening up my own shop sometime, but I just don't know enough about cars. I got a degree in automotive engineering from a top program, and finished first in my class, received my masters, and I now design hydrogen fuel cells. Theoretically I understand a lot of stuff with cars. I've owned 29 vehicles in my life and done all my own work, and so I've learned a lot, but this method of "learning" is just too slow. I still get harassed when I ask questions because I can't diagnose a car problem, or I don't understand steering components or suspension, etc. I learn more every day (replacing my Ujoints and ball joints now for example), but after years, I still feel so "behind" compared to most people. In the engineering program, it was all theoretical - calc, combustion theories, etc. but so little about how vehicles actually are. I was thinking about getting my ASE certification, or work part time in a shop, or open up my own shop. I drive an approx. 500 hp camaro as my DD, have an offroad truck, a DD truck, and I'm in the market now to buy a race car (probably purestock or I'll just start with dedicated autocross car). (Eventually want to get into racing porsches, but thought I needed to start somewhere). Are there any good reads, courses, schools, really in depth websites, etc? Or is my best bet to go try to work at a shop part time or something? If so, to work in a shop do I need to go get like an associates or something?

• Answer:

  If you have the time, a trade school might fit the bill. They generally cover the basics of all the major systems; engines, transmissions/transaxles, steering & suspension, computerized engine controls, etc. Otherwise just learn from trial and error and reading. I highly doubt you'd find a shop that'd require a 2 year degree. If anything, ASE certs and a high school degree.