Diesel Technology
Overview
Programs in diesel technology prepare students to repair and service diesel engines.Students learn to repair and maintain vehicles such as buses, ships, train cars, trucks, and construction equipment.
Diesel technology programs include topics such as:
- Diesel engine mechanics
- Suspension and steering
- Electrical and electronic systems
- Auxiliary equipment installation and repair
- Computerized diagnostic equipment
Concentrations
Students in this program may be able to specialize in medium and heavy truck technology.
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in diesel technology. A certificate program usually takes six months to one year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in diesel technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Boat Maintenance and Repair
- Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
- Heavy Equipment Operations
- Industrial Mechanics
- Machine Shop Technology
- Motorcycle Repair
- Small Engine Repair
- Truck and Bus Driving
- Welding Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Automobile Mechanics
- Mechanic and Repairer Helpers
- Motorboat Mechanics
- Motorcycle Mechanics
- Small Engine Mechanics
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Applied Math
- Automotive Service
- Business Computer Applications
- Diesel Mechanics and Repair
- Technical Writing
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
A certificate program in diesel technology typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Allison Transmissions
- Automated Power Train Products
- Diesel Electronic Systems
- Diesel Engine Theory
- Diesel Fuel Systems
- Engine Performance and Diagnosis
- Equipment Maintenance Management
- Heavy Duty Brake Systems
- Introduction to Hydraulics
- Suspension and Steering
- Theory and Techniques in Welding
- Truck Tractor Chassis and Alignment
An associate degree program in either field typically includes courses similar to those for a certificate, plus the following subjects:
- College Algebra
- English Composition
- Principles of Physics
- Speech Communication
A diesel technology program always includes a large amount of hands-on learning. You will learn most of your skills in a garage, rather than in a classroom.
Things to Know
Look for programs that are approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The military may also provide training. The armed forces use a large number of vehicles and diesel generators, so they need to train specialists to do the maintenance and repair work.
Most programs require students to purchase their own tools, safety equipment, and work clothes.
As diesel technology continues to advance, you will need to keep your skills up to date. Expect to take classes throughout your career. Your employer may pay for this training.
You can become certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). To become certified, you need two years of work experience and must pass an exam (postsecondary education in this field can substitute for one of those years).
Schools
East Side Area
Operating Engineers Regional Training Program
- Heavy Duty Repairperson/Mechanic Apprenticeship
Walla Walla Community College
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Technology--Advanced Certificate
King-Snohomish Area
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician
South Seattle College
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Diesel/Heavy Duty Equipment
Western States Operating Engineers Institute of Training
- Heavy Duty Mechanic Repair Person
Tacoma Area
Bates Technical College (South Campus)
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic--Diesel Engines
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic--Diesel Service Technician
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic--Heavy Duty Truck Drive Trains
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic--Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Diesel and Heavy Equipment Mechanic--Truck and Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Diesel Technician
- Diesel Technologies
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Technology--Drive Train
- Diesel Technology--Engine & Electronic Systems
- Diesel Technology--Hydraulics
- Diesel Technology--Vehicle Service Technician
Centralia College
- Diesel Equipment Technology
- Diesel Technology
Grays Harbor College
- Diesel Technology
- Diesel Technology Fundamentals
- Diesel Technology Levels 1-5
- Diesel Technology--Advanced Diesel Technology
Lower Columbia College
- Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology
- Heavy Equipment Preventative Maintenance
Skagit Valley College
- Diesel Power Technology
Yakima Area
Job Corps - Fort Simcoe
- Heavy Equipment Construction Mechanic