Diesel Technology, A.A.S.

Academic Programs

Career Path

Industrial Technology

Start Term

Program Options

Degree, Certificate or Diploma

Locations

Council Bluffs Campus

Program Information

The Diesel Technology Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program prepares students for rewarding careers in the rapidly evolving diesel industry. Through extensive classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory experiences, students develop the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair modern diesel-powered equipment and over-the-road trucks.

The curriculum provides comprehensive training in diesel engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, drive axles, hydraulic and air brakes, air conditioning systems, and preventative maintenance procedures. Students train using industry-standard equipment and modern diagnostic technology in state-of-the-art laboratories.

A unique feature of the program is the opportunity to participate in paid internships, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience and build professional relationships with employers. Graduates are highly sought after by employers throughout the transportation, agriculture, construction, and equipment industries and are prepared to enter the workforce as highly skilled diesel technicians. Students who complete this AAS degree will have earned a Diesel Maintenance Certificate and a Diesel Mechanics Diploma by completion. Graduates of this program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.

Program Highlights:

Extensive Hands-On Training: Spend significant time in laboratories developing real-world technical skills using industry-standard equipment.
Comprehensive Diesel Curriculum: Gain expertise in engines, fuel systems, transmissions, drive axles, electrical systems, brakes, HVAC systems, and preventative maintenance.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train in modern laboratories designed to simulate real-world diesel service environments.
Paid Internship Opportunities: Gain valuable industry experience and professional connections through internship experiences that are often paid.
Industry-Standard Diagnostic Training: Learn to utilize modern diagnostic equipment, service information systems, and troubleshooting procedures.
Flexible Program Options: Benefit from scheduling options that allow students to complete the program on either a full-time or part-time basis.
Small Class Sizes: Receive individualized instruction and one-on-one support from experienced faculty.
Strong Employer Partnerships: Connect with regional employers who actively recruit 91茄子 graduates.
Leadership and Advancement Preparation: Develop the technical, communication, and professional skills necessary for long-term career growth.
High-Demand Career Field: Prepare for employment in an industry with excellent job opportunities and strong earning potential.

Job Outlook

1,320 Jobs (2025)
-1.2% change from 2024-2025
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024鈥�2025.

What will you do

Graduates may:

  • Diagnose and repair diesel engines and related systems.
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical and electronic systems.
  • Service and repair fuel systems, transmissions, and drive axle components.
  • Maintain and repair hydraulic and air brake systems.
  • Perform preventative maintenance inspections and repair procedures.
  • Diagnose and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
  • Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment and manufacturer service information systems.
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair over-the-road trucks and other diesel-powered equipment.
  • Document repairs and communicate maintenance recommendations.
  • Follow industry safety standards and professional work practices.
  • Supervise maintenance activities and coordinate repair operations.
  • Prepare for advancement into specialized technical and leadership positions.

Wages

Entry: $24.40
Average: $29.29
Experienced: $32.22
Wage and employment data are from Lightcast (Q2 2026 data set), timeframe 2024鈥�2025.

Career Examples

Diesel Technician
Diesel Mechanic
Truck Technician
Fleet Maintenance Technician
Heavy Equipment Technician
Agricultural Equipment Technician
Equipment Technician
Field Service Technician
Mobile Service Technician
Diesel Diagnostic Technician
Shop Mechanic
Transportation Maintenance Technician
Preventative Maintenance Technician
Trailer Technician
Service Technician Apprentice
Diesel Service Advisor
Equipment Maintenance Specialist

Advancement Opportunities (with experience)

Specialized Technician
Shop Foreperson
Maintenance Supervisor
Service Manager
Parts and Service Manager
Technical Trainer or Instructor
Fleet Maintenance Manager
Operations Manager

First Semester

DSL 324听-听Introduction to Diesel 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 674听-听Chassis/Driveline 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 846听-听Diesel Lab I 6.0 Credit(s)
MAT 772听-听Applied Math 1 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 17.0 Credits

Second Semester

DSL 654听-听Hydraulic/Air Brakes 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 144听-听Electrical Systems 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 856听-听Diesel Lab II 6.0 Credit(s)
ENG 110听-听Writing For The Workplace 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 17.0 Credits

Summer

DSL 742听-听Air Conditioning/Refrigeration 2.0 Credit(s)
DSL 863听-听Diesel Lab III 3.0 Credit(s)
DSL 829听-听Preventative Maintenance 2.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 7 Credits

Third Semester

DSL 354听-听Engines I 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 444听-听Fuel Systems 4.0 Credit(s)

听

DSL 876听-听Diesel Lab IV 2 6.0 Credit(s)

or

DSL 883听-听Diesel Internship II 2 6.0 Credit(s)

听

MGT 195听-听Workplace Empowerment 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 17.0 Credits

Fourth Semester

DSL 364听-听Engines II 4.0 Credit(s)
DSL 544听-听Transmissions/Drive Axle 4.0 Credit(s)

听

DSL 886听-听Diesel Lab V 2 6.0 Credit(s)

or

DSL 883听-听Diesel Internship II 2 6.0 Credit(s)

听

SOC 240听-听Criminology 3.0 Credit(s)
SPC 122听-听Interpersonal Communication 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 20.0 Credits

Total Semester Hours Required: 78.0

Notes:

1May substitute MAT 102听or higher.
2Students must complete 27 credit hours of laboratory courses OR complete a minimum of 21 credit hours of laboratory courses and a maximum of 6 credit hours of internship, with any combination of laboratory and internship credit hours within that range being acceptable.

Notes:





Additional Information

Contact Us

Program Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the program students will:

  • Use electrical and electronic terminology.
  • Explain engine components and systems using proper terminology.
  • Identify hydraulic and pneumatic system components.
  • Describe the interconnection of the engine subsystems.
  • Identify diesel engines according to manufacturer and model designation.
  • Describe the function of the fuel system components.
  • Interpret symptoms of a system malfunction using critical thinking skills to recommend a repair procedure.
  • Read and interpret written repair orders.

Program Disclaimers