Powering the Future with Diesel Expertise

Our Diesel Technology program prepares you for a high-demand career working with powerful engines and equipment. You'll gain hands-on skills in diesel truck repair, ag equipment maintenance and essential systems including engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and power trains. Train in our state-of-the-art Crete Carrier Diesel Technology & Welding Center with industry-standard tools and equipment. Choose to specialize in truck maintenance or agricultural equipment based on your interests. With over 100,000 diesel technicians needed in the coming years, you'll be ready for a rewarding, well-paying career solving complex mechanical challenges.

PROGRAM GOALS


Master Essential Diesel Systems

You'll learn how diesel engines work and how to fix them. This includes studying fuel systems, electrical systems, and aftertreatment systems. You'll gain hands-on experience diagnosing problems and making repairs on real equipment, preparing you for real-world challenges.


Develop Agricultural Equipment Expertise

You'll understand the operation and repair of agricultural equipment, including precision guidance systems, planting machines, spraying equipment and harvesting machines. These skills allow you to work in dealerships, farms, and agricultural service centers where specialized knowledge is highly valued.


Build Heavy-Duty Truck Repair Skills

You'll learn to diagnose and repair all aspects of heavy-duty trucks, including engines, braking systems, steering, suspension and powertrains. This knowledge prepares you to work in truck fleet maintenance facilities, dealerships or independent diesel repair shops.

 

Diesel - Ag Equipment Service

A.A.S. / Diploma

Locations: Milford

The Diesel – Ag Equipment Service focus trains students to diagnose, repair and maintain specialized agricultural equipment powered by diesel engines. You will learn on SCC and customer owned equipment plus industry-sponsored equipment, tools and resources that are used in dealerships.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$20,207 (A.A.S.) / $14,959 (Diploma)

CREDIT HOURS

70 (A.A.S.) / 31 (Diploma)

PROGRAM LENGTH

5 Terms (A.A.S.) / 2 Terms (Diploma)

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

A.A.S. Program Costs
Tuition
$20,207
Supplies/Fees
$280
Books
$955
Tools
$10,222
Total
$31,664
Avg. Annual Salary
$47,944*

 

Diesel - Ag Equipment Service Tech & Light Repair

Certificate

Locations: Milford

The Diesel – Ag Equipment Service Tech & Light Repair focus provides training on basic maintenance and routine repairs for agricultural equipment powered by diesel engines. This certificate offers you a quicker entry into the workforce with the essential skills for performing routine service procedures on ag machinery.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$3,322

CREDIT HOURS

12

PROGRAM LENGTH

1 Term

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Certificate Program Costs
Tuition
$3,322
Supplies/Fees
$215
Books
$385
Tools
$1,222
Total
$5,144
Avg. Annual Salary
$47,944*

 

Diesel Technology - Truck

A.A.S. / Diploma

Locations: Milford

The Diesel Technology - Truck focus teaches students to diagnose, repair and maintain diesel-powered trucks, heavy vehicles and transportation equipment. You will be prepared to troubleshoot complex systems and perform repairs on commercial trucks, buses and heavy equipment used in the transportation and logistics industries.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$19,996 (A.A.S.) / $14,806 (Diploma)

CREDIT HOURS

70 (A.A.S.) / 31 (Diploma)

PROGRAM LENGTH

5 Terms (A.A.S.) / 2 Terms (Diploma)

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

A.A.S. Program Costs
Tuition
$19,996
Supplies/Fees
$280
Books
$744
Tools
$10,222
Total
$31,242
Avg. Annual Salary
$48,048*

 

Diesel Technology – Truck Maintenance & Light Repair

Certificate

Locations: Milford

The Truck Maintenance & Light Repair focus prepares students for entry-level positions servicing diesel-powered trucks with an emphasis on maintenance and common repair procedures. This certificate offers you a quicker entry into the workforce with the essential skills for performing maintenance and light repairs on diesel transportation equipment.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$3,249

CREDIT HOURS

12

PROGRAM LENGTH

1 Term

SCHEDULE

Full-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Certificate Program Costs
Tuition
$3,249
Supplies/Fees
$215
Books
$312
Tools
$1,222
Total
$4,998
Avg. Annual Salary
$48,048*

 

WHY SCC?

What kind of facilities does SCC have for Diesel Technology students?


You will train in our state-of-the-art Crete Carrier Diesel Technology & Welding Center, which opened in January 2020. It's one of the best educational facilities in the Midwest, featuring modern equipment and tools that match what you'll use in real repair shops.

How much hands-on experience will I get in the Diesel Technology program?


You'll spend 70-75% of your time working directly with diesel trucks and agricultural equipment in our labs. This hands-on approach helps you build the skills employers want.

Do Diesel Technology students get internship opportunities?


You'll complete an 8-week paid co-op during the summer between your first and second year. You can choose where you want to intern, and our instructors will help you find the right placement if needed.

What makes a good diesel technician?


You'll be successful in our program if you enjoy learning how things work, can work independently, want an active job, and pay attention to details. The industry needs skilled problem-solvers who are motivated to learn and grow.

 

CAREER OUTCOMES

Diesel Service Technician/Mechanic

Inspect, diagnose and repair diesel engines in trucks, buses and heavy equipment. You'll troubleshoot electrical systems, replace parts, perform preventative maintenance and use computerized diagnostic tools. Diesel mechanics work in repair shops, dealerships and transportation companies.

Farm Equipment Mechanic

Specialize in repairing and maintaining agricultural machinery such as tractors, combines and irrigation systems. You'll work with precision farming technology, hydraulic systems and specialized agricultural equipment. These technicians often work at dealerships or provide mobile repair services to farms.

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Repair and maintain construction and mining equipment like bulldozers, cranes and excavators. You'll diagnose complex hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems in these powerful machines. These mechanics often work for construction companies, equipment rental firms or mining operations.

 

Next Steps

Program Chair
Karl Eickhoff
Instructor Diesel Technology Truck
keickhoff@southeast.edu

 

Additional Resources

* Avg. Annual Salary is based on reported data from SCC graduates and calculated in accordance with the methods found in the latest SCC Graduate Report