The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Diesel Power Technology is designed to teach students the skills needed to be successful as technicians in the medium- and heavy-duty truck and equipment service industry. The AAS may be completed in four semesters, which includes one summer semester of practicum. Laboratory experiences are performed on equipment and components currently used in the heavy-duty transportation, construction and power generation industries.
Career opportunities for graduates include manufacturer and independent repair and maintenance shops, fleets, construction, mining, aviation ground support, and the seafood processing industry. Employers require technicians to be drug free and physically fit, and to have a current vehicle operator’s license with a good driving record. Equal opportunities are available for men and women.
This AAS program prepares students to understand the theory of, diagnose, and repair diesel engines, as well as medium- and heavy-duty drive trains, pneumatic and hydraulic brake systems, suspension steering, electrical/electronic systems, and heating and air conditioning systems on medium- and heavy-duty vehicle applications.
The AAS in Diesel Power Technology prepares students with the technical education and training necessary to be successful in a variety of careers related to the diesel maintenance and repair industry. Students will learn theory and gain hands-on experience with various systems including hydraulics, electrical and electronics, and engine overhaul. Career opportunities for graduates include manufacturer and independent repair and maintenance shops, fleets, construction, mining, maritime, aviation ground support, and the seafood processing industry.
The AAS in Diesel Power Technology is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.
The AAS in Diesel Power Technology constitutes the first two years of the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Technologies Leadership.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Associate Degrees.
Special Considerations
- Employers require individuals to have their own tools. A list of entry-level required tools can be found on the Diesel Power Technology website.
- Employers require technicians to be drug-free and physically fit and to have a current vehicle operator’s license with a good driving record.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Associate Degrees.
- Complete the General Education Requirements for Associate of Applied Science Degrees.
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Complete the following major requirements with a minimum grade of C:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| ADT A102 | Introduction to Automotive Technology | 3 |
| ADT A121 | Basic Electrical Systems | 3 |
| ADT A131 | Auto Electrical II | 3 |
| ADT A152 | Heavy-Duty Suspension and Steering | 4 |
| ADT A153 | Medium/Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines | 4 |
| ADT A155 | Heavy-Duty Brake Systems | 4 |
| ADT A156 | Heavy-Duty Maintenance and Inspection | 3 |
| ADT A195 | Automotive Practicum I | 3 |
| or ADT A295 | Automotive Practicum II | |
| ADT A225 | Mobile Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems | 3 |
| ADT A227 | Auto Electrical III | 3 |
| ADT A267 | Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Performance | 4 |
| ADT A268 | Mobile Hydraulic Systems | 4 |
| ADT A269 | Heavy-Duty Drive Trains | 3 |
| WELD A101 | Introduction to Welding | 3-4 |
| or WELD A112 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) | |
| Total | 47-48 | |
A minimum of 60 credits is required for the degree.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Power Technology will be able to:
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Demonstrate academic proficiency necessary to pass national examinations within the domain.
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Demonstrate proficiency in performing occupationally related tasks in a professional setting.
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Integrate knowledge from diverse areas to develop effective diagnostic and repair strategies involving complex systems.
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Request, collect, summarize, evaluate, and apply oral and written information gathered from technical (e.g. schematics, technical bulletins, and service information) and nontechnical (e.g. customer oral and written reports) sources regarding symptoms and potential diagnostic and repair strategies for diesel powered equipment.
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Apply knowledge gained from previous education and experience to problem solving to aid in diagnosis and repair for the immediate situation.
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Demonstrate effective employability skills, including oral and written communication skills, as required by the 2014 accreditation standards for the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation.
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Demonstrate technical knowledge and critical thinking necessary for success in the heavy-duty maintenance and repair industry.
Sample Plan
The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.
Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.
- Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.
- GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.
- Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.
- Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
- Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.