What puts our program in the Top 5 nationally? Business partnerships. That means hands-on opportunities – and jobs.
Diesel Image of Instructor and Students
100%
Employed
100% of our recent graduates got a job in the industry.
100%
Student Satisfaction
100% of our recent graduates report they are satisfied with their Madison College education.
ASE
Automotive Service Excellence
Master Certified Instructors

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Diesel Equipment Technology
Program Number: 104121
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
65 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$11,893.90

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    Madison College is one of the top five diesel schools in the nation, according to SkillsUSA. Our Diesel Equipment Technology program works with an active advisory committee made up of over 30 local industry businesses, with industry partners throughout Wisconsin. Students who choose the Associate Degree Path (AAS) will also put in 432 hours of work as a PAID intern with one of our industry partners, gaining more hands-on, real-world experience and receiving a jumpstart on an excellent career.

    Students in the Diesel program at Madison Area Technical College learn real and relevant curriculum that meets and exceeds standards set by the ASE Education Foundation and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technician program is certified by NATEF/ASE and holds master certification in medium/heavy-duty trucks.

    As a student in the Diesel Equipment Technology program, you will diagnose, service and repair:

    • Engines and heavy-duty fuel systems
    • After treatment and emissions systems
    • Transmissions, drivelines and brakes
    • Steering and suspension systems
    • Electrical and electronic systems
    • Hydraulic systems 
    • Air conditioning and transport refrigeration systems 

    You will also: 

    • Learn workplace safety standards.
    • Develop relationships with industry partners.
    • Perform preventive maintenance on major diesel systems.
    • Learn effective customer service skills for the diesel industry.
    • Work on diesel trucks in simulated shop environments.

    Program Details

    Students in the Diesel Equipment Technology program attend full-time.

    Diesel Equipment Technology program classes are offered at the Madison College Traux campus.

    Careers in Diesel Technology

    Earning your associate degree in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as:  

    • Diesel Equipment Technician
    • Electronic Systems Diagnostic Specialist
    • Engineering Assistant
    • Field Service Representative
    • Assistant Service Manager
    • Fleet Maintenance Manager

    With additional education and/or experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Service Writer or Manager
    • Shop Foreman
    • Team Leader
    • DOT Inspector
    • Factory Service Representative
    • Equipment Sales Specialist
    • Research and Development Technician

    Trucking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. In Wisconsin, one out of seven people work in the manufacture, distribution, maintenance or commercial use of motor vehicles.

    The trucking industry requires trained technicians to keep modern equipment up and running.

    All areas of the diesel industry are experiencing shortages of qualified technicians.

    Program Video

    Watch this video and learn more about the Diesel program and career opportunities. 

    Diesel Techs
    iframe added here via JS.


    Follow Us on Social Media

    Connect with us on social media to learn more about Diesel program at Madison College

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    Pre-Program Course
    A grade of C or better in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as pre-requisite to courses in the program.
    10-412-100
    2 credits
    First Semester
    Second Semester
    10-412-112
    3 credits
    10-412-155
    4 credits
    10-412-164
    4 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    Third/Summer Semester
    10-412-139
    1 credit
    Fourth Semester
    10-412-184
    2 credits
    10-412-185
    4 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    Fifth Semester
    10-412-138
    2 credits
    10-412-175
    2 credits
    10-412-177
    3 credits
    10-412-188
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2024

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion
    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Diesel Equipment Technology career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    The terms of the Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete an associates of applied science degree and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis of the Leadership and Organizational Studies at UW O. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
    Madison College students with an associate of applied science in this program who transfer to UW-Platteville will transfer in with articulated general education transfer credit, 12 credits of 1000T Industrial Studies credits, and 15 credits of 3000T Industrial Studies credits. The 27 credits of Industrial Studies electives will be applied to the Industrial Technology Management (ITM) major. Students will then complete the baccalaureate degree requirements at UW-Platteville including all remaining general education requirements and major requirements.

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    A student who completes an associate of arts, associate of science or associates of applied science is considered part of the ‘advanced core‘. The Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 64 credits of transfer. If students transfer prior to completion or with less than 64 credits they will be considered part of the standard core and credits will be evaluated on a course by course basis.
    Students will be granted admission to a bachelors degree program upon completion of an approved transfer program at Madison College. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while at Madison College. Regardless of the number of credits transferred students must complete at least 25% of their baccalaureate degree credits at Herzing University University.
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at MSOE.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement. This applies to students who are pursuing a bachelors of arts, bachelors of science or bachelors of fine arts at Bellevue University.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring. Articulation agreement is for students who graduate from appropriate program and wish to pursue one of the following degrees at Capella: Bachelor of Science in Business specializations, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety specializations, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (must hold a valid RN license) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of all Madison College graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate of Applied Science. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer additional credits (up to a maximum of 94) toward their baccalaureate degree.
  • Career Outcomes

    MATC Diesel Equipment Technology program graduates are prepared to:  

    • Assess situations and formulate repair strategies that assume a proper, timely and cost-effective repair.
    • Demonstrate a positive attitude, attentive listening, and the ability to work effectively in teams and incorporate feedback to promote personal relationships.
    • Demonstrate the ability to inspect, diagnose, service and repair major systems related to diesel transportation and the heavy equipment industry.
    • Practice personal work habits through compliance with all company, brand/vehicle, OSHA and environmental policies.
    • Project a professional image by acts of timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with customers, colleagues and supervisors. 
    • Demonstrate applications of technical knowledge to other technologies and disciplines.
    • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.
    • Exhibit the self-management and study skills necessary to succeed in increasingly challenging academic environments. 
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202020212022
      Number of Program Graduates132
      Number of Surveys Sent132
      Number of Surveys Returned121
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment121
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Available for Employment

      202020212022
      Graduates Employed121
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation121
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202020212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)333
      Number of Satisfaction Responses121
      Very Satisfied (4)000
      Percent Very Satisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Satisfied (3)121
      Percent Satisfied100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)000
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202020212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses121
      Preparation for Getting a Job120
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job100.00%100.00%0.00%
      Career Change000
      Percent Career Change0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Improvement of Existing Skills001
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.00%0.00%100.00%
      Preparation for Further Education000
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Personal Interest000
      Percent Personal Interest0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Other000
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202020212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses121
      Before Enrollment010
      Percent Before Enrollment0.00%50.00%0.00%
      While Attending the College110
      Percent While Attending the College100.00%50.00%0.00%
      After Training at the College001
      Percent After Training at the College0.00%0.00%100.00%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202020212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses121
      In College District121
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%100.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202020212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count120
      Average Monthly Wage$3,268$3,741
      Average Hourly Wage$19.00$21.75
      Average Work Hours per Week4042.540
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Brooks Tractor, IncYard CoordinatorSun Prairie

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)