Become a highly skilled technician capable of diagnosing, servicing and repairing heavy off-highway diesel equipment.
Person repairing heavy equipment
Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology
Program Number: 104124
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Transportation
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
66 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
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Estimated Program Cost

$12,257.34

Financial Aid

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  • Program Overview

    When heavy equipment breaks down, companies that rely on their machines suffer project delays and lose money. So, the demand is high for highly skilled people to get their broken equipment back running as quickly as possible with minimal downtime.

    Get started on a rewarding career diagnosing, servicing and repairing heavy off-highway diesel equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, backhoes and loaders.

    Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology Careers

    A career in diesel heavy equipment technology is for someone who enjoys physical work outdoors and performing a diverse range of tasks, from maintaining and repairing diesel engines to hydraulics, transmissions, electrical systems, undercarriage and more.

    While some heavy equipment technicians work inside shops, performing routine service and maintenance, most aspire to do field service work, where they manage and dispatch themselves to meet with customers and fix their machines on-site (construction sites, manufacturing plants, mines, etc.).

    Successful field service technicians can independently diagnose or troubleshoot problems and provide solutions. They must also be able to work under pressure and effectively communicate with customers about their downed machines to help them make decisions, such as waiting until you fix the machine or renting equipment should you determine the downtime will be long.

    bulldozers and a backhoe at a construction site
    Off-road, heavy diesel equipment that breaks down on construction sites needs qualified service technicians to fix them on-site quickly.

    In-demand, High-paying Jobs

    The demand for qualified Heavy Equipment Mechanics is high in the Madison College district.

    In 2023, 544 jobs were posted in the Madison College District, which is projected to grow by 8.3% by 2030. Graduates from this associate degree program can expect to earn $59,607 per year within the Madison College district, slightly greater than the national average.

    Associate Degree Program Goals

    Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program graduates will be required to diagnose, adjust, repair or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment used in construction, logging and mining, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders and conveyors.

    Your training will also prepare you for other roles, such as parts support manager, service manager, sales representative, business owner or educational trainer.

    Real-world, Hands-on Learning

    You’ll receive real-world training essential for becoming a skilled diesel and heavy equipment technician. The training combines classroom work to acquire knowledge, immediately followed by practical hands-on activities in a simulated shop environment.

    You’ll learn from industry professionals who guide you through a relevant curriculum that exceeds the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) standards.

    AED Foundation (logo) Constructing Paths to Opportunity
    This program is accredited by The AED Foundation.

    Diesel Heavy Equipment Coursework

    The diesel heavy equipment associate degree program is designed with input from our industry advisory board to ensure you get the skills our local heavy off-highway diesel industry needs most.

    Courses emphasize work skills in safety, communication, time management and professionalism. Classes will introduce you to skills in:

    • Diesel engines and fuel systems
    • Hydraulic and hydrostatic systems fundamentals
    • After treatment and emission systems
    • Electrical and electronic systems
    • Heating and A/C systems
    • Power train systems
    • Schematic drawings interpretation
    • Effective customer communication
    • Customer repair orders
    • Daily work schedule organization

    Flexible Course Offerings

    Madison College designed the program for individuals entering the field and those already working in it. You can attend full- or part-time, and some classes are available online.

    Indicates required field

    Ready to Learn More?

    We’d love to talk with you about the Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology program. Complete this form to get the conversation started!

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  • 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 higher in Diesel Shop Skills Fundamentals is required as a pre-requisite to courses in the program.
    10-412-100
    2 credits
    First Semester
    Second Semester
    10-412-112
    3 credits
    10-412-255
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    10-809-197
    3 credits
    Third Semester (Summer)
    Fourth Semester
    10-412-138
    2 credits
    10-412-175
    2 credits
    10-412-177
    3 credits
    10-412-188
    3 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    Fifth Semeseter
    10-412-184
    2 credits
    10-412-185
    4 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

    Spring 2025

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

    Fall 2025

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

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    Get Started!

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

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology Program Outcomes

    Graduates of this program 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 through timeliness, cleanliness, honesty and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to communicate with customers, colleagues and supervisors effectively.
    • 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.

    Diesel Heavy Equipment Technology Career Outcomes

    Program graduates are qualified for entry-level technician positions, specifically those working on off-highway heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, graders and conveyors.

    Experience and additional training will allow you to take your diesel career in many directions, finding employment as:

    • Diesel and heavy equipment technician
    • Related specialist technician
    • Related parts support manager
    • Industry-related service manager/supervisor
    • Industry-related sales representative
    • Business owner
    • Educational trainer
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)