Diesel Equipment Technology

Associate Degree in Applied Science

Program number: 104121

• Overview
• Admission
• Curriculum
• Outcomes
• Careers

Overview

Overview

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.

In the Diesel program(s) at Madison Area Technical College:

• Students learn real and relevant curriculum that meets and exceeds standards set by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) 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.

Students 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 

They also will: 

• 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.

This program works with an active advisory committee made up of over 30 local industry businesses, with industry partners throughout Wisconsin.

Madison College is one of the top five diesel schools in the nation, according to SkillsUSA.

Program Details

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

Diesel Equipment Technology program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax

This program is not offered online.

Diesel Techs

Admission

Admission

To Apply

View the admission requirements for application deadlines, materials and requirements.

• Review the admission checklist to learn how to apply to a program or certificate at Madison College.
• Attend a New Student Information Session to get started in the admission process.
• Visit MATC to learn more about the Madison College experience, including campus tours and program open houses.

After Acceptance

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

Questions?

Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or (608) 246-6210.

Curriculum

Curriculum

The courses listed below outline the requirements for completion for students officially admitted in the 2016-2017 academic year. Requirements for completion may vary depending on the semester in which a student is admitted or may be completed by other equivalent courses. Current/continuing students should consult their Academic Requirements report available through their student account for specific requirements and equivalent courses.

First Semester

10-804-107

College Mathematics

3 credits

10-412-137

Preventive Maintenance Inspections

4 credits

10-412-144

Fundamental Diesel Electrical/Electronics Systems

3 credits

10-412-145

Electrical/Electronics Systems Diagnostics

3 credits

10-442-126

Metal Repair Techniques

2 credits

Second Semester

10-801-195

Written Communication

3 credits

10-809-197

Contemporary Amer Society

3 credits

10-412-112

Mobile Hydraulics

3 credits

10-412-155

Heavy Duty Drivetrains

4 credits

10-412-164

Brake and Suspension Systems

4 credits

Third/Summer Semester

10-412-190

Diesel Equipment Laboratory Experience 1

1 credits

10-412-195

Occupational Experience 1 - Diesel Equipment Technology Program

2 credits

Fourth Semester

10-412-125

Cab Climate Control and Refrigeration Systems

3 credits

10-412-184

Diesel Engine Technology

2 credits

10-412-185

Diesel Engine Repair

4 credits

10-801-197

Technical Reporting

3 credits

10-806-139

Survey of Physics

3 credits

Fifth Semester

10-412-176

Diesel Fuel Systems

4 credits

10-412-177

Diesel Engine Diagnostics

2 credits

10-412-138

Diesel Shop Management

2 credits

10-412-178

Diagnostic Strategies

2 credits

10-412-188

Electronic Control Systems

2 credits

10-809-195

Economics

3 credits

10-809-199

Psychology Of Human Relations

3 credits

Outcomes

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.

Careers

Earning your associate degree in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Madison Area Technical 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.

Find local job openings on TechConnect.