Career Description
Two program options allow students to prepare for careers in maintenance, repair, and diagnostics of diesel equipment. This program concentrates on the hydraulic/hydrostatic, power train, electrical/electronics, and engine systems of off-road construction equipment such as crawlers, excavators, backhoes, front end loaders, motor graders, and skid steer loaders.

Program Information
There are two program options. The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician Diploma is an eleven-month program consisting of a Fall and Spring semester plus an accelerated six-week summer session. The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree consists of all coursework from the Technician Diploma program plus and an additional 20 elective credits. A minimum of 16 of the elective credits must be General Education courses from at least three of the goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

Program Learning Outcomes
Students will demonstrate satisfactory skills to use electrical schematics and follow troubleshooting charts to correctly diagnose electrical failures.

Students will demonstrate satisfactory skills to use hydraulic schematics and follow troubleshooting charts to correctly diagnose hydraulic failures.

Students will correctly utilize standard and metric measuring tools.

Students will correctly demonstrate their understanding of hydraulic systems.

Students will demonstrate their understanding of electrical systems.

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of basic power train operation and components.

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of diesel engine operation and components.

Students will achieve 90% placement in related field.

Have a student retention and completion rate of 90%.

Special Program Requirements
Students enrolled in these programs must supply their own basic tool sets. A guideline of what tools are needed is available from admissions. A pre-enrollment drug test is required of all students. Enrolled students will remain in a random drug testing consortium.

Employment Opportunities
Graduating students find employment at original equipment manufacturing dealerships, construction contractors, independent repair facilities, federal, state and local government agencies, and the related forestry industry.

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology AAS Program Planning Form (pdf)

Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology Diploma Program Planning Form (pdf)