Washburn Institute of Technology
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Diesel Technology and Heavy Diesel Construction Technology
The Diesel Technology and Heavy Diesel Construction Technology programs at Washburn Institute of Technology are designed to provide students with the technical knowledge and specialized skills needed to work on light and heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment.
Specialized classroom instruction and job-simulated hands-on training help each student build valuable mechanical and technical skills as they learn about diesel engines, engine performance, power trains, welding for diesel, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and auxiliary power units. Students may also obtain a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) as part of their training.
Using computerized diagnostic systems, technical manuals, hand tools, and power tools, each student will learn how to properly diagnose, test, and repair diesel engines, diesel engine components, and diesel-powered equipment.
Graduates of the Diesel Technology and Heavy Diesel Construction Technology programs at Washburn Institute of Technology can be confident that they have the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position as a qualified diesel mechanic. According to the Kansas Department of Labor the average yearly salary for an entry-level diesel mechanic in 2013 was $32,943, while the median hourly wage was $20.07 or $41,755 annually.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree Program
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree program is made up of the following core classes:
- Safety Orientation/OSHA 10
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Workplace Skills
- Hydraulics
- Suspension and Steering
- Brakes
- Welding for Diesel
- Advanced Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Drive Trains
- Diesel Engines I
- Advanced Diesel Engines
- Engine Performance
- Drive Trains II
- Auxiliary Power Units
- Class A CDL
Students are also required to take Technical Math II, Technical Writing, Technical Communications, College Skills, Computer Applications, Applied Physics, and Introduction to Economics in order to meet the 67 credit hour requirements of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program. Students are required to complete every class and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
The Heavy Diesel Construction Technology A.A.S. Degree Program
The Heavy Diesel Construction Technology Associate Degree program consists of the following courses:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Hydraulics
- Safety Orientation/OSHA 10
- Workplace Skills
- Drive Trains
- Power Trains for Construction
- Heavy Equipment I
- Diesel Engines I
- Advanced Diesel Engines
- Advanced Hydraulic Systems
- EST & Telematic Systems
- Advanced Machine Electrical
- Welding for Diesel
- Service Department Implementation
- Class A CDL
Students are also required to take Technical Math II, Technical Writing, Technical Communications, College Skills, Computer Applications, Applied Physics, and Introduction to Economics in order to fulfill the 66 credit requirements of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students must complete every course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Heavy Diesel Construction Technology Certificate Program
The Heavy Diesel Construction Technology Certificate program consists of the following courses:
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Hydraulics
- Safety Orientation/OSHA 10
- Workplace Skills
- Drive Trains
- Power Trains for Construction
- Heavy Equipment I
- Diesel Engines I
- Advanced Diesel Engines
- Advanced Hydraulic Systems
- EST & Telematic Systems
- Advanced Machine Electrical
- Welding for Diesel
- Service Department Implementation
Students are also required to take Technical Math I or II, Tech Math II or Tech Communications, Computer Apps, and either Tech Communications or Economics in order to fulfill the 59 credit hour requirements of the Undergraduate Certificate program. Students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
Opportunities for Employment
As the diesel industry continues to grow rapidly, job opportunities for qualified diesel mechanics is expected to increase 11% by the year 2020, as fast as average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists working in the United States in 2014 was $45,160, while the mean salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists employed in the state of Kansas was $43,490 yearly and $20.91 hourly, just 4% lower than the national average.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree, Undergraduate Certificate, and Industry Approved Certificate
The Washburn Institute of Technology offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology, as well as a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Heavy Diesel Construction Technology.
The Washburn Institute of Technology also offers a two-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology, as well as a two-year Undergraduate Certificate in Heavy Diesel Construction Technology.
Finally, the Washburn Institute of Technology also offers an 8-month Industry Approved Locomotive Diesel Technician Certificate. All five programs are Pell Grant eligible.