Casper College
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Diesel Power Technology
Since the Diesel Power Technology program offered at Casper College is an accelerated program, students enrolling into the program should already possess basic mechanical skills and be highly motivated to succeed. The program is split into two parts, offering students 40% classroom instruction and 60% hands-on training.
In the classroom, students receive in-depth lectures on diesel electrical theory and learn the basics of the diesel engine system, including the design, function, and principles of operation of the modern diesel engine. Students develop career-relevant computer skills, while they strengthen their comprehension in mathematics, technical writing, and diesel power terminology through written assignments and academic research. Lectures and class discussions include topics such as gear ratios, the U.S. Standard and Metric measuring systems, how to effectively manage a repair shop, communicating with the customer, and more.
In the laboratory, students gain practical hands-on training, carefully guided by their instructors, as they learn how to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair all parts of the diesel engine system. Students also acquire valuable hands-on experience in welding for diesel mechanics as well as preventive maintenance and inspection. Using shop manuals, hand tools, impact wrenches, electronic diagnostic equipment, gauges, volt meters, and circuit diagrams, students disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble diesel engines and their integrated system components, learning, hands-on, how to rebuild the diesel engine.
Students will also be expected to practice shop safety and effective time management as they complete each task assigned to them by their instructors with proficiency and speed. Work ethics, professionalism, and shop safety will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Power Technology program at Casper College.
The Diesel Power Technology A.A.S. Degree
The Diesel Power Technology A.A.S. Degree program contains the following career-focused courses:
- Heavy Duty Electrical Systems
- Power Train, Braking, and Steering (5 weeks)
- Engine Rebuilding I (10 weeks)
- Engine Rebuilding II (5 weeks Lec, 15 weeks Lab)
- Diesel Fuel Systems and Tuning I (5 weeks)
- Diesel Fuel Systems and Tuning II (5 weeks)
- Basic Hydraulics
- Co-op Work Experience (16 weeks)
Students are required to take general education coursework in Science, Mathematics, Written or Spoken Communication, Human Behavior, U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions, Cultural Environment, one General Education Elective, and one Diesel, Welding, or Machine Tool Elective in order to meet the minimum 64 credit hour requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. To be eligible to graduate, students are required to successfully complete each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Power Technology Certificate
The Diesel Power Technology Certificate program is comprised of the following career-relevant classes:
- Heavy Duty Electrical Systems
- Power Train, Braking, and Steering (5 weeks)
- Engine Rebuilding I (10 weeks)
- Engine Rebuilding II (5 weeks Lec, 15 weeks Lab)
- Diesel Fuel Systems and Tuning I (5 weeks)
- Diesel Fuel Systems and Tuning II (5 weeks)
- Basic Hydraulics
- Co-op Work Experience (16 weeks)
In order to graduate, students must finish each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
College and Beyond
Graduates of the Diesel Power Technology program at Casper College can be confident that they possess the education and training necessary to secure an entry-level position as a qualified diesel mechanic, sales manager, parts specialist, or owner/operator.
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 Wyoming was $52,520 yearly and $25.25 hourly, 16% higher than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate
Casper College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Power Technology. Casper College also offers a 9-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Power Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.