Southeast Technical Institute
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Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program offered at Southeast Technical Institute is designed to prepare students for a successful career in diesel service, maintenance, and repair by immersing them in a hands-on training environment, similar to the real-world job field.
Students learn the fundamentals and basic design of the diesel engine system through classroom lecture and written assignments, developing important analytical and reasoning skills along the way.
Carefully guided by their industry-experienced instructors, students acquire hands-on training in the laboratory, learning how to properly inspect, troubleshoot, and repair, diesel engines, electronic circuitry, truck brake systems, steering and power trains, suspension systems, hydraulic systems, truck electrical systems, diesel electronic systems, electronic fuel injection systems, and mobile air conditioning systems.
Each student will be given the opportunity to disassemble, inspect, diagnose, repair, and reassemble various diesel engines and their computerized auxiliary systems, using laptops programmed with complex diagnostic software, gauges, electronic meters, wiring schematics, technical manuals, power tools, and hand tools. Students will also learn proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques.
Effective time management and teamwork are also discussed and practiced throughout the course of the program, as students work both independently and in groups, to complete each and every assignment given to them by their instructors in an accurate and precise manner. Professionalism, customer service, integrity, and safety awareness are also stressed throughout the program.
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. Degree program is made up of the following career-specific classes:
- Preventive Maintenance Theory
- Preventive Maintenance Lab
- Basic Electrical Theory
- Basic Electrical Lab
- Truck Electrical System Theory
- Truck Electrical System Lab
- Hydraulic Theory
- Hydraulic Lab
- Air Conditioning Theory
- Air Conditioning Lab
- Electronic Fuel Theory
- Electronic Fuel Lab
- Diesel Theory
- Diesel Lab
- Fuel Theory
- Fuel Lab
- Brakes Theory
- Brakes Lab
- Suspension Theory
- Suspension Lab
- Power Train Theory
- Power Train Lab
Students are also required to take Student Success Seminar, General Psychology, Composition, Computer Essentials, College Math, Technical Writing, Fundamentals of Speech, Social Problems, and Marriage & the Family in order to fulfill the 67 credit requirements of the Associate in Applied Science Degree program. Students must complete each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, to be eligible to graduate.
The Diesel Technology Diploma Program
The Diesel Technology Diploma program is comprised of the following career-relevant courses:
- Preventive Maintenance Theory
- Preventive Maintenance Lab
- Basic Electrical Theory
- Basic Electrical Lab
- Truck Electrical System Theory
- Truck Electrical System Lab
- Hydraulic Theory
- Hydraulic Lab
- Air Conditioning Theory
- Air Conditioning Lab
- Electronic Fuel Theory
- Electronic Fuel Lab
- Diesel Theory
- Diesel Lab
- Fuel Theory
- Fuel Lab
- Brakes Theory
- Brakes Lab
- Suspension Theory
- Suspension Lab
- Power Train Theory
- Power Train Lab
Students are also required to take Student Success Seminar, Communications in the Workplace, Computer Essentials, College Math, and Psychology at Work in order to meet the 61 credit requirements of the Diesel Technology Diploma program. In order to graduate, students must finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
Occupational Outlook
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 South Dakota was $40,740 yearly and $19.59 hourly, just 10% lower than the national average.
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Southeast Technical Institute can be confident that they possess the education and training necessary to secure an entry-level position as a qualified diesel mechanic in the medium and heavy-duty truck and diesel-powered equipment service and repair industry.
The Associate in Applied Science Degree and Two-Year Diploma
Southeast Technical Institute offers a two-year Associate in Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Southeast Technical Institute also offers a two-year Diesel Technology Diploma. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.