San Jacinto Community College
Let Truck Driving Schools Info Connect You With a Quality Diesel Mechanic School Near You!
The schools in our network hold one or more of the following quality standards:
- Hands-On Training
- ASE Certified Instructors
- Nationally Recognized Accreditation
- Job Placement Assistance for Those Who Qualify
Just click the orange "Find Your School!" button below and request information from the schools near you. Hurry! Classes are filling up fast!
Diesel Technology
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology program offered at San Jacinto Community College is designed to prepare students for successful completion of the Diesel exams administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Students receive the classroom instruction and practical hands-on training necessary to become qualified diesel service technicians. Students can choose to pursue either the two year Associate of Applied Science Degree or the 18-month Technology Certificate.
In the classroom, students learn diesel theory and develop a basic understanding of the diesel engine, including the design, functions, and operating principles of the diesel engine and its integrated sub-systems. Through class lectures, live discussions, and homework assignments, each student will develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills, while strengthening their English comprehension, mathematical computation, and computer literacy skills.
In the laboratory, students acquire the hands-on training in various areas of diesel service and repair, including diesel engines, electrical systems, electronic controls, brake systems, suspension and steering, heating and air conditioning, engine performance, power trains, manual and automatic transmissions, and chassis. Students will also gain hands-on experience in proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques, shop management, and shop safety procedures.
By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their integrated auxiliary systems using advanced diagnostic equipment, hand tools, machine tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, lab scopes, shop manuals, electronic multi-meters, and wiring diagrams, students learn, hands-on, how to properly perform diesel engine overhauls and engine tune-ups.
Students will be expected to work both independently and as a team to successfully complete each task assigned to them by their instructors in an efficient and speedy manner. Quality workmanship, shop safety awareness, and a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the Diesel Technology program at San Jacinto Community College.
The Diesel Technology Program Associate Degree Program
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree program is made up of the following industry-relevant classes:
- Diesel Engine I
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair I
- Basic Electrical Systems
- HVAC Troubleshooting & Repair
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair II
- Power Train I
- Basic Brake Systems
- Electronic Controls
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Diesel Engine II
- Advanced Diesel Tune-up & Troubleshooting
- Field Experience-Diesel Engine Mechanic & Repair or
- Preventive Maintenance
Students are required to take Composition I, Contemporary Mathematics for Technical programs or College Algebra, Technical and Business Writing or English Composition II, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Humanities or Fine Arts, and Business and Professional Speech in order to fulfill the 60 credit requirements of the Associate of Applied Science Degree program. In order to graduate, students must complete each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Technology Program
The Diesel Technology Certificate of Technology program consists of the following career-specific courses:
- Diesel Engine I
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair I
- Basic Electrical Systems
- HVAC Troubleshooting & Repair
- Diesel Engine Testing & Repair II
- Power Train I
- Basic Brake Systems
- Electronic Controls
- Shop Safety & Procedures
- Diesel Engine II
- Advanced Diesel Tune-up & Troubleshooting
- Field Experience-Diesel Engine Mechanic & Repair or
- Preventive Maintenance
Students are required to finish each course and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
What to Expect After School
Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at San Jacinto Community College can be sure that they possess the comprehensive knowledge and specialized training needed to secure an entry-level diesel mechanic position with some of today’s industry giants, like Cummins, Stewart & Stevenson, City of Houston, Gulf States Toyota, and AAA Cooper Freight Lines.
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 Texas was $43,720 yearly and $21.02 hourly, just 3% lower than the national average.
The Associate of Applied Science Degree and Certificate of Technology
San Jacinto Community College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. San Jacinto Community College also offers an 18-month Certificate of Technology in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.