Midland College
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Diesel Technology
The curriculum of the Diesel Technology program offered at Midland College is not only certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), it 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 the two year Associate of Applied Science Degree, the one-year Undergraduate Certificate, or the 4-month Marketable Skills Achievement 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, manual drive trains and axles, automatic transmissions and transaxles, and chassis. Students will also gain hands-on experience in proper preventive maintenance and inspection techniques and shop management.
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.
Quality workmanship, shop safety awareness, and a positive workplace attitude will also be stressed throughout the program. 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. Thanks to the Cooperative Education internship, students will have the opportunity to develop vital job skills working with local businesses before they graduate from the Diesel Technology program at Midland College.
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree Program*
The Diesel Technology Associate Degree program consists of the following career-relevant courses:
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Basic Brake Systems
- Preventive Maintenance
- Precision Tools and Measurement
- Introduction to Safety and Health Technology
- Diesel Engine Testing and Repair I
- Steering and Suspension I
- HVAC Troubleshooting and Repair
- Power Train I
- Automatic Power Shift and Hydrostatic Transmissions I
- Diesel Engines Testing and Repair II
- Electronic Controls
- Cooperative Education – Diesel Technology
- Advanced Diesel Tune-Up and Troubleshooting
Students are also required to take Speech, Humanities/Fine Arts, Natural Science/Mathematics, Social/Behavioral Sciences, one General Education Elective, and one Diesel Technology Elective in order to fulfill the 62 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 Undergraduate Certificate Program*
The Diesel Technology Undergraduate Certificate program is made up of the following career-specific classes:
- Basic Electrical Systems
- Diesel Engine Testing and Repair I
- Basic Brake Systems
- Preventive Maintenance
- Steering and Suspension I
- HVAC Troubleshooting and Repair
- Advanced Diesel Tune-Up and Troubleshooting
Students are also required to take one Diesel Technology Elective in order to fulfill the 24 credit hour requirements of the Undergraduate Certificate program. To be eligible for graduation, students must finish each class and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, the equivalent of a “C” grade.
The Diesel Technology Marketable Skills Achievement Certificate Program*
The Diesel Technology Marketable Skills Achievement Certificate program consists of the following skill-specific courses:
- Diesel Engine Testing and Repair I
- Preventive Maintenance
- Basic Brake Systems
- Steering and Suspension I
Students are required to complete each course and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, the equivalent of a “C” grade, in order to graduate.
College and Beyond
Graduates of the Diesel Technology program at Midland College can be confident that they possess the education and training necessary to secure an entry-level position as a qualified diesel mechanic in the diesel-powered truck and heavy equipment service and repair industry. Occupational opportunities include, but are not limited to, the truck transportation industry, automotive repair and maintenance facilities, the construction industry, the manufacturing industry, automotive leasing, and retail and wholesale trade.
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 & Certificates
Midland College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. Midland College also offers a one-year Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology, as well as a 4-month Marketable Skills Achievement Certificate in Diesel Technology. The two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program and the one-year Undergraduate Certificate program are both Pell Grant eligible.
*Program is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF)