South Texas College

Diesel Technology  

The Diesel Technology program at South Texas College is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the diesel technology career field by giving them the knowledge and skills necessary for the service, repair, and maintenance of heavy-duty diesel trucks and heavy machinery. Students receive classroom lectures and practical hands-on applications in the service and repair of the entire diesel engine system. 

In the classroom, students develop skills in reading, written communication, computation, and critical thinking. Through in-depth lectures, class discussions, detailed learning materials, and written assignments, students gain a basic understanding of diesel engine theory and service, including engine design, engine functions, and the principles of operation of the entire diesel engine system.

Technical topics, such as gear ratios, cubic inch displacement, electrical circuitry, alignment angles, and the U.S. standard and metric measuring systems, are just a small part of the curriculum of the Diesel Technology program at South Texas College. Students enrolled in the Associate Degree program also develop job-critical English, composition, math, and computer skills.

In the state-of-the-art training facility, students acquire valuable diesel-specific experience, learning hands-on, how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain heavy-duty diesel trucks and diesel-powered equipment. Students develop analytical, technical, and mechanical skills as they are carefully guided by their instructors, training in all areas of the diesel engine system, including diesel engines, brake systems, electrical systems, electronic controls, power trains, fuel systems, diesel hydraulic systems, steering systems, suspension systems, and automotive climate control systems. Preventative maintenance and inspection techniques, as well as Shielded Metal ARC Welding (SMAW) are also taught. Students also receive basic commercial driving skills training as well.

By disassembling, inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, and reassembling various diesel engines and their intricate system components, using advanced diagnostic equipment, service manuals, wiring schematics, electronic test meters, precision measuring instruments, power tools, machine tools, and hand tools, students are given a basic hands-on training regiment of diesel engine and heavy equipment service and repair procedures.

Working both independently, and in teams, students learn the importance of interpersonal communication, leadership, and time management, completing each assignment given to them by their instructors with accuracy and speed. By the end of the program, students will be highly knowledgeable about industry safety standards, be able to complete the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests, and be able to complete a job application and write an effective resume.

From Graduation to Occupation 

Students who successfully complete the Diesel Technology program at South Texas 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 heavy-duty diesel 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 agricultural industry, the manufacturing industry, the oil extraction industry, the natural gas extraction 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 in Applied Science Degree and Undergraduate Certificate

South Texas College offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diesel Technology. South Texas College also offers an 18-month Undergraduate Certificate in Diesel Technology. Both programs are Pell Grant eligible.