Diesel Technology General Info
Interested in a career that keeps America moving? The Diesel Technology program is designed to teach the student repair and maintenance in the areas of trucks/trailers, construction equipment, and agriculture equipment. The Diesel Technology program has a rich history and a tradition of excellence. We train you on trucks/trailers, agriculture, and construction equipment that is “in-service” to make it “real.” The latest technology is incorporated into curriculum and training. Students work in modern shop areas using their own tools, supervised by instructors with real-life experiences in the diesel field.
The program instructs students in theory, industry standards, technical skills (lab work), safety, and required related skills. Equipment from brand names such as Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, Case IH, Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, John Deere, Eaton, Meritor, Terex, Komatsu and others are studied.
The college has formed industry partnerships that offer student scholarships and sponsorship opportunities.
Future Ready Iowa Scholarships
FREE TUITION / IOWA LAST-DOLLAR SCHOLARSHIP
THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For specific details of the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship (including how to apply) and for a full list of every NCC program that qualifies – click here. Contact NCC’s Financial Aid Office at 712-324-5061 or finaid@nwicc.edu for more information.
Award
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
Length
- Four Semesters & Two Summer Term
- Fall semester entry for full-time students
Student Profile
- Enjoy and have deep interest in mechanical equipment
- Follow directions and work well with others
- Self-motivated and a positive work ethic
- Good math, communication skills, and ability to read and comprehend new information
- Basic computer skills
- Physical strength
Program Location
- This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Student Story Hunter Fiddelke
“The hands-on learning is the best. We’re put right into everything and that’s the best way to learn. I like working on the bigger machines and diagnosing a problem—the challenge of it.”
Diesel Technology student
Sutherland, IA


Requirements for this program
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 16 | |
DSL160-E | Heavy Duty Preventative Maintenance | 7 |
DSL162-E | Diesel Engine Repair | 6 |
MAT110-A | Math for Liberal Arts | 3 |
OR | ||
MAT121-A | College Algebra | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 20 | |
AUT139-C | Basic Welding Theory and Applications | 1 |
DSL161-E | Heavy Duty Electrical Systems | 7 |
DSL164-E | Engine Performance I | 6 |
ENG105-A | Composition I | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC112-A | Public Speaking | 3 |
OR | ||
SPC122-A | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
PHI101-A | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 |
OR | ||
PSY251-A | Social Psychology | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 7 | |
DSL710-E | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration | 4 |
TDT103-E | CDL & DOT Regulations | 3 |
SECOND YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 19 | |
CSC110-A | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
DSL505-E | Powertrain I — On Highway | 3 |
DSL507-E | Powertrain II — Off Highway | 3 |
DSL810-C | Truck and Diesel Lab I | 10 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 17 | |
DSL165-E | Engine Performance II | 2 |
DSL812-E | Advanced Diesel Engines | 2 |
DSL820-C | Truck and Diesel Lab II | 10 |
SOC110-A | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
OR | ||
SOC120-A | Marriage and Family | 3 |
OR | ||
PEH115-A | Wellness Education | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 7 | |
DSL166-E | Mobile Hydraulic Systems | 3 |
DSL824-C | Truck and Diesel Lab III | 4 |
Total Credits | 86 | |
*A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required to participate in the internship course. |
Frequently Asked Questions

Diesel technicians are employed by truck dealerships, truck fleets, owner/operators, construction contractors, farm implement dealers, heavy equipment dealerships and independent repair shops.
With the increasing demand in transporting materials and products, the need for qualified techs continues to rise. There is a high demand for well-trained techs. Placement is 100% in most years and most are employed before graduation. Students should have no problem pursuing a career in this industry.
You will spend time in the classroom learning theory, work procedures, technical skills, and safety. We’ll take that theory and turn it into reality in our diesel labs. We train our students on the current technologies. You’ll enter the workforce familiar with Cummins, Cat, Detroit, Eaton, Spicer, Meritor, and others.
- Opportunity to work on a wide variety of equipment and many various brands.
- Students can work independently on their own projects and will receive help as needed.
- Local industry also supports the program by donating components and equipment for students to work on.
- NCC’s Diesel Technology program is currently working toward AED accreditation. (Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation Affiliate)
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.