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.
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
Contact Admissions
-
712-301-2573 | 712-301-1401 |
712-301-7033 - 800-352-4907
- Email Admissions
Requirements for this program
Course # | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
FIRST YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 18 | |
DSL101-E | Diesel Shop Safety | 1 |
DSL152-E | Heavy Duty Electrical Systems | 6 |
DSL154-E | Introduction to Equipment Service | 4 |
DSL324-E | Introduction to Diesel | 4 |
MAT110-A | Math for Liberal Arts OR | 3 |
MAT121-A | College Algebra | 4 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 19 | |
DSL636-E | Air Systems and Breaks | 4 |
DSL157-E | Introduction to Diesel Electronics | 4 |
DSL158-E | Hydraulics Fundamentals | 4 |
AUT139-C | Basic Welding Theory and Applications | 1 |
ENG105-A | Composition I OR | 3 |
SPC112-A | Public Speaking OR | 3 |
SPC122-A | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
PHI101-A | Introduction to Philosophy OR | 3 |
PHI142-A | Ethics in Business OR | 3 |
PSY251-A | Social Psychology | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 7 | |
DSL710-E | Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | 4 |
DSL881-E | Diesel Internship I | 3 |
SECOND YEAR | ||
FALL SEMESTER | 18 | |
DSL159-E | Power Trains/Drive Lines & Suspensions | 5 |
DSL810-C | Truck and Diesel Lab I | 10 |
CSC110-A | Introduction to Computers | 3 |
SPRING SEMESTER | 17 | |
DSL811-E | Advanced Diesel Electronics | 2 |
DSL812-E | Advanced Diesel Engines & Fuel Systems | 2 |
DSL820-C | Truck and Diesel Lab II | 10 |
SOC110-A | Introduction to Sociology OR | 3 |
SOC120-A | Marriage and Family OR | 3 |
PEH115-A | Wellness Education | 3 |
SUMMER TERM | 7 | |
DSL813-E | Advanced Hydraulics | 3 |
DSL824-E | Truck and Diesel Lab III | 4 |
More Information
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit nwicc.edu/compliance.
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)
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


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.