student working on a diesel

Diesel Technology

Diesel technician students learn to maintain, repair, and perform diagnostic testing for diesel powered transportation equipment used in multiple industries including agriculture, military, and construction. This eight-class certificate builds on the certified production technician certificate.

Career Opportunities

  • Farm equipment mechanic
  • Service technician
  • Electric motor mechanic
  • Heavy motor equipment mechanic

Get Started Now!

Work with a counselor to get your personalized plan!

Suggested Degree Plan for Diesel Technology Certificate
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
DET 101 Diesel Technology I Details 8
This class offers students classroom instruction and laboratory experiences in diesel powered transportation and heavy equipment, such as used in the agriculture and construction industries. Learning activities prepare students to maintain and repair diesel engines and related heavy equipment vehicle systems. The course will focus on developing knowledge of diesel engine operations and related vehicle/heavy equipment systems, as well as procedures for maintenance and light repairs. Emphasis is placed on developing safe work habits, employability skills and applied academic skills. The course and program will align with knowledge and skills required by an industry-recognized certification or credential. 2 lecture hours, 12 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
MAT 100 Technical Mathematics Details 3
A course designed to cover mathematical processes and problems that relate to career, technical and workforce applications. Specific topics include fractions; decimals, ratio, proportion and percentage; measurements; and area and volume.
Prerequisites: (none)
MFG 113 Introduction to Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Details 3
This course provides students with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. It introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding and covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, safe machine usage, and lock out tag out. Students learn concepts of industrial noise, machine guarding, electrical safety, chemical exposure, hazardous waste, Worker's Compensation laws, liability, and general safety precautions for the workplace. Course content is based on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician curriculum and OSHA standards. Students will qualify to sit for MSSC-M1-Safety Certification through the MSSC.
Prerequisites: (none)
WLD 101 Maintenance and Repair Welding Details 3
Course covers basic electric arc, oxy-fuel, gas metal arc, and shielded metal arc welding processes. Safety procedures required to set up and shut down welding equipment for the various processes. Hands-on experience includes practice with the three welding and cutting systems using various thickness materials. 1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
Various CMN 101 / CMN 104 Details 3
Choose CMN 101 or CMN 104.
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
CMN 104 Interpersonal Communication Details 3
An introduction to the basic theories and concepts relevant to face-to-face interaction. Emphasis is placed on the role of communication in the creation, maintenance, and termination of social, romantic, familial, and professional relationships. IAI: MC 901
Prerequisites: (none)
DET 102 Diesel Technology II Details 8
This class builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in DET 101 by incorporating additional and more challenging major jobs which require troubleshooting, diagnostics, problem solving and completion of major repairs based on diagnostic findings and cost effectiveness. The lab will be operated to simulate an actual diesel equipment service facility. Off campus internships at local diesel service businesses will be incorporated into the program for selected students. During the second semester, students will participate in a learning unit in preparation for obtaining an Illinois CDL (for in-state driving). The expectation for the successful complete of the two-year program would be to earn both the CDL License as well as the industry-recognized diesel technician certification for immediate employment or continuation in a related post-secondary Diesel technology program. 2 lecture hours, 12 lab hours.
Prerequisites: DET 101
IMT 150 Fluid Power I (Hydraulics) Details 3
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of hydraulics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about hydraulic fundamentals, electrical control of hydraulic systems, hydraulic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting hydraulic circuits. 1.5 lecture hours, 3 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
IMT 155 Fluid Power II (Pneumatics) Details 2
This course is designed to provide a theoretical framework for the understanding of pneumatics and its applications with hands-on activities to reinforce the concepts introduced. Students will learn about pneumatic fundamentals, electrical control of pneumatic systems, pneumatic applications, sensors, and troubleshooting pneumatic circuits. 1 lecture hour, 2 lab hours.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.

Gainful Employment: For more information about graduation rates, cost, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other information, please view our Gainful Employment information for the particular certificate of study.