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Diesel Technology

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Program Overview

The Diesel Technology program prepares students to become proficient in service and repair of diesel powered equipment. Types of equipment included are agricultural, construction, and diesel trucks. Students train in a number of areas including repair and maintenance of internal combustion engines, diesel fuel systems, hydraulics, power train, and electrical/electronic systems.

Hands-On Learning Opportunities

  • Latest Equipment: Work on the latest systems and equipment in the industry as well a variety of different makes and models of equipment.

  • Simulators: Practice your electrical and hydraulic skills in a variety of scenarios in a controlled environment.

  • Partnership with Freightliner: Through this partnership, you will gain the same hands-on training and knowledge as a Freightliner technician.

Transfer Information

The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a documented pathway between Hawkeye's Diesel Technology AAS degree program and UNI's Technology Management Bachelor of Arts degree. Check out UNI's transfer guide to learn more.

If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

At A Glance
Award
  • Associate of Applied Science
Length of Study 2 years
Program Start Fall
Tuition-Free Eligible

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

Students must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.
 

Faculty Spotlight

Glen Adolphs

"As a prior graduate, I enjoy teaching in the program that sculpted me into who I am today. If you are a person who likes the opportunity to continue learning, the agricultural power field is changing every day and has opportunities to work with some of the most advanced machinery in the world."

Video Overview

The Diesel Technology program prepares you to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair diesel engines. This includes a variety of transportation and construction vehicles and equipment, and agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters cultivators/plows, and sprayers.

See More Video

Graduate Spotlight

Growing up on a farm outside Huxley, Carter Thompson always had an interest in mechanics.

“I was always the guy holding a flashlight for my dad,” he said. “I always wondered what it'd be like to actually be the guy who was turning the wrench, and having all that expertise and knowledge.”

After high school, Carter came to Hawkeye Community College for the Diesel Technology program. After graduating this spring with his degree, Carter’s following another lifelong dream and enlisting in the U.S. Army.

“The army was always a personal dream of mine ever since I was a child,” he said. “I never wanted to be anything less.”

Program Pathway

Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree

Program Details

Award Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Credits 72
Program Start Fall
Number of Terms 4
Time to Complete 2 years
Admissions Application Select Academic Program:
Diesel Technology – AAS
See Program Admission

Suggested Sequence of Study and Cost

Purchasing Tools

Second year students in the Diesel Technology will need to purchase tools. First year students rent tools from Hawkeye Community College.

View the 2024–2025 Required Tools List

Program Courses

Term 1
  • Applied Math
  • Diesel Engine Rebuild
  • Gas Engine Rebuild
  • Introduction to Diesel Technologies
Term 2
  • Advanced Diesel Engines, Emissions, and Fuel Systems
  • Electricity
  • Electronics
  • Employability Skills
    Written Communication in the Workplace
  • Fuel Systems
Term 3
  • EFI Engine Systems
  • Hydraulics I
  • Hydraulics II
  • Preventative Maintenance
Term 4
  • Ag Power Transfer Systems
  • Diesel Truck Power Transfer Systems
  • Equipment Repair I
  • Equipment Repair II

See the Suggested Sequence of Study for the full list of courses, cost, and additional course details.

You have completed the Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program.

Careers

Positions

Graduates find jobs as mechanics, service technicians, and diesel engine specialists in implement dealerships, factories, construction, independent shops, heavy equipment shops, engine machine shops, truck stops, heavy equipment dealerships, consumer product dealerships, independent farms, independent repair shops, and consumer product dealerships.

This profession is expected to grow by 18%* through 2024 in Iowa.

Example Careers and Average Wages
Entry Average Experienced
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $37,250 $52,220 $63,630
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $38,630 $52,000 $62,520

Source: 2023 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development — Statewide Wages

Employers

The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
Business Location
Altorfer, Inc. Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Valley Corp., LLC Waterloo, IA
Deike Implement Co. Waverly, IA
Growmark Waterloo, IA
MHC Kenworth Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, IA
Mid America Energy Waterloo, IA
P&K Midwest Waterloo and Keystone, IA
Ryder Cedar Falls, IA
Thermo King Cedar Falls, IA
Thompson Truck and Trailer, Inc. Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, IA
Titan Machinery Waverly, IA
Truck Center Companies Waterloo, IA
Warren Transport, Inc. Waterloo, IA
Ziegler CAT Mason City and Postville, IA

Program Contacts
Admissions
Email Admissions 319-296-4000 Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor
Natasha Ceaser Email Natasha Ceaser 319-296-4014 ext.1062 Bremer Hall 136C
Faculty Advisor
Last Names A – M
 Greg Lawrence Email Greg Lawrence 319-296-2329 ext.1118 Butler Hall 110
Faculty Advisor
Last Names N – Z
 Glen Adolphs Email Glen Adolphs 319-296-2329 ext.1327 Butler Hall 110

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