Diesel Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Diesel Technology

About this program

Diesel engines power all types of vehicles from highway trucks to industrial equipment and marine vessels. And that’s why Penn College has designed a specialized program to address growing industry demands. From basic engine and power train principles to electronic troubleshooting and automatic transmission rebuilds, you’ll learn what it takes to take the lead in this thriving career field.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

97%

Overall Placement

$52,000

Average Salary

50+

Newer Model Diesel Engines

Careers

  • Heavy-duty truck technician 
  • Field service and sales representative 
  • Service and warranty writer 
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Diesel Engine Technology (DSM154)
  • Diesel Engine Laboratory (DSM116)
  • Fuel Systems (DSM119)
  • Introduction to Hydraulics (DSM117)
  • Basic Electricity (DSM120)
  • Truck Tractor Chassis & Alignment (DSM140)
  • Heavy Duty Brake Systems (DSM141)
  • Powertrain & Brake Systems Lab (DSM142)
  • Commercial Truck Power Train & State Inspection (DSM146)
  • Diesel Electronic Fuels: Systems, Operation & Diagnostics (DSM289)
  • Diesel Equipment Air Conditioning Systems (DSM242)
  • Allison Transmissions (DSM245)
  • Vehicle Electronics/Diagnostic Procedures (DSM258)
  • Truck & Trailer Refrigeration Systems (DSM268)
  • Automated & Hybrid Drive Systems (DSM278)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Physics with Technological Applications (PHS114)
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP) or
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Featured Video

Virtual Tour

Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Facilities

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs

Gain hands-on experience in advanced learning labs where you’ll work on equipment just like you can expect to see after graduation.  

While you're here, you'll have an opportunity to earn certifications in: 

  • Stationary Refrigeration (608)
  • Motor Vehicle Air-Conditioning (609)
  • Allison Transmission Certification
  • Level 1 Eaton Hybrid Certification
Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

NATEF Logo
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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Expand learning opportunities and meet others who share your interest in diesel performance.  

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.25.2024

Site prep ramps up for Baja SAE Williamsport

Preparations for Baja SAE Williamsport are ramping up at Penn College’s Heavy Construction Equipment Operations Site in Brady Township. Last week, excavators, bulldozers, haul trucks and rollers dominated the landscape. The competition is scheduled for May 16-19, with 100 collegiate teams from 31 states, the District of Columbia, Brazil and Canada.

03.21.2024

Longtime partner’s generosity expands student opportunities

Anderson Equipment Co.’s 24-week loan of a Komatsu PC 290LC-11 to Pennsylvania College of Technology will be greatly advantageous to students in 10 diesel and heavy construction equipment courses – from powertrain and hydraulics to brakes and electronics. A Corporate Tomorrow Maker that has supported Penn College students for about 25 years, the company is providing the excavator through an ongoing entrustment agreement that enhances instruction at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center.

03.01.2024

College's Transportation Scholars program featured on 'Centre County Report'

Friday’s “Centre County Report” featured a story on Penn College’s Transportation Scholars program. The weekly broadcast -- produced by students in the capstone broadcast journalism course in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State – included an interview with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Dual Degree
Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Diesel Technology are eligible to earn a second degree in Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis or Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (Technician or Caterpillar Equipment emphasis) in as few as three years. Students may work with their advisor to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. 

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More Information

Medium/Heavy Master Truck Service Technician accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Graduates are prepared to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection Examination and upon graduating from the program and securing two years of diesel work experience, graduates are prepared for the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Examination in heavy truck mechanics.

View the Diesel Equipment Technology Required Tools

Required for all labs:

  • uniform
  • leather work shoes or boots
  • glasses, safety, clear lens/black frames

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

  • Mr. Don Casterline, '80, Owner, Casterline Diesel, Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher R Clary, Manager, Operations, IMG Midstream
  • Mr. Eric Faust, '09, Equipment Maintenance Foreman, Halliburton Energy Services
  • Mr. Zachary Gensimore, Regional Truck Service Operations Manager (East), Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher Malm, General Service Manager, Power Generation, West Branch Diesel
  • Mr. Frank Miller, Executive Vice President, Kenworth of PA
  • Mr. Daniel Mohlenhoff, '11, Working Foreman, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Gregory A Moser, '99, Manager, FedEx Freight
  • Mr. Timothy B Moyer, Technical Trainer, Refrigeration, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Jack Neidig, '86, Instructor, SUN Area Career & Technology Center
  • Mr. Justin E Ridings, Technical Training Specialist, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
  • Mr. Nevin Weaver, General Manager, Kenworth Of Pennsylvania
  • Mr. Douglas C Wetzel, '81, Engine Training Instructor, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Inc.
  • Mr. Tyler White, '11, Service Manager, Ascendance Trucks Pennsylvania, LLC
  • Mr. Jeremy Wilson, General Manager, M&K Truck Centers
  • Mr. Tony Wiser, Director of Service, Motor Truck Equipment/ KW of PA
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair