Program Overview

Diesel Equipment Technology Associate Degree Program (A.A.S.)

The Diesel Equipment Technology program at Missoula College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, providing students with hands-on training for high-demand careers in the diesel industry. The program focuses on practical application, covering topics such as hydraulic and electrical systems repair, engine theory, and diagnostics.

Program Overview

The diesel technology program concentrates on the heavy truck and construction industries, introducing students to all major manufacturers in both classroom and lab settings. In addition to core courses, students take classes in welding, machining, computers, communications, and math. The program is highly regarded by Montana employers, and graduates are prepared to excel as diesel specialists in various environments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Diesel Equipment Technology program can pursue careers in several industries, including:

• Diesel engines
• Fleet maintenance
• Diesel locomotives
• Farm equipment
• Marine equipment
• Construction equipment
• Heavy machinery

Sectors that use vehicles operating on diesel include:

• Transportation: school buses, local and regional transit buses, 18-wheelers carrying goods, commercial cargo boats, freight locomotives, and shipping companies
• Agriculture: irrigation pumps, tractors, fertilizers, and harvesters
• Construction: dump trucks, pavers, cranes, and excavators
• Commercial generators: providing backup power to hospitals and housing complexes

Salary and Job Placement

The starting salary for a diesel technology specialist is approximately $21 per hour, with experienced mechanics earning over $31 per hour. The program boasts a job placement rate of over 90% for graduates, with many students securing employment with major companies such as Caterpillar, John Deere, and Cummins Engine Company.

Experiential Learning

The diesel equipment technology program consists of 50% classroom time and 50% lab time, providing students with hands-on experience using the latest industry technology. Lab experiences include working with:

• ISX Cummins Diesel Engine Electronic training aid
• Eaton auto shift transmissions
• Electronic Allison Automatic transmissions
• Late-model class 8 trucks
• Construction equipment

Students can also earn certification in diesel air conditioning and Bendix braking systems.

Internships and Career Development

The program offers internship opportunities in the Missoula area, allowing students to apply concepts learned in class and demonstrate their skills to local business leaders. Most students continue their careers with the companies where they completed internships. The program's instructors have decades of combined teaching experience and are well-respected in the industry, providing students with connections to local employers and access to immediate job opportunities. Nearly 100% of graduates find employment in their field.