Diesel Technology Degrees, AAS
Whether you're a seasoned diesel technician or want to enter the industry, San Juan College's Diesel Technology program levels up your skills. We offer two degree options to help you boost your career. Take our Diesel On-Highway Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree to learn how to maintain and repair on-highway trucks. Or, choose our Diesel Off-Highway AAS degree to study how to troubleshoot and fix heavy equipment systems that use diesel technology.
You can complete a degree in two years, meaning you'll be ready to start your career quickly. We also provide an apprenticeship program, which can get you on-the-job experience. With SJC's experienced instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in this growing field.
Why Earn a Diesel Technology Degree?
By earning a Diesel Technology AAS, you can become a diesel technician or mechanic and play a crucial role in keeping our economy moving. Diesel engines power a wide range of vehicles and equipment, from over-the-road trucks to construction equipment. You'll be an essential worker for many industries that rely on heavy-duty equipment and transportation.
The diesel technology industry is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled technicians and mechanics. That means now is a great time to earn a degree in diesel technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for diesel service technicians and mechanics was $48,690 in May 2021. With a degree and experience, you'll be able to find a good-paying job wherever you live.
A Diesel Technology AAS also helps you stay up-to-date on the latest diesel technology. You'll learn and practice using the latest equipment to find a career. Plus, earning an associate degree in diesel technology will set you apart from others who may only hold a certificate. With your well-rounded education, you’ll find more industry advancement opportunities, such as supervisory roles. Discover more options in your career with a Diesel Technology degree.
Why Complete an AAS in Diesel Technology at San Juan College?
Two Degree Options
SJC offers two degree options for students: the Diesel On-Highway AAS and the Diesel Off-Highway AAS. The Diesel On-Highway AAS courses teach you about medium- and heavy-duty on-highway truck systems. The Diesel Off-Highway AAS focuses on maintaining construction equipment that uses diesel technology.
Top-Notch Curriculum and Training
Get the best diesel technology training at SJC. Our diesel advisory committee, composed of local industry employers, approves our curriculum. It helps us revise our program based on industry trends and changes. In addition, our instruction follows guidelines for the trucking industry as specified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF). With our program, you'll learn the most up-to-date and relevant instruction.
At SJC, you'll work with various equipment and state-of-the-art simulators that aren't available anywhere else in the state or even in the Four Corners region. You'll use multiple computer-based diagnostic and service information systems from manufacturers, including Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit, as well as several on-highway truck manufacturers.
Our diesel instructors are industry-trained, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified, and have years of field experience. With these tools and their experience, you'll be ready to start working from day one.
Apprenticeship Program
The Diesel Technology program has an active apprenticeship program that you can apply for at the end of your first year of classes. If accepted, you'll find a work placement with employers in the area. You can gain work experience while completing the program's second year. Some of the apprenticeships lead to employment following graduation!
Affordable Diesel Technology Program
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our Diesel Technology AAS is an excellent investment for your career. You'll get the expert training and experience you need to join this field. Discover if you can get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Study in the Diesel Technology AAS Programs
Learn how to operate, maintain, and repair diesel-powered systems with our two-year degree options. You'll understand the principles of diesel technology and get hands-on experience with equipment and tools.
In your core diesel technology courses, you'll study:
- Electrical/electronic systems
- Preventative maintenance and inspection
- Hydraulics fundamentals and troubleshooting
- HVAC systems
- Diesel engine and fuel systems
- Diesel emission systems
You'll also take career readiness courses that develop your job-ready portfolio. To complete your degree, you'll complete general education courses to help you receive a well-rounded education.
Study on-highway diesel technology applications with our experienced instructors. You'll learn to work on a variety of Class 7 and Class 8 heavy-duty truck systems. Along with your core courses, you'll study:
- On-highway steering and suspension systems
- On-highway brake systems
- On-highway drivetrains
Develop skills to maintain off-highway diesel technology applications. You'll learn to work on a variety of heavy equipment systems. Along with your core courses, you'll study:
- Fluid power
- Off-highway steering and suspension
- Off-highway brakes and drivetrains
Transfer Options
Turn your associate degree in diesel technology into a bachelor's degree. You can apply your AAS credits and enter a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) or Bachelor of Occupational Education (BOE) program.
- Eastern New Mexico University offers BAAS and BOE programs on campus and online.
- Western New Mexico University offers a BOE program.
- The University of New Mexico offers a BOE program.
There are more institutions nationwide that offer BAAS degrees. Contact your SJC academic advisor and the university's program advisor to plan your academic journey.
See Our Students at Work
Careers and Outcomes
SJC's Diesel Technology AAS degree program provides you with entry-level skills that prepare you for a career in diesel technology as a technician or mechanic. You'll learn technical skills and workplace and personal skills, ensuring you thrive in the workforce.
Most of our graduates find a job helping maintain or repair vehicles in fleets and then move into dealership positions. Some of our top students are hired directly by dealerships after completing the program.
Previous graduates from SJC's Diesel Technology programs have gone on to work for:
- Bruckner's Truck & Equipment
- Farmington Freightliner
- GFL Environmental Inc.
- Honnen Equipment
- Inland Kenworth
- M & R Trucking
- Stotz Equipment
Next Steps
To enroll in one of the Associate of Applied Science degrees in Diesel Technology, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Diesel Technology AAS options and learn more about the program.
