Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Two-year Degree
111 Units
The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program prepares students with the skills required to maintain everything from trucks and tractors to ferries and forklifts. Our ASE-based curriculum is certified to the latest in NATEF standards, and will prepare you for all aspects of diesel and heavy equipment repair. Advanced standing may be granted for work experience and/or related training. Students are responsible for obtaining required tools before instruction begins.
The AAS degree builds upon previously acquired knowledge and skills to develop leadership and communication abilities. This program is full-time only. We don’t offer a part-time option.
Get Started
College Application Steps
Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).
Additional Program Specific Steps
English and Math placement is required to ensure language and computational skills are sufficient for program success. Advisors are available to support you.
Program Tours
Schedule a tour for this program by emailing southproftech@seattlecolleges.edu.
Info Sessions
Watch a Diesel and Heavy Equipment Info Session.
Watch on YouTube to view transcript.
College Tuition
Learn more about the tuition and fees to attend college.
Save money at South. Tuition and fees at a two-year college are significantly lower than a four-year college or university.
Extra Cost
- Books and supplies cost about $85 per quarter.
- Required materials: hard-toed boots, coveralls, and tools (minimum $300).
- Tool kit: $200 to $3,000 depending on quality chosen
- ASE testing: $189
Please contact 206.934.5394 or email SouthProfTech@seattlecolleges.edu for information on equipment fees in this program.
Financial Aid
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Workforce Funding
This academic plan may be eligible for additional funding through Workforce Education. Students in this program may be eligible for:
- Basic Food Employment And Training
- Work First
- Worker Retraining
- Opportunity Grant
Visit Start Next Quarter to see what funding you could receive.
- In-person
Introductory Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology (HDM) courses are offered in fall or spring quarters.
Program Information
The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology pathway can lead to various career opportunities.
Examples include:
Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.
This degree is for students focused on learning a skill or technology for immediate employment in the aviation maintenance industry.
Few courses in the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree programs will transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Students interested in further education should consider the Associate in Applied Sciences-Transfer (AAS-T) degree. Consult a program advisor or transfer institution concerning course transferability prior to enrollment.
Math and English placement are required. Use South’s free Math and English Directed Self Placement tools to establish placement.
Eligibility for MATH 110 or higher placement
Eligibility for ENGL 107 or higher placement
111 Units
Core Requirements
Complete 13 courses. 2.0 minimum grade.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MVM 101 | Introduction to Motor Vehicle Maint Technology I | 8 |
| HDM 100 | Preventive Maintenance and Inspection | 8 |
| HDM 110 | Introduction to Electrical | 8 |
| HDM 115 | Advanced Electrical | 8 |
| HDM 120 | Tires, Alignment, Steering and Suspension | 8 |
| HDM 125 | Hydraulic and Air Brakes | 8 |
| HDM 130 | Hydraulics & Pneumatics | 8 |
| HDM 135 | Drive Train | 8 |
| HDM 140 | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | 8 |
| HDM 150 | Diesel Engine Diagnos/Remove and Replace | 8 |
| HDM 155 | Diesel Engine Rebuild | 8 |
| HDM 171 | Lift Truck Operator | 2 |
| HDM 201 | Introduction to Heavy Equipment Technology | 8 |
General Education Requirements
Complete 1 course from each of the following groups. 1.0 minimum grade.
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Choose a course | 5 |
| Computation | Choose a course | 5 |
| Human Relations | Choose a course | 5 |
Units
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
- Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships. Visit the Benefits Hub.
Quarter 1, 21 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MVM 101 | Introduction to Motor Vehicle Maint Technology I | 8 |
| HDM 110 | Introduction to Electrical | 8 |
| Computation | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 2, 21 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HDM 201 | Introduction to Heavy Equipment Technology | 8 |
| HDM 100 | Preventive Maintenance and Inspection | 8 |
| Composition | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 3, 21 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HDM 120 | Tires, Alignment, Steering and Suspension | 8 |
| HDM 125 | Hydraulic and Air Brakes | 8 |
| Human Relations | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 4, 18 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HDM 115 | Advanced Electrical | 8 |
| HDM 140 | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | 8 |
| HDM 171 | Lift Truck Operator | 2 |
Quarter 5, 16 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HDM 130 | Hydraulics & Pneumatics | 8 |
| HDM 135 | Drive Train | 8 |
Quarter 6, 16 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HDM 150 | Diesel Engine Diagnos/Remove and Replace | 8 |
| HDM 155 | Diesel Engine Rebuild | 8 |
- Inspect, diagnose, disassemble, repair, replace and service each of the major systems in various types of vehicles.
- Locate sources, create parts write-ups, calculate costs and explain repair or service.
- Handle customer needs, complaints, questions and special challenges.
- Access and apply manufacturer's specifications in repair and replacement.
- Work safely and responsibly within all shop safety and environmental guidelines and standards.
- Demonstrate ability to pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test required for NATEF certification.
- Communicate and document service records.
- Compute costs, time and measurements.
- Work independently and in groups to service, repair, test and maintain vehicles.
- Use technology to test vehicles.
- Work with accuracy, dependability, proficiency and in a timely manner, when servicing equipment.
Diesel Industrial Sector Cohort (DISC)
An Industry Connection to the Workforce
South Seattle College has formed the Diesel Industry Sector Cohort (DISC) program in partnership with some of Seattle’s largest diesel employers to offer industry-focused training through the college’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology department. With DISC, top employers from the private sector sponsor a student of their choosing with an eye towards employment during (and at the completion of) the program. South seeks to find all students an industry sponsor before graduation.
The Nuts and Bolts of DISC
Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, and will be well-positioned to enter the industry as a full-time technician.
Learning opportunities are complemented by hands-on instruction provided by sponsoring companies in the industry. As a sponsored student, you may be offered a paid internship which allows you to get ahead of the learning curve, familiarize yourself with company culture and work with relevant technology in the industry.
Help Wanted
The DISC program was created in response to a high industry demand for experienced diesel technicians. Advances in mechanical design and technology have created a need for formally trained technicians in the industry. South Seattle’s Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology program is designed for immediate job entry, teaching a foundation of career-ready skills in the classroom and on-the-job.
Paying for the Program
There are multiple options to pay for the program. For those who qualify, state and federal funds are available. Select students may also be sponsored by participating employers. Some sponsors offer a paid internship (17 hours a week) during the program to help offset costs, while others pay for the entire cost of the program.
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: DMTDEAPT
- Degree: AAS
- Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Applied Science - Diesel & Heavy Equipment Technology
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 47.0605
New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.
Welcome Center
RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943
Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.
Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387
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