Diesel Technology AAS Degree

Kickstart Your Career

Dive into the Diesel Technology program to work on trucks, farm machines and construction gear. Master the art of fixing and maintaining powerful diesel engines. Get hands-on with engines, hydraulics, and more to keep big machines running smoothly and make a real impact!

Apply at Hawkeye Today

Diesel Technology at a Glance

Degree
Associate of Applied Science
Length of Study
2 years
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime
Program Start
Fall

Diesel Powers Our World

11.3M

Diesel Trucks on U.S. Roads

75%

Of Farm Equipment Powered by Diesel

90%

Of Food Moved by Diesel Power

Your Diesel Technology Career

Graduates find jobs as mechanics, service technicians, and diesel engine specialists in

  • implement dealerships
  • factories
  • construction
  • independent shops
  • heavy equipment shops and dealerships
  • engine machine shops
  • consumer product dealerships

Succeed at Hawkeye

Program Overview

You will graduate with skills and experience in:

  • internal combustion engines
  • diesel fuel systems
  • hydraulics
  • power trains
  • electrical systems

Semester 1

  • Applied Math or
    Math for Liberal Arts or
    College Algebra or
    Precalculus or
    Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry or
    Statistics or
    Calculus I
  • Diesel Engine Rebuild
  • Gas Engine Rebuild
  • Introduction to Diesel Technologies

Semester 2

  • Advanced Diesel Engines, Emissions, and Fuel Systems
  • Electricity
  • Electronics
  • Employability Skills or
    Written Communication in the Workplace or
    Composition I
  • Fuel Systems

Semester 3

  • EFI Engine Systems
  • Human and Work Relations or
    Introduction to Psychology or
    Introduction to Sociology
  • Hydraulics I
  • Hydraulics II
  • Preventative Maintenance

Semester 4

  • Ag Power Transfer Systems
  • Diesel Truck Power Transfer Systems
  • Equipment Repair I
  • Equipment Repair II
  • Fundamentals of Oral Communication or
    Public Speaking

Explore Courses, Details, and Costs

Work on a variety of makes and models using the latest systems and equipment in the industry.

Simulation Technology: Practice your electrical and hydraulic skills in a variety of scenarios in a controlled environment.

Train on the latest Case IH, New Holland, and CASE Construction Equipment to gain real-world experience with CNH systems. Through this training, you’ll:

  • Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
  • Master advanced digital technology like telematics, GPS, precision technology, and digital displays.
  • Troubleshoot complex electronics using remote diagnostic tools.
  • Work on a variety of equipment, including tractors, combines, planters, and earth-moving machinery.
  • Effectively navigate online parts and service information systems.
  • Learn from instructors with real-world experience in heavy equipment.

Nearly one in four semi-trucks in the country are Freightliners. Through this training partnership, you gain the skills and expertise to be a Freightliner technician.

Hawkeye is a Snap-On partnership school, giving you access to high-quality tools at a substantial discount.

Ordering through Snap-On lets you charge the cost of the tools to your student account. Once financial aid is applied to your student account and your tuition, fees, and bookstore charges are paid, any remaining aid will go toward the cost of your tools.

If you choose to use an alternative vendor, you are responsible for contacting the vendor, purchasing the tools, and ensuring the tools are available in time for the start of fall classes. Purchasing from an alternative vendor would require you to pay the cost of the tools up front and be reimbursed with any remaining financial aid after charges to your student account, such as tuition, fees, and bookstore charges, are paid in full.

If you plan to use your own tools or toolbox, please reach out to your program faculty to arrange this before classes begin.

As a first-year student, you will rent your tools from Hawkeye. In your second year, you will purchase your tools to use in class and in your career after graduation. Once you register for classes, you’ll receive a link to order your tools directly through Snap-On.

List Price: $13,320.09

Snap-On Student Excellence Program Discount Price: $5,093.18

  • 103UFTS: 3 pc Combination Dr Universal Joint Set (1/4", 3/8", 1/2")
  • 106BTMX: 6 pc 1/4" Dr Knurled Extension Set (1-1/4, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11")'
  • 1816B: 18” Drift Pin Punch
  • 1206GS: 6 pc Combination Drive Square Drive Adaptor Set
  • 120STTM: 20 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point SAE Shallow/ Deep Socket Set (3/16–9/16")
  • 124STTMM: 24 pc 1/4" Drive 6-Point Metric Shallow/ Deep Socket Set (5–15 mm)
  • 206AFX: 6 pc 3/8" Dr Knurled Extension Set (1-1/2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 11")
  • 211EFAMY: 11 pc 3/8" Dr Metric Hex Bit Socket Set (4-14 mm)
  • 212EFTAY: 12 pc SAE Hex Driver Bit Socket Set (1/16-3/8")
  • 212EFTXY: 12 pc TORX® Bit Socket Set (T8-T55 plus GM®-style T47)
  • 222SFFS: 22 pc 3/8" Dr 6-Point SAE Shallow/ Deep Socket Set (1/4–7/8")
  • 224SFFSM: 24 pc 3/8" Dr 6-Point Metric Shallow/ Deep Socket Set (8–19 mm)
  • 313SWMYA: 13 pc 1/2" Dr 12-Pt Metric Shallow Socket Set (12-24 mm)
  • 317MPC: 17 pc 1/2" Dr 12-Pt SAE General Service Socket Set
  • AT4124: Rubber Tip
  • AT4135: Blow Gun with Air Adjustment
  • AWMG9: 9 pc Metric L-Shaped Hex Wrench Set (1.5-10 mm)
  • AWS13: 13 pc SAE L-Shaped Hex Wrench Set (1/20-3/8")
  • AWP160: Adjustable Joint Pliers
  • CSA8CR: Red 7-5/8" Rigid Carbon Scraper
  • EEDM525F: Auto-Ranging Multimeter, True RMS
  • F80: 3/8" Dr Standard Handle Ratchet
  • FADH12C: 12" Adjustable Wrench
  • FBBA325: 25 pc Offset 45 degree Feeler Gauge Blade Set'
  • FBST338: 38 pc Straight Feeler Gauge Blade Set
  • GA143C: Valve Core and Stem Tool (Blue-Point®)
  • GLASS50BK: Safety Glasses (Black)
  • HBBD16: 16 oz Dead Blow Ball Peen Soft Grip Hammer
  • HBBD32: 32 oz Ball Peen Soft Grip Dead Blow Hammer
  • HBFE24: Dead Blow 24-Ounce Soft Grip Hammer
  • HBFE48: 48 oz Dead Blow Soft Grip Hammer
  • HSG319: Bi Mold Soft Grip Handle Hacksaw
  • LP10WR: Curved Jaw with Cutter Locking Pliers
  • PBS704: 4 pc Prybar Set (6 - 20”)
  • PK52A: 3-19/32" Straight Putty Knife/ Scraper (Blue-Point®)
  • PL400B: 4 pc Pliers Set (Adj. Pliers, Needle Nose, Diag. Cutters, Slip-Joint)
  • PPB826A: 8" Bronze Drift Punch
  • PPC710BK: 11 pc Punch and Chisel Set
  • PTIM5: Pick-Up and Inspection Tool (Blue-Point®)
  • PWCS7ACF: 7" Wire Stripper/ Cutter/ Crimper
  • QD3FR250A: 1/2" Dr SAE Adj Click-Type Flex-Head Torque Wrench (50-250 ft-lb)'
  • RULER602: 6" SAE/ Metric Pocket Rule
  • RXFMS606B: 6 pc 6-Pt Metric Double End Flare Nut Wrench Set (9-21 mm)
  • RXFS605B: 5 pc 6-Pt SAE Double End Flare Nut Wrench Set (1/4-13/16")
  • S9704KR: 3/8" Dr 6-Pt 13/16" Retention Spark Plug Socket'
  • S9706KRA: 3/8" Dr 6-Pt 5/8" Retention Spark Plug Socket
  • SGASA204CR: 4 pc Instinct® Soft Grip Miniature Pick Set
  • SGDMRC44B: Ratcheting Soft Grip Standard Screwdriver
  • SGDMRC4-TM4: 1/4" Square Drive Shank
  • SGDP63IRBR: PHILLIPS® #3 Instinct® Soft Grip Screwdriver
  • SGDX80BR: 8 pc Instinct® Soft Grip Combination Screwdriver Set
  • SGHBF500A: 4 pc Instinct® Soft Grip Handle Mixed File Set
  • SOEX704: 4 pc 12-Pt SAE Combination Wrench Set (15/16-1-1/8")
  • SOEX710: 10 pc 12-Pt SAE Combination Wrench Set (5/16", 3/8-7/8")
  • SOEXM705: 5 pc 12-Pt Metric Combination Wrench Set (20-24 mm)
  • SOEXM710: 10 pc 12-Pt Metric Combination Wrench Set (10-19 mm)
  • SOEXM8: 8 mm 12-Pt Metric Combination Wrench
  • SOEXM9: 9 mm 12-Pt Metric Combination Wrench
  • SPBS704AR: 4 pc Striking Prybar Set
  • SRPCR105: 5 pc Snap Ring Pliers Set (Red)
  • T72: 1/4" Dr Standard Handle Ratchet
  • TD1040A: SAE Thread Pitch Gauge
  • TDG1: Tread Depth Gauge (Blue-Point®)
  • TDM100A: Metric Thread Pitch Gauge
  • TPMB25: 25' Tape Rule

Snap-On Item Description List Price Your Price
KCP1422PBO

55" 10-Drawer Roll Cab w/Power Drawer and Spd Drawer

$8,330.00 $4,098.00
KRA2422PBO

55" 10-Drawer Double Bank Classic Roll Cab

6,625.00 2,790.45
KRSC46HPBO

40" 6-Drawer Flip-Top Shop Cart

2,325.00 1,180.17
KRSC430APBO1

40" 6-Drawer Slide-Out Top Shop Cart

2,865.00 1,469.75

Color Options: Red, Gloss Black, Flat Black, Storm Gray, Royal Blue, Supersonic Blue, Electric Orange, Extreme Green

This is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:

  • 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

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

This program has a documented pathway to the Technology Management program at the University of Northern Iowa. Check out UNI's transfer guides to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with a program advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer

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

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

" Getting a job after graduation was pretty easy. There are a lot of choices out there. "
  • Chaska Hunt
  • Diesel Technology ‘19

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Summer 2025

May 12 – August 1

Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 8 AM – 12 PM

Regular Hours — Fall 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Natasha Ceaser
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 136C
319-296-4014 ext.1062
Email Natasha Ceaser

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

 

Greg Lawrence
Main Campus
Butler Hall 110
319-296-2329 ext.1118
Email Greg Lawrence

Last Names N–Z

Glen Adolphs
Main Campus
Butler Hall 110
319-296-2329 ext.1327
Email Glen Adolphs