Skip to Content
Academics
Diesel Technology Program

Diesel Technology Program

This program is available at the Bellefontaine location. This program is taught in a modern, clean training facility at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center at 2280 State Route 540 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Some general education courses may need to be completed online or at our Springfield location.

The diesel industry is growing and there is a current and future need for qualified technicians. Diesel engines are more powerful and durable than gas engines, making them a popular alternative in the trucking, busing, agriculture, and construction industries. 

The Clark State Diesel Technology program is a comprehensive sequence of courses that combine theory and practical applications. Students learn theory, design, operation, diagnosis, repair and service of diesel engines, power train and chassis, hydraulic systems, and fuel injection systems. They develop communication and mathematical skills necessary for the diesel industry. The program includes 300 hours of on-the-job training in a co-op work experience.  Students also start earning industry credentials such as Detroit Diesel Engine Platforms, Freightliner Certifications, ASE Entry Level Certifications, and International Harvester Credentials.

Embedded Certificate
This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will automatically be awarded if the certificate requirements are met unless the student contacts Records and Registration and indicates he/she does not wish to have the certificate credential awarded. 

Career Information

Diesel technicians perform complete engine overhauls, minor preventative maintenance services, and everything in between. Starting wages are usually in the $13 to $16 per hour range with increases going to $30 per hour or more. Job opportunities are going unfilled in the Miami Valley and throughout Ohio and the country.

Explore Careers

Outcomes and Curriculum

Upon successful completion of the Associate of Technical Studies in Diesel Technology, a graduate will be able to:

  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy- duty truck engines
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy-duty truck suspension and steering systems
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy-duty truck brake systems
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy- duty truck electrical/electronic systems
  • Perform preventative maintenance and inspections on medium and heavy-duty trucks
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy- duty truck drivelines
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy-duty truck heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Diagnose and repair medium and heavy duty-truck fluid power systems
Course Title Credits
Fall
DSL 1100 Hydraulic Theory and Operation 2
DSL 1200 Fundamentals of Engines 3
DSL 1300 Preventative Maintenance 2
ITS 1105 Computer Concepts and Software Applications 3
INT 1000 OSHA 10-Hour General Safety 1
ENT 1000 Introduction to Industrial and Engineering Technology 3
EBE 1000 Employability Skills 1
 
Spring
DSL 1500 Heavy Truck Drive Trains 3
DSL 1550 Truck Steering and Suspension 2
DSL 1650 Truck Brake Systems 3
MGT 1100 Personal Finance 3
WLD 1000 Introduction to Welding Processes 3
EBE 2701 Co-op Education I 1
 
Summer
MTH 1115 Industrial Calculations 3
 
Fall
DSL 1600 Basic Electrical 3
DSL 2300 Advanced Electrical / Electronics 3
DSL 2500 Heavy Truck Automatic Transmissions 2
ENG 1111 English I 3
-- Social/Behavioral Science 3
 
Spring
DSL 2600 Heavy Truck HVAC 2
DSL 2710 Diesel Engine Performance 4
MGT 1115 Customer Relations 2
ENG 2211 Business Communication 3
EBE 2801 Co-op Education II 1
-- Any HST course 3
 
  Total credit hours 62
The program schedule is designed for full-time students who have completed all prerequisites and who have no college preparatory recommendations. Many individuals, especially part-time students and those taking college preparatory courses, will require additional semesters of study. Students should consult their academic advisors for help in planning their schedules.

Humanities/Social Science ElectivesA complete listing of humanities and social science electives is available in the College Catalog.

Academic Preparation

Basic mechanical ability or previous mechanical work experience is helpful, but not required. Students with little or no computer background should enroll in ITS 0700, Computer Fundamentals, as a preparatory course before taking other computer courses. Students without adequate keyboarding skills should enroll in ITS 1205, Windows Concepts.

Questions? We're here to help!

Anthony Shaffer Instructor and Program Coordinator, Diesel Technology

937-328-5451 shaffera@clarkstate.edu