Diesel Power Technology, AAS

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Overview

The Diesel Power Technology (DSL) program is designed to prepare students for employment in an exciting and growing field. Diagnosis and repair of heavy trucks, industrial and agricultural machinery, transit, marine, and generator power sets are but a few of the career pathways graduates can take upon concluding the program. This efficient energy source is widely used, and provides jobs for those who enjoy working on heavy-duty equipment and the challenges of troubleshooting and diagnosing the ever-increasing use of electronic controls in the diesel industry.

Since many of today’s systems are electronically controlled, the demand for trained technicians is greater than ever. Employers want employees who can understand a system and troubleshoot a problem logically. The Diesel Power Technology program provides training to fill that critical void.

The six-quarter Diesel Power Technology program combines classroom theory with hands-on experience in a well-equipped diesel shop, where students have the opportunity to work on modern diesel engines as well as a variety of drive train components. Electronic diagnostics are emphasized throughout the course, not only with engines but also components such as transmissions and ABS brakes. A modern computer lab will also help prepare students to retrieve repair information electronically, a skill which is becoming mandatory in today’s workforce.

Students will be required to provide their own basic set of hand tools during their first quarter of the program and keep them at the diesel shop for the duration of their training.

Sample Career Options

Degree Intent and Transfer Options

Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admissions to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Applied Management (BASAM) degree or Bachelor of Applied Science - Environmental Conservation (BASEC) degree and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.

Program Map

Program Maps are an integral part of the Planning Guide. Each Program Map includes a recommended quarterly sequence of courses for a full-time student to earn this degree within two years. The courses align with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and is designed to help you create an individualized, customized Educational Plan, required of all SVC students. Please consult with an SVC Advisor to schedule courses and develop your personal Educational Plan.

97 credits

First Year

Fall Quarter

DSL 101 - Diesel Electrical Theory Credits: (4)
DSL 102 - Diesel Drivetrains I Credits: (8)
~ CSS 103 - First Quarter Experience Credits: (2)

Total Credits: 14

Winter Quarter

DSL 103 - Diesel Drivetrains II Credits: (13)
† ENGL& 101 - English Composition I Credits: (5)

Total Credits: 18

Spring Quarter

DSL 104 - Diesel Drivetrains III Credits: (13)
† WMATH 100 - Professional Technical Applied Math Credits: (5)

Total Credits: 18

Second Year

Fall Quarter

DSL 201 - Diesel Applied Electrical Credits: (4)
DSL 202 - Diesel Engines I Credits: (8)
WT 131 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding for Beginners Credits: (2)

Total Credits: 14

Winter Quarter

DSL 203 - Diesel Engines II Credits: (13)
PE 200 - First Aid, Safety, and CPR Credits: (2)
or PE 205 - Basic First Aid (1)
CMST& 210 - Interpersonal Communication: D Credits: (5)

Total Credits: 19

Spring Quarter

‡ DSL 199 - Diesel Cooperative Education Credits: (1-15) (1)
DSL 204 - Diesel Engines III Credits: (13)
WT 133 - Oxy-Fuel Processes for Beginners Credits: (2)

Total Credits: 16

Note:

† Students who do not receive an appropriate test score will require additional coursework to develop necessary skills for entry into class.

~ or prior completion of degree/certificate or one quarter or 15 credits of college level course work with a 3.0 GPA or better.

‡ DSL 199 may be taken at any time during the two-year program with Department Chair approval. First year students starting Fall quarter should enroll in DSL 101 and DSL 102 or DSL 202 . Second year students should enroll in DSL 201 and DSL 102 or DSL 202 . No DSL courses are offered more than one quarter during a two-year period.