Jun 16, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog SVC 
    
2025-2026 Catalog SVC

Diesel Power Technology, AAS


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. These degrees also prepare alumni for entry to a BAS degree program. While these degrees are not intended to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree  or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS  (BAS-EC) 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.

99 credits

First Year


Total Credits: 14

Total Credits: 18

Total Credits: 18

Second Year


Total Credits: 14

Total Credits: 19

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 in odd years (such as 2025, 2027, etc.) take the following classes in Fall quarter:  DSL 101  and DSL 102 . Second year students take the following classes in fall quarter: DSL 102  and DSL 201 .

*  First year students starting in even years (such 2026, 2028, etc.) take the following classes Fall quarter: DSL 101  and  DSL 202 . Second year students take the following classes in fall quarter:  DSL 201  and DSL 202 .

Both first and second-year students enroll in the DSL class offered winter quarter and spring quarter.