Diesel Technology BS, AAS, Certificate and Minor
What is Diesel Technology?
Do you enjoy working with engines and heavy machinery? Diesel Technology is a high-demand field that focuses on maintaining, repairing, and managing diesel-powered equipment. From agriculture and construction to transportation and mining, diesel technicians keep essential industries running by mastering skills in powertrains, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
At MSU-Northern, you’ll gain hands-on experience working with industry-standard equipment in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you graduate job-ready for careers in diesel service, equipment management, and field maintenance.
Why Choose the Diesel Technology Program?
Recognized nationally as a top diesel program, MSU-Northern offers an unmatched hands-on learning experience in our cutting-edge Diesel Technology Center. You’ll work with real industry equipment, learning from expert faculty with real-world experience.
With flexible degree options, including a Bachelor of Science, Associate of Applied Science, minor, certificate, and sprint program, you can tailor your education to your career goals. Our strong industry partnerships and AED Foundation accreditation ensure that graduates have top-tier job opportunities across the country.
Program Certifications and Accreditation
The 4-year diesel degree is accredited through the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (ADEF), a nationally-recognized accreditation. When students add this to their resume, industry will recognize the quality of the program.
Diesel Technology: Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Best for students interested in both hands-on diesel training and higher-level leadership or management roles.
- This degree combines high-level technical and diagnostic skills with options in equipment management and field maintenance, preparing graduates for careers in fleet management, field service coordination, or technical sales
Diesel Technology: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Best for students who want to enter the diesel industry quickly as skilled technicians.
- This program provides practical training on engines, powertrains, hydraulics, and electrical systems, preparing students for immediate employment in agriculture, construction, trucking, and marine industries.
Diesel Technology: Minor
- The Diesel Technology Minor pairs well with a variety of degrees such as Automotive Technology, Business Administraion, Business Management or Industrial Technology (5-12) programs for students who want diesel systems knowledge to expand their career opportunities.
- The minor introduces diesel engine principles and systems diagnostics, useful in agricultural operations, fleet supervision, or technical instruction.
Diesel Technology: Certificate of Applied Science (CAS)
- Best for students seeking a fast-track program focused on entry-level diesel technician skills.
- This certificate offers core mechanical training that can lead to immediate job opportunities or serve as a step toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Here are some of the things you'll learn:
- Diagnose and repair diesel engines of all sizes
- Work with hydraulics, powertrains, and electrical systems
- Use welding and fabrication techniques (Field Maintenance option)
- Develop business and management skills (Equipment Management option)
- Apply problem-solving skills in real-world cooperative education experiences
At MSU-Northern, you’ll train in cutting-edge diesel labs networked directly to OEM manufacturers, gaining real-world experience with leading brands like John Deere and Cummins.
Our cooperative education program lets you work with industry partners, earning credit and paid hands-on training. You can also choose specialized tracks like Field Maintenance or Equipment Management to align your studies with your career aspirations.
MSU-Northern’s Diesel Technology program goes beyond the classroom, offering unparalleled hands-on training in facilities designed to mirror real industry settings. Our Diesel Technology Center features advanced diesel systems technology from many different industries like railroad, shipping, agriculture, mining, and ton-highway transportation, giving you industry-relevant experience that employers seek.
With small class sizes, expert faculty mentorship, strong employer connections, and direct experience with equipment from top manufacturers such as John Deere, Caterpillar, and Komatsu, graduates of MSU-Northern’s Diesel Technology program are highly sought after nationwide and ready for successful careers in the diesel industry.
Sprint Degree
Northern also offers our A.A.S. degree in Diesel Technology in an accelerated format.
The Sprint Degree covers the same content as our 2-year A.A.S. degree, but condensed
into a fall semester, spring semester, and two summer sessions. This flexible pathway
allows you to get the knowledge you need to start your career in diesel technology
in a shorter time, getting you on the job and career-ready faster than ever.
A Diesel Technology degree opens doors to high-paying, in-demand careers in transportation, construction, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you want to work as a service technician, manage a repair shop, or become self-employed, this degree gives you the skills and industry connections to thrive.
| Career | Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
|
Diesel Technician |
Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs diesel-powered vehicles and machinery, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety standards. | $58,970 |
| Shop Foreman | Supervises the daily operations of a maintenance shop, manages a team of technicians, and ensures timely and quality repairs of diesel equipment. | $65,270 |
| Service Manager | Oversees the service department, coordinates repair schedules, manages customer relations, and ensures profitability and efficiency in service operations. | $87,898 |
| Field Service Representative | Provides on-site maintenance and repair services for diesel equipment, often traveling to various locations to ensure minimal downtime for clients. | $64,397 |
| Self-Employed Business Owner | Operates an independent diesel repair business, managing all aspects from service delivery to business administration. Earnings vary widely based on clientele and business success. | Varies widely based on business size and location $60,000 to $100,000+ |
*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.
Read about Rory Cozzens' summer co-op experience!
Read about Kannon's summer co-op experience.
Read about Rick Shammel's journey from Navy jets to diesel engines.
The Academic Map provides a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of the courses required to complete each program:
Diesel Technology BS
Diesel Technology AAS
Diesel Technology Sprint AAS
Diesel Technology CAS
Minor
Example Courses:
- Introduction to Diesel Engines
- Heavy Duty Chassis
- Advanced Diesel Fuel Systems
- Current Trends in Mobility Technology
Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities. Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.
For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
Additional Program Costs
Tools and a toolbox are needed for multiple courses. Tool discounts are available
to registered student in the program through major tool suppliers/manufacturers.
Brandon Matson
Office: Brockmann Center 210 S
Phone: (406) 265-4127
Keith Jensen
Office: Brockmann Center 210 L
Phone: (406) 265-3797
Tyler De La Vega
Office: Brockmann Center 210 O
Phone: (406) 265-4187
Wane Boysun
Office: Brockmann Center 202
Phone: (406) 399-0020