Heavy Diesel Truck, Associate of Applied Science

Program Information

The Diesel Technology department at San Jacinto College is committed to teaching students this technology at industry level, while maintaining a close relationship with the diesel industry. We assist students with career options and job placement opportunities. The most important focus of this department is students and their knowledge acquisition.

The San Jacinto College Diesel Technology program:

  • Is committed to teaching students technology at industry level, while maintaining a close relationship with the diesel industry;
  • Teaches engine testing and repair, electrical systems, HVAC, power train, brake systems, safety, and more; and
  • Offers an associate degree program that provides students the business background needed to open doors on the corporate and management sides of the industry.

Career Opportunities

Careers in diesel technology are at an all-time high. Most of our students are hired before graduation. Many students are recruited by companies and organizations such as:

  • Cummins,
  • Stewart & Stevenson,
  • City of Houston,
  • Penske Corporation, and
  • Houston area truck dealers.

Earning Potential

Bus & Truck Mechanics & Diesel Engine Specialists: $52,654 per year1

1

Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2021

For more information, students may contact 281-998-6350, x7639.

Campus

North Campus

Information

The Heavy Diesel Truck Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will prepare students for a career in the repair and maintenance of diesel engines with a focus on engines for over-the-road heavy duty diesel trucks. Topics of study will include: repair and maintenance, transmissions, fuel systems, brakes, and differentials. The state of Texas hires more diesel technicians than any other state with strong ties to the Port of Houston and the greater Gulf Coast petrochemical industry. An emphasis on academic essentials and industry soft skills will set the AAS degree student apart from certificate students.

Students enrolling into San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (i.e., clinical, practicum, externship, cooperative, etc.) will be required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the clinical/external learning sites to engage in all clinical/external learning experiences. Vaccination requirements at clinical/external learning sites are implemented pursuant to the independent authority of such facilities and are not mandated by San Jacinto College. Failure to meet the immunization requirements mandated by clinical/external learning sites may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and/or may delay the student’s graduation date. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions, and students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the clinical/external learning site.

Plan of Study

3DESL-HTR

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
DEMR 1301 Shop Safety and Procedures 3
DEMR 1306 Diesel Engine I 3
DEMR 1405 Basic Electrical Systems 4
DEMR 1410 Diesel Engine Testing and Repair I 4
 Credits14
Second Term
DEMR 1413 Fuel Systems 4
DEMR 1423 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Troubleshooting and Repair 4
DEMR 1317 Basic Brake Systems 3
DEMR 2432 Electronic Controls 4
 Credits15
Third Term
DEMR 1421 Power Train I 4
DEMR 2334 Advanced Diesel Tune-up and Troubleshooting 3
DEMR 2412 Diesel Engine Testing and Repair II 4
DEMR 2266
Field Experience-Diesel Mechanics 1
or Preventative Maintenance
2
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
 Credits16
Fourth Term
MATH 1332
Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)
or College Algebra
3
ENGL 2311
Technical and Business Writing
or Composition II
3
Social and Behavioral Sciences or Government/Political Science or American History 3
Language, Philosophy, and Culture (Humanities) or Creative Arts (Fine Arts) 3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Speech Communication
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Business and Professional Speech
 Credits15
 Total Credits60

Capstone Experience: DEMR 2334 Advanced Diesel Tune-up and Troubleshooting

1

DEMR 1229 Preventative Maintenance is offered as a substitute course for DEMR 2266 Field Experience-Diesel Mechanics, if jobs are not available.