Driven by Diesel. Powered by You.
San Jacinto College’s Heavy Diesel Truck program is designed to prepare students for careers in the repair and maintenance of over‑the‑road heavy‑duty diesel trucks. The curriculum covers essential topics such as engine testing and repair, electrical systems, HVAC, powertrain, brake systems, and safety protocols. This comprehensive training ensures that graduates are well‑equipped to meet the demands of the diesel technology industry.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Learning & Career Pathway
This learning pathway — a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees — includes the following awards. You can start at any point on the path and earn certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- Heavy Diesel Truck, Certificate of Technology (1.5 years)
- Heavy Diesel Truck Trainee, Certificate of Technology (2 years)
- Heavy Diesel Truck, Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years)
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
- Follow safe work practices and procedures.
- Assess diesel engine component problems using basic theory of operation and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot transmission and differential problems.
- Troubleshoot electrical problems on a Class 8 truck.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot air brake system problems and perform replacements.
- Diagnose and repair heating and air conditioning systems in Class 8 trucks.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot electronic components related to diesel engines, anti‑lock brakes, and automated transmissions.
- Diagnose fuel system component problems.
External Learning Experiences
This program includes external learning experiences outside of the classroom, e.g., an internship, externship, clinical, practicum, or cooperative learning experience. Those experiences are typically on‑site at a business or organization.
All students participating in external learning experiences are required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the external learning sites. Some learning sites outside the college have their own vaccination requirements. These rules come from those facilities and are not mandated by the college. Failure to meet those immunization requirements 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 external learning site.
Locations
College Admission
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
There are no additional admission requirements for the Heavy Diesel Truck program; you only need to complete your application to the College, as noted in “College Admission” above, and follow the enrollment steps.
Plan of Study
3DESL-HTR
| First Term | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| 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 or DEMR 1229 | Field Experience-Diesel Mechanics 1 or Preventative Maintenance | 2 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Term | ||
| MATH 1332 or MATH 1314 | Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) or College Algebra | 3 |
| ENGL 2311 or ENGL 1302 | 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 Communication | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Capstone Experience: DEMR 2334 Advanced Diesel Tune-up and Troubleshooting