Ivy Tech School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science
Diesel Technology
Find solutions to complex trucking problems
What You'll Learn
Play an integral role in the maintenance of high-tech trucks! The Diesel Technology program teaches you how to diagnose and repair high-tech, computer-controlled systems. You’ll graduate ready to take on entry-level heavy truck repair roles.
As a Diesel Technology student at Ivy Tech, you will:
Learn the fundamentals of modern heavy truck equipment.
Get experience using diesel engine repair and diagnostic equipment.
Learn from ASE-certified instructors.
Complete cutting-edge Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) training.
Develop valuable insight and knowledge from the program’s corporate partners, including Freightliner, Cummins, and Meritor.
Receive industry-standard training in electrical systems, engine performance, transmissions, brakes, steering and suspension systems, air conditioning systems, and engine repair.
Prepare for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exams.
Career Options
With new strict emission standards and advancing electronic systems, there’s a high demand for knowledgeable technicians to enter the field. That’s why Ivy Tech ensures students follow the most up-to-date curriculum and learn in interactive labs.
Ivy Tech partners with Cummins Engines and various local trucking companies, increasing a student’s potential for employment following graduation.
The Diesel Technology program provides students with the skills to work in the following roles:
Logistics Manager
Shop Foreman
Technician
Heavy Equipment Technician
Over the Road Truck Technician
Transfer as a Junior
Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science graduates can transfer to one of our partner universities should they choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Talk with your local program chair to learn more.
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
OEM Partnerships Built Into the Program
The Ivy Tech Diesel Technology program is proud to be a Freightliner GetAhead School. This means that which provides Factory OEM training embedded in the program to better prepare students for their career.
Partnering with OEMS such as Cummins, Meritor, Noregon (JPRO), Peterbilt and Bendix systems, provides the students real world application of technology that they will see in the repair shop environment.
Associate Degree – Transferable or Career-Ready
The AAS in Diesel Technology offers students a well-rounded education that includes general education courses and technical training in advanced performance and electrical systems. This program prepares you for the workforce, but you can also consider pursuing a bachelor's degree through a transfer partner or another university.
Ivy Tech has transfer agreements in place with several four-year universities to ensure that students' credits can be applied seamlessly if they persue a bachelor's degree after completing the Diesel Technology associate degree at Ivy Tech. Our transfer partners include:
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Diesel Heavy Truck Technology Technical Certificate (TC) students acquire key skills and knowledge in truck electrical systems, maintenance, brakes, engine repair, and more. They'll also complete an internship prior to graduation.
Diesel Heavy Truck Technology TC is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Diesel Heavy Truck Technology TC. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Diesel Heavy Truck Technology TC are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Required Courses
Graduates of the Diesel Heavy Truck Technology TC must complete a total of 34 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Diesel Electronic Controls Certificate (CT) program teaches students how to diagnose high-level electrical systems on late-model, medium-heavy trucks.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or technical certificate in Diesel Technology, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level diesel technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Diesel Electronic Controls CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Diesel Electronic Controls CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Diesel Electronic Controls CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
Please consult with your advisor to determine which classes are the best option for you. Completion guides may vary by campus/location.
Close
The Truck Chassis Systems Certificate (CT) program teaches core concepts and skills in truck preventative maintenance, steering and suspension, brakes, manual transmissions, and engine repair.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
If your goal is to earn an associate degree or technical certificate in Truck Chassis Systems, you can earn this short-term certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level diesel technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate if your plan includes working while in school.
FREE through Next Level Jobs
Truck Chassis Systems CT is part of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs degree program, funded by the Workforce Ready Grant. You may be eligible for a free Truck Chassis Systems CT. You are eligible to be a part of Next Level Jobs at Ivy Tech if you fulfill all of the following requirements:
Are an Indiana resident
Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
Have not previously received a certificate in a Next Level Jobs eligible program
Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelor's, master's, etc.)*
*Note: Students who are admitted to the Next Level Jobs program to pursue the Truck Chassis Systems CT are required to pay for and submit to a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical exam.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
Diesel technology is a highly technical field that’s often fast-paced and requires traits like adaptability, alertness, and awareness of safety precautions. These professionals typically work in an office, shop, parts store, or farm equipment repair facility. They can also work at dealerships, in construction, or on the road.
Read through the following traits, skills, and job responsibilities to figure out if this could be the path for you. Careers in diesel technology often require:
A mechanical mindset
Disassembling and assembling complex machines
Curiosity
A desire to learn more about computer systems
An awareness of safety risks and procedures
Technical skills
Teamwork
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, diesel technology may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local program chair to learn more.
There are no prerequisite courses you must take prior to enrolling in the Diesel Technology program.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit
General education courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least four weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Upcoming Courses
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Diesel Technology courses are very hands-on in nature and, as a result, courses are only available in person.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
If you think Diesel Technology could be right for you, contact our local Program Chair to learn more about the program and application process. Of course, current students are also welcome to ask questions about coursework and graduation requirements.
Partnering with a world leader such as Freightliner/Daimler allows our graduates to take those portable certifications wherever they choose to be. As the student progresses through the program they will learn industry required training, which will allow them to develop specific competencies related to this type of heavy truck repair.
The Diesel Technology programs at Ivy Tech Community Colleges are connected to the heavy trucking industry through partnerships with Freightliner, Peterbilt, Cummins and Noregon. These partnerships allow the students to learn on industry leading equipment and add OEM certifications to their resume. Through out accelerated 8 week per class format, the student will be able to complete their required courses in a consistent timeframe and should be able to work this into their busy lives.
If you think Diesel Technology could be right for you, contact our local Program Chair to learn more about the program and application process. Of course, current students are also welcome to ask questions about coursework and graduation requirements.
If you think Diesel Technology could be right for you, contact our local Program Chair to learn more about the program and application process. Of course, current students are also welcome to ask questions about coursework and graduation requirements.
Dr. Nick Goodnight is an ASE Master Certified Automotive, Truck, L1, L2, L3, L4 Technician. With over 20 years of industry experience, Nick can apply that knowledge to teaching the students skills that they will be able to utilize in their profession. Being an advocate for skilled trade training, he has been teaching in an automotive/diesel technology program at the college level for over 10 years, helping to develop the workforce of tomorrow. Bringing cutting edge technology to the classroom to get students engaged, helps with expanding that pipeline of talent for the local community.
John Timberman is an ASE Master Certified Automotive, Truck, and L1 Technician. With over 40 years of experience in this industry, John can share this knowledge with his students in helping them develop the skills needed for success in this industry. With over 20 years of teaching and training experience in both college and the manufacturer level, training students for success in this career is our primary goal. Bringing cutting edge technology to the classroom to get students engaged, helps with expanding that pipeline of talent for the local community.
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Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.