Diesel engines power all types of vehicles from highway trucks to industrial equipment and marine vessels. And that’s why Penn College has designed a specialized program to address growing industry demands. From basic engine and power train principles to electronic troubleshooting and automatic transmission rebuilds, you’ll learn what it takes to take the lead in this thriving career field.
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
4
Semesters
22
Courses
69
Credits
Fall 2026
6 courses 18 credits
50% program-specific courses
Spring 2026
6 courses 17 credits
100% program-specific courses
Fall 2027
5 courses 17 credits
60% program-specific courses
Spring 2027
5 courses 17 credits
60% program-specific courses
Please Note: The outlined curriculum assumes a fall semester start for students completing a full credit load schedule without additional developmental math requirements. Students beginning in the spring and summer, taking less than a full load, and/or requiring developmental coursework follow an altered curriculum sequence. Speak to your academic advisor or school office with questions.
100%
Overall Placement
$57,516
Average Salary
50+
Newer Model Diesel Engines
Join instructor Chris Weaver and explore fully loaded training spaces where students get tons of hands-on experience like tearing down engines and rebuilding them to perfection. You’ll get a rundown of degree options, see the advanced training grounds for each, and check out the latest and greatest equipment.
Gain hands-on experience in advanced learning labs where you’ll work on equipment just like you can expect to see after graduation.
While you're here, you'll have an opportunity to earn certifications in:
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
As a Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation student at Penn College, you may be elgible for 137 scholarships.
Diesel competition attracts 29 students from 16 CTE centers
March 10, 2026
Twenty-nine juniors and seniors from 16 career and technical education centers recently convened for Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Diesel Technology…
GT&E continues long-standing support of Penn College
February 18, 2026
GT&E, a long-standing supporter of Pennsylvania College of Technology, offered free rentals on two pieces of equipment and an educational discount on a third in…
Penn College Baja team competes in South Carolina
October 10, 2025
Although they didn’t achieve their typical top-10 finish, the Pennsylvania College of Technology team performed well at Baja SAE Carolina and is already working…
Diesel Performance Club’s ‘Accelerated Learning’ truck back on drag racing circuit
October 08, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology’s “Accelerated Learning” is at it again, and this time, the Diesel Performance Club’s 12,000-pound 1959 B-61 Mack truck…
FedEx donates truck to Penn College diesel major
July 16, 2025
FedEx, a longtime supporter of Pennsylvania College of Technology’s diesel technology major, donated a 2014 Kenworth T680 semitrailer truck for students to…
CTE instructors attend diesel externship at Earth Science Center
June 26, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology recently hosted 13 educators – representing 10 schools and three states – at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center for a…
GT&E celebrates interns, new hires during signing day
June 25, 2025
GT&E celebrated the six Penn College students and May graduates who accepted positions with the construction equipment dealer with a “signing day” on campus.…
Bergey’s Truck Center donates Mack truck to Penn College
June 17, 2025
Students in the diesel technology major at Pennsylvania College of Technology are benefiting from the donation of a Mack truck from Bergey’s Truck Centers. The…
Penn College appoints new assistant dean
June 04, 2025
Pennsylvania College of Technology has named John A. Pecchia as its new assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources. Pecchia comes to Penn College…
Kiewit conducts signing day for summer interns
June 03, 2025
Kiewit held a Signing Day at Pennsylvania College of Technology's Schneebeli Earth Science Center recently, celebrating seven students who will be interning…
Faculty
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
After nearly 30 years of teaching at Penn College, he still aims to learn something new every day.
Faculty
Diesel Truck, Heavy Equipment & Power Generation
Not one to sit behind a desk, Chris brings his experience to the lab to inspire others.
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Expand learning opportunities and meet others who share your interest in diesel performance.
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Diesel Truck Technology are eligible to earn a second degree in On-Site Power Generation Technology, Heavy Equipment Technology, or Caterpillar Equipment Technology in as few as three years. Students may work with their advisor to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously.
Medium/Heavy Master Truck Service Technician accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation.
Students must acquire their own tools and laptop computer as noted below.
See the Tool List for this major.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
Graduates are prepared to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection Examination and upon graduating from the program and securing two years of diesel work experience, graduates are prepared for the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Examination in heavy truck mechanics.
Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology
Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology
Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology
Andy Jaconetta
Faculty, Diesel Equipment Technology
Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology: Electric Power Generation
Instructor, Diesel Equipment Technology
Caterpillar Equipment Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Heavy Equipment Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician
Certificate
On-Site Power Generation Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Landscape/Plant Production Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Forest Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Heavy Equipment Operator Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)