Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
Electric Power Generation

About this program

At Penn College, our students learn by doing. From classroom theories and concepts to immersive lab experiences, we dig into complex concepts and then apply them to the real thing. In this program you’ll master in-demand skills like installing, servicing, and repairing diesel power generators. You’ll also refine the practical skills needed to work with electrical machinery, electric and electronic machine control devices, and other electronic equipment.

And if you want to level up, we've got a degree for that too. Students in this major are eligible to pursue a dual degree in Building Automation Engineering Technology.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

100%

Overall Placement

100%

Employed Less Than One Month After Graduating

Pursue a Dual Degree

Careers

  • Power generation technician
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Sales representative 
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Basic Electricity (DSM120)
  • Electrical Power Generation Safety (DSM159)
  • Fuel Systems (DSM119)
  • Diesel Engine Technology (DSM154)
  • Diesel Engine Laboratory (DSM116)
  • Electric Power Generation Internship (DSM152)
  • Automatic Transfer Switch (DSM226)
  • Diesel Electronic Fuels: Systems, Operation & Diagnostics (DSM289)
  • Industrial Motor Control (ELT227)
  • Power Generation Theory & Operation (DSM227)
  • Gaseous-Fueled Engines (DSM225)
  • Introduction to Programmable Logic Control (ELT245)
  • Electrical Machinery Analysis (ELT246)
  • Power Generation Systems (DSM292)
  • Residential Power Generation (DSM228)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Physics with Technological Applications (PHS114)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Featured Video

Virtual Tour

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.

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs
Facilities

Modern Fully-Equipped Labs

Gain hands-on experience in advanced learning labs where you’ll work on equipment just like you can expect to see after graduation.  

Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Dual Degree

What is Building Automation?

Interested in pursing a dual degree in Building Automation Engineering Technology? Learn More

Electric Power Generation & Building Automation

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

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.

Kelly logo
PennPower logo
Electrical Generating Systems Association logo
Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Diesel Performance Technicians Association

Expand learning opportunities and meet others who share your interest in diesel performance.  

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.01.2024

College's Transportation Scholars program featured on 'Centre County Report'

Friday’s “Centre County Report” featured a story on Penn College’s Transportation Scholars program. The weekly broadcast -- produced by students in the capstone broadcast journalism course in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State – included an interview with Bradley M. Webb, dean of engineering technologies.

02.29.2024

Diesel students rev up to recruit at Motorama

Penn College's Diesel Performance Club and its 1959 B-61 Model Mack drag truck were revved up to return to Motorama, the annual motorsports extravaganza held Feb. 17-18 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The students enjoyed sharing their passion for Penn College and its diesel technology major with event attendees and showing off their treasured truck. With more than 5,000 participants and 50,000 motorsport spectators, there was plenty of networking to do.

02.23.2024

Penn College receives NSF grant to aid transportation workforce

Pennsylvania College of Technology is the recipient of a nearly $1.5 million federal grant to support students majoring in a transportation-related field. The National Science Foundation awarded $1,498,465 (grant No. 2221107) as part of its S-STEM program, which funds scholarships for academically talented low-income students.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Many students have an opportunity to work with power generation professionals across the nation.  

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Dual Degree
Diesel Technology & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Diesel Technology & Heavy Construction Equipment Technology

Students who have earned an associate’s degree from Penn College in Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis are eligible to earn a second degree in Diesel Technology or Heavy Construction Equipment Technology (Technician or Caterpillar Equipment emphasis) in as few as three years. Students may work with their advisor to declare a dual degree, taking courses for both degrees simultaneously. 

Learn more

More Information

The sequence of this program begins in the fall semester. Students who elect to start in the spring semester may take general education coursework but will not be able to stay in sequence for completion in four semesters.

Students applying for a dual degree with other diesel-related majors will need to select this major as their primary major.

View general transfer information

View the Electric Power Generation Technology: Diesel Emphasis Required Tools

Required for all labs:

  • uniform
  • glasses, safety, clear lens/black frame
  • leather work shoes or boots

Uniforms and tools are available for purchase through The College Store.

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.

  • Mr. Don Casterline, '80, Owner, Casterline Diesel, Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher R Clary, Manager, Operations, IMG Midstream
  • Mr. Eric Faust, '09, Equipment Maintenance Foreman, Halliburton Energy Services
  • Mr. Zachary Gensimore, Regional Truck Service Operations Manager (East), Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Christopher Malm, General Service Manager, Power Generation, West Branch Diesel
  • Mr. Frank Miller, Executive Vice President, Kenworth of PA
  • Mr. Daniel Mohlenhoff, '11, Working Foreman, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Gregory A Moser, '99, Manager, FedEx Freight
  • Mr. Timothy B Moyer, Technical Trainer, Refrigeration, Penn Power Group
  • Mr. Jack Neidig, '86, Instructor, SUN Area Career & Technology Center
  • Mr. Justin E Ridings, Technical Training Specialist, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
  • Mr. Nevin Weaver, General Manager, Kenworth Of Pennsylvania
  • Mr. Douglas C Wetzel, '81, Engine Training Instructor, Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company, Inc.
  • Mr. Tyler White, '11, Service Manager, Ascendance Trucks Pennsylvania, LLC
  • Mr. Jeremy Wilson, General Manager, M&K Truck Centers
  • Mr. Tony Wiser, Director of Service, Motor Truck Equipment/ KW of PA
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair