This fully-loaded program develops the skills necessary to repair, inspect, and maintain diesel-powered highway equipment.
Learn about diesel truck preventative maintenance and service, and the theory and skills needed to perform vehicle inspection and engine tune-up. You'll become skilled in overhauling engines, transmissions, and rear differentials, as well as repairing air-brakes, chassis and suspensions.
Earn your certificate in just 10 months full-time, or two-years part-time. And when you graduate you'll be ready to take the Pennsylvania Vehicle Safety Inspection examinations.
Graduates of this program interested in more advanced training can continue on in the Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science degree with just an additional year of study.
Your coursework will cover classes specific to your area of specialization along with foundational concepts and lessons that invite fresh perspectives.
2
Semesters
12
Courses
35
Credits
Fall 2026
6 courses 18 credits
50% program-specific courses
Spring 2026
6 courses 17 credits
100% 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.
Entry-level heavy-duty commercial truck preventative maintenance technician for:
Extensive Hands-On Program
50+
Newer Model Diesel Engines
Full and Part-time Options Available
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 126 scholarships.
Calling all cars: Events bring car/truck enthusiasts to two campuses
April 17, 2026
Two recent student-hosted events brought the best of new and old vehicles to the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, where the Diesel Performance Club hosted its…
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…
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.
Acceptance into this major is offered for the Fall semester only. This major has limited seat capacity. Acceptance is offered on a rolling basis until the seat capacity has been met. Students must accept their seat in the major by confirming their intent to enroll.
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 https://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). 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.
Diesel Technology Advisory Committee Members
Kevin Alderfer
Customer Dealer Advisor and Training Specialist
Bergey's
Derrick Bowersox
Regional Sales Manager
Bergy's Truck Center
Mr. Don Casterline
Owner
Casterline Diesel, Inc.
Mr. Christopher R Clary
Manager, Operations
IMG Midstream
Jay B Cole, Jr.
Certified Dealer Instructor/Training Manager
Groff Tractor and Equipment Company
Richard A Decatur, Jr.
Instructor/Teacher
Norther Tier Career Center
John Dieso
Training Manager
Sherwood Freightliner
Dave Exelbert
Field Application Engineer
ABB
Mr. Eric Faust
Equipment Maintenance Foreman
Halliburton Energy Services
Josh Ford
Skilled Trades Recruiter
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. Gregory A Moser
Manager
FedEx Freight
Mr. Timothy B Moyer
Technical Trainer, Refrigeration
Penn Power Group
Mr. Eric Naugle
Equipment Manager
Kiewit
Mr. Jack Neidig
Instructor
SUN Area Career & Technology Center
Mark Novitch
General Manager, SVP, part oner, Customer Experience Manager
Sherwood Freightliner & Western Star Trucks, Sherwood Isuzu Trucks
Michael R Patterson
Service Manager
Kenworth of Pennsylvania
Leon Prince
Regional Operations Manager
Curtis Power Solutions
Mr. Justin E Ridings
Technical Training Specialist
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc.
Patrick Rodack
Training Instructor
Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
Jeremy Steppe
Power Systems Field Technician
Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.
Christopher Swendsen
EPG Assistant Service Manager
H.O. Penn Machinery
Adam Trimble
Senior Talent Acquisition Leader
Patterson-UTI Management Services, LLC
Joshua Vilcko
Operations and Maintenance Technician
Tenaska River Valley Generation
Mr. Nevin Weaver
General Manager
Kenworth Of Pennsylvania
Mr. Tyler White
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
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
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Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Diesel Truck Technology
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On-Site Power Generation Technology
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Forest Technology
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