Diesel and Heavy Equipment
Emphasis
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Overview
Earn your degree in Automotive Technology with an emphasis in Diesel and Heavy Equipment at Pittsburg State University.
This program provides students the opportunity to dive into three areas of diesel technology including:
- agricultural equipment
- construction equipment
- on-highway truck systems
An emphasis area within our 4-year Automotive Technology program prepares students for a successful career in the automotive and diesel & heavy equipment manufacturing industry.
Pittsburg State develops leaders in the field of Automotive and Diesel Technology.
Our graduates gain more than just the technical skills needed to gain employment in this fast-changing industry; they gain the leadership skills necessary to succeed at the highest corporate levels.
Nearly 100% of our graduates either found jobs or were accepted into a graduate program according to the latest Employment Data Report.
Diesel and Heavy Equipment graduates accept careers as:
- heavy equipment administrators
- hotline troubleshooter
- company field representatives
- service training instructors
- field testing, technicians
- instructional developers
Manufacturers of vehicles are interested in individuals who have an understanding of automotive and diesel systems, mechanical design, engineering materials, processing technologies, and the quality measures associated with manufacturing quality products.
According to the Bureau of Labor Standards, the annual median pay for automotive Industrial manufacturing managers is $93,940.
Additional information
- About the Automotive Technology Program:
Pittsburg State is one of only approximately 10 colleges and universities in the nation to offer a 4-year degree in automotive technology. In fact, this program is considered by industry to be one of the top 3 of its kind in the country.
Students learn in classes that are purposefully kept small (average size is 20); guaranteeing a “hands-on” experience with some of the nation’s most accomplished professors. Our automotive laboratories encompass 32,000 square-feet of space and are among the most advanced in the nation. Thanks to our partners in industry, students have the opportunity to work on more than 40 donated automobiles and use the same tools and technology currently being used in the workplace. In fact, students do not need to bring or purchase their own tools.
Employers actively seek out Pittsburg State Automotive graduates because they know the quality of our program. Our graduates can be found in some of the largest and most well-respected companies in the world including: AGCO, Allstate, American Honda, Bridgestone-Firestone, Caterpillar, CNH Industrial, FIAT Chrysler Automobiles, Cummins, Ford Motor Company, John Deere, General Motors, Mazda, NAPA, Nissan, State Farm, Toyota, and many more. (See expanded list)
Students are able to choose from a variety of emphasis areas. Each option consists of approximately 21 credit hours. In most cases, students will take 2 years of general education classes and 2 years of automotive technical classes concurrently. (BST courses - BAS courses)
About Automotive Technology Department
The Department of Automotive Technology, located within the Kansas Technology Center, is recognized by the industry as offering one of the best academic programs in the nation.
Through the Automotive Technology program at PSU, gain advanced diagnostic skills needed to service the complex vehicles of today. Learn more about our program through a Virtual Automotive Department Tour.
With decades of experience teaching and working in the automotive industry, our faculty are world-renowned teachers and experts in their craft.
Train on the newest tools and latest equipment found in the industry in 1 of our 7 specialized lab spaces:
Automotive Technology - 2-Year Lab
Automotive Technology - Collision Lab
Automotive Technology - Diesel Lab