Diesel engines have become the standard in powering trucks and buses because of their efficiency and durability. Between freight and public transportation, agriculture and manufacturing, many of our nation’s most important industries are powered by diesel, leading to a constant demand for skilled maintenance professionals. Today’s technicians not only diagnose and fix mechanical problems, they also must understand and troubleshoot the computer-controlled systems found in diesel engines, power trains and hydraulic systems, suspensions, and braking systems.
Our two-year hands-on program prepares you for entering the workforce in Agricultural Equipment, Heavy Truck and Trailer, or Heavy Equipment maintenance and repair. The program also provides industry training and professional development. Currently, more than 50 Midwestern businesses employ one or more Kirkwood graduates from our program.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and they are many specifically for student enrolled in Diesel Technologies. Students in this program may be eligible to have half of their tuition paid for by the Kibbie Grant.
Students in Kirkwood's ag programs planning to transfer to Iowa State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are eligible to apply for the Leonard and Evelyn Dolezal Scholarship Program. This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen from Linn, Clayton, Fayette and Johnson counties, and transfer students, particularly those from Kirkwood. If a student is not from one of the specified counties, they will become eligible as a Kirkwood transfer student.
Graduates of the Diesel Technologies program will be able to:
A one-hour program conference is required prior to acceptance to the program. You’ll learn more about the program, specific admissions requirements, and have the opportunity to have questions answered by program faculty and staff.
School Year: 2024–2025
Program Entry Semester: Fall/Spring/Summer
| Pre-Reqs | Fall | Spring | Summer | Fall | Spring | Summer | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 0 | 18 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 18 | 0 | 71 |
| In-State Tuition | $0 | $3,906 | $3,038 | $1,085 | $3,472 | $3,906 | $0 | $15,407 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $0 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $0 | $250 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $0 | $585 | $420 | $150 | $450 | $0 | $0 | $1,605 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $230 | $65 | $35 | $205 | $60 | $0 | $595 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $10,000 | $250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $10,250 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $100 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4,771 | $13,790 | $2,321 | $3,960 | $3,365 | $28,207 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $217 (In-State), $290 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
To get into the Diesel Technologies program, you must complete the following, in addition to Kirkwood’s steps to become a student:
As a student in the Diesel Technologies program, a minimum standard listing of tools will be supplied in your first semester in the program. During the first two semesters you will be required to use this standard set of tools provided to you through Kirkwood Community College. You will be responsible for this set, and it will not be allowed to leave school premises.
You will be required to purchase a minimum standard set of professional-grade tools moving into the third semester of your program. The cost is approximately $10,000 for your tools and toolbox, depending on the vendor you choose. A complete tool list with associated costs and vendors is available to help you plan for this purchase.
Depending on your eligibility, federal financial aid can be used to assist with the purchase of your tools. If you are using federal financial aid, you must visit with a financial aid advisor either by phone or in person to arrange for disbursement of those funds.
The curriculum for this program is designed from industry input. Students learn the latest tools and concepts to be successful in the field. Sample classes include:
Diesel Technician
Shop/Service Technicians
Service Managers
Owners/Operators
Shop Foreman/Managers
As a Diesel Technologies student, you will complete a summer internship allowing you to apply your lab and classroom skills in an actual work environment.
The Diesel Technologies program provides quality technical training and education for students to be successful in the service and repair of equipment in the trucking industry.
Agricultural Sciences
1000 Washington Hall
319-398-5609
agsciences@kirkwood.edu