Academics

Diesel Powered Equipment Technology

The Diesel Powered Equipment Technology (DPET) program is a two-year program that trains students to service, repair, and diagnose diesel powered equipment like agricultural machinery, tractors, on-highway trucks, bulldozers, road graders, combines, loaders, and more.

This program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. The lab is equipped with the latest electronic test equipment to help students diagnose problems. Students work with electronic diagnostic tools, bore gauges, flow meters, calipers, dial indicators, laptop computers, engine dynamometers, digital multimeters, micrometers, pressure analyzers, power wrenches, hand tools, and other specialized equipment. Students complete two paid internships during their sophomore year at a dealership that services diesel powered equipment. Upon completion of this program, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce or continue your education by transferring to a four-year college or university.

This program is a competitive program. We encourage students to apply by the December 1 application deadline to be considered for the following fall semester. Any applications received after that deadline will only be considered if the program is not full. Call (309) 694-5582 or (309) 694-5616 to request a DPET information booklet.

Career Opportunities

This program will prepare you to work in the agricultural, diesel fuel injection, heavy equipment, or heavy truck industries as a:

• Service Technician
• Service Manager
• Service Specialist
• Corporate Territory Service Manager
• Engineering Test Technician
• Technical Sales Professional
• Technical Training Professional

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Steps to Enroll in the DPET Program

1. Apply to Illinois Central College.
2. Schedule and take the ICC Placement Tests.
3. Complete the DPET Application.
4. Provide two DPET Student Applicant Recommendation forms to a high school instructor(s) and/or employer(s). Make sure they understand that THEY are responsible for completing and mailing to Illinois Central College
5. Meet with a DPET academic advisor. Contact Jeff Gardner at 309-694-5582 for an appointment.

Degree

Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 70

Program Requirements

Select a course number below to see a course description.

Required General Education Courses

Course	Name	Credit Hours
ENGL 110	COMPOSITION I	3
	COMMUNICATION *	3
	SOCIAL SCIENCE *	3
AGBUS 118	AGRICULTURAL COMPUTATIONS	3
DPET 130	PRINCIPLES OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES	4
	HUMANITIES *	3

Required Program Courses

Course	Name	Credit Hours
DPET 132	ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT	3
DPET 133	ENGINE REBUILDING, THEORY AND PRACTICE	3
DPET 134	AIR CONDITIONING OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT	3
DPET 229	HYDRAULICS	3
DPET 230	HARVESTING EQUIPMENT	2
DPET 231	PLANTING AND TILLAGE EQUIPMENT	2
DPET 232	TRANSMISSIONS AND FINAL DRIVE	3
DPET 233	OCCUPATIONAL INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR I	3
DPET 235	ELECTRONIC CONTROLS/MONITORING SYSTEMS	3
DPET 236	HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND REPAIRS	3
DPET 238	OCCUPATIONAL INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR II	3
DPET 239	TRUCK POWER TRAINS	3
DPET 241	MECHANICAL DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS	3
DPET 242	ELECTRONIC FUEL SYSTEMS	3
DPET 243	ENGINE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS	2
DPET 244	GUIDANCE SYSTEMS	2
DPET 245	TRUCK SUSPENSION, BRAKES AND CHASSIS	3
DPET 246	INDUSTRY QUALIFICATIONS	2
WELD 120	WELDING	2

* See specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.

Students complete two, eight-week internships during the sophomore year of training. Technical training reflects the technology represented by the agricultural equipment, construction equipment, and heavy truck industries. The graduate's salary will directly commensurate with the service professional's academic performance, work ethic, and motivation. Graduates have the opportunity to transfer to a four-year university.  Students must be enrolled as full-time students and complete the required coursework in the prescribed sequence. 

Students must provide their own tools for use throughout the course of study.

Recommended Course Sequence

Semester	Courses
Fall Semester 1	DPET 132; DPET 130; DPET 229; AGBUS 118; ENGL 110
Spring Semester 1	DPET 133; DPET 241; DPET 235; Communication; Social Science
Summer Semester	DPET 230; DPET 231; DPET 232; DPET 134
Fall Semester 2	DPET 233; DPET 245;DPET 246; DPET 242; DPET 244 ;WELD 120
Spring Semester 2	DPET 236; DPET 238; DPET 239; DPET 243; Humanities

Program Contact Information

Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Department
AIT Building
Room 118
(309)694-5582 or 5616

Illinois Career Cluster

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource

Career Pathway:
Power Structure and Technical Systems

Career Pathway

Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.

Related Programs

Automotive Technology
Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology
GM ASEP