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) 694-8445 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
Request Information
Want to know more about this program or any of ICC’s AIT programs?
Steps to Enroll in the DPET Program

- Apply to Illinois Central College.
- Schedule and take an ICC Academic Assessment.
- Complete the DPET Application.
- 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
- Meet with a DPET academic advisor. Contact Colin Campbell at 309-694-8445 for an appointment.
Admission to the Program:
High school graduate or equivalent. Candidate applications are screened. Acceptance into the program is based on the caliber of competing applications and departmental approval. Applicants must submit separate application materials for the DPET Program to the Program Coordinator. Applicants must schedule an on-campus meeting with the Program Coordinator. Application forms, procedures and policies are available from the Program Coordinator at the DPET Building by calling (309)694-5582 or (309)694-5616, or online at icc.edu Students enter the program during the fall semester only. Deadline dates for complete applications are December 1, and April 1 to be considered for the following fall semester. Applications received after April 1 will be considered, should openings occur prior to the start of fall semester.
High School Recommendations: 3 years English, 2 years mathematics, agriculture mechanics and/or auto mechanics, welding, agriculture course work.
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
East Peoria Campus
AIT Building, Room 209
(309) 694-5510
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.
Career Cluster:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available Composition I (ENGL 110) | Humanities | Introduction to Communication (COMM 110) | Social Science High School Diploma or GED Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Paying for College | Career Information:
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics
| Student Information Diesel Powered Equipment Technology
(70 credit hours) 609 Air Conditioning Certification; Cummins Electrical & Fuel System Certifications Farm equipment mechanics & service technicians, Mobile heavy equipment mechanics
$15-28/hr There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs at this time. Program transfer There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs at this time. Transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities. For additional transfer information, including information on transfer partnerships and transfer guides:
Pathway:
Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance, Power, Structural & Technical Systems
ICC Pathway: Diesel
Early College
Point of Entry
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
OCCUPATION BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
CAREER CLUSTER BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
guides layout course work to be taken at ICC and the transfer institution to complete specific programs of study or majors.GENERAL BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
Related Programs
Automotive Technology
Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology
GM ASEP