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 first application deadline of December 1 to be considered for the following fall semester. A second application deadline of April 1 will allow students to be considered for fall if the program still has openings. Any applications received after April 1 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
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 the ICC Placement Tests.
- 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 Jeff Gardner at 309-694-5582 for an appointment.
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 72
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 | 4 |
| DPET 234 | INTRODUCTION TO DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS | 2 |
| DPET 235 | ELECTRONIC CONTROLS/MONITORING SYSTEMS | 3 |
| DPET 236 | HYDRAULIC SYSTEM ANALYSIS AND REPAIRS | 3 |
| DPET 238 | OCCUPATIONAL INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR II | 4 |
| DPET 239 | POWER TRAIN DIAGNOSTICS | 2 |
| DPET 240 | SERVICE CENTER MANAGEMENT | 1 |
| 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 |
* 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 234; DPET 235; DPET 240; Communication; Social Science |
| Summer Semester | DPET 230; DPET 231; DPET 232; DPET 134 |
| Fall Semester 2 | DPET 233; DPET 245; DPET 241; DPET 242; DPET 244 |
| Spring Semester 2 | DPET 236; DPET 238; DPET 239; DPET 243; DPET 246; Humanities |
Program Contact Information
Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Department
AIT Building
Room 118
(309)694-8445 or 5616
Illinois Career Cluster
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource
Career Pathway:
Power Structure and Technical Systems
Related Programs
Automotive Technology
Caterpillar Dealer Service Technology
GM ASEP