Diesel Equipment Technology FAQ

Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Frequently Asked Questions

• Both programs have identical course work in diesel mechanics. Graduates of both programs typically start out as technicians.
• The associate degree program (Diesel Equipment Technology) has more general studies course in the curriculum, such as Written Communications, Psychology, Physics, etc. These general courses may help prepare you for mid-management positions or complete a four year degree.  This degree also has more credits overall than the technical diploma program.
• The technical diploma program (Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology) has fewer general studies in the curriculum, and thus fewer credits overall in the degree.

• You may apply to start either Diesel program in either the fall or spring semester. However, we recommend a fall start.

• You can apply as early as one year before you plan to start.You may apply to either Diesel program for either the fall or spring semester.  However, we recommend a fall start.
• Click here to apply

• The only admissions requirement is that you have a high school diploma, HSED, or GED.

• Occasionally, a waitlist forms.  The latest applicants are on the list. 
• Last year, only one student was not able to start in the fall because of a waitlist.  While some students were initially placed on a waitlist, we were able to admit them because of other students deciding not to attend.

• Go to MATC’s tuition webpage to see approximate cost per semester for every program.

• The Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician is a 2-year technical diploma and the Diesel Equipment Technology is a 2-year associate degree.
• Both programs will take two years to complete if you take all the classes each semester in sequence.

• Students go full-time to day classes. 
• All classes are held at the Madison Truax campus.

• Yes.  You may take any general studies class before you enter into the program.  To find these classes, look at the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician curriculum sheet or the Diesel Equipment Technology curriculum sheet, which lists all required classes.  General studies courses are identified by an 800 course number (for example, Written Communications is 10-801-195).

• Occasionally, there may be space in one of the Diesel courses for a non-program student.  If there are no pre-requisites to the course (or if you have the pre-requisite), you may be able to take the course if the instructor provides consent.

• For additional questions about admissions or about either Diesel program, call advisor Kimbrin Cornelius at (608) 243-4283 or email her at kcornelius[at] matcmadison [dot] edu.