MSC Southeast - Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology

Put your pedal to the metal in our accelerated Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology program.

Now more than ever, it's important to get a top-notch education that will get you into the workforce and earning a living quickly. That's why Minnesota State College Southeast's Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology program in Winona will get you through the classes you need for a 54-credit diploma in just one year!

Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology runs for Fall and Spring semesters and one Summer session. The program is packed with everything you'll need to know to find employment in this high-paying, high-demand career area. Start with the basics: Shop safety, use of service manuals, preventative maintenance, and the use of automotive tools and equipment. You will progress quickly to in-depth, hands-on knowledge of:

Starting and charging systems
Gas and diesel engine repair
Drive trains and axles
Suspension and steering
Brake systems
Heating and air conditioning
Light duty diesel and hybrid service
DC Electricity, electric/electronic systems
Computer controlled systems
And more!

The course load in Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology is flexible enough to allow part-time employment while going to college. And if you have a job in the field, you may be able to coordinate with your employer and the faculty to receive lab credit for hours worked in industry.

Where will you be in a year? With a diploma in Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology, you can be working in an exciting career that will always be in demand. Apply today!

Major Offerings

Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology (DIP) View Classes
Winona - 54 cr
Automotive Technology Foundations (CERT) View Classes
Winona - 9 cr
Undercar Specialist (CERT) View Classes
Winona - 15 cr

Download the Program Plan

Outcomes & Opportunities

Program Learning Outcomes

Program graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate safety practices and policies in an environmentally safe and compatible environment.
Demonstrate the ability to diagnose related vehicle repairs using problem solving techniques.
Demonstrate the ability to operate electrical diagnostic equipment.
Demonstrate the ability to process information from service manuals and technical service bulletins to complete automotive repairs.
Define the use of service manuals and technical service bulletins related to automotive repairs.
Develop a plan for a career path in the automotive technology trade.

Automotive and Light Duty Diesel Technology Job Placement: 100%

View placement information for all majors

Career Opportunities

Certified Technicians
Service Managers
Service Writers
Vehicle Inspectors
Shop Owners
Specialists
Insurance Adjusters
Instructors

Transfer Credits

Expand your opportunities. Learn how your credits can transfer to other colleges and universities.

College Articulated Transfer Agreements: Specific agreements between MSC Southeast and other institutions to accept transfer credits.
Minnesota Transfer: Transfer information provided by Minnesota State colleges and universities, Minnesota private colleges, and the University of Minnesota.
Transferology: A nationwide network to assist students in determining which courses will transfer.

Highlights & Instructors

Program Highlights

State-of-the-art lab in the Norris P. Abts Transportation Center operates as a live shop
Students work on customer vehicles, get real hands-on experience
Emphasis on diesel, hybrid, and automotive technologies and computer controlled systems
Possible to receive laboratory credit for hours worked in industry
Text and curriculum designed around Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification

Instructors

Niel Christensen comes to Minnesota State College Southeast from Dahl Automotive (formerly Walz) in Winona where he worked for seven years as an automotive technician. Before that he worked at Sugarloaf in Winona for 13 years. Niel graduated from MSC Southeast's Automotive Technology Program in 1992. In addition he attended Ford and General Motors Schools.
Josh Jacobsen is fully GM certified and Advanced ASE Master certified. He worked at Dahl/Walz for 12 years and continues to work part-time in order to stay current with job requirements. Josh graduated from Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, MN. His hobbies include buying, repairing, and selling cars, building and restoring cars, and fishing.