37 Credits DIP3155, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The diploma is designed to prepare a learner for entry level career opportunities in the diesel, farm equipment, and industrial mechanics fields. Learners will diagnose and repair engines, fuel systems, power trains, electrical systems, hydraulics, air conditioning, and related machinery. With additional training and experience many technicians become shop foreman, service managers or open their own business. This diploma is designed for the learner who has prior training in the field or credit for life experience. A pretest or prior course work is required for admittance to this program.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 37 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $7,935
Tools and Equipment: $1,800
Total Estimated Cost: $9,735 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (11 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
AGME2832 Hydraulic Assist/Hydrostatic Transmissions (2 credits)
This course covers speed change, powershaft, and hydrostatic transmissions. The student identifies transmission operation, traces powerflow, and diagnoses problems. The student performs disassembly, repairing, reassembly, testing, and adjusting of various transmissions. The transmissions covered in the course include John Deere 8 and 16 speed, International Harvester TA, White 3 speed, Case RPS-34, Case-IH Magnum, and Sunstrand/Eaton hydrostatic. (Prerequisites: AGME 1821, AGME 1831)
AGME2841 Air Conditioning (1 credits)
This course covers the air conditioning system. The student will reclaim, evacuate, charge, test, and diagnose the air conditioning system. Refrigerant identification equipment will be utilized. Compressor seal and head gasket replacement is included. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2852 Introduction to Diesel (1 credits)
This course covers an introduction to the diesel system, components, operation, and servicing nozzles. The student will study construction and operation of nozzles, as well as test, clean, repair, adjust, and diagnose multi-orifice and pintle nozzles. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2853 Diesel Injection (Pumps) (3 credits)
This course covers the operation, disassembly, repair, and adjustment of injection pumps. Rotary injection pumps covered are the Roosa Master DB, DC, DM2, DM4, and DB2 diesel pumps, the CAV DPA diesel pump, the Robert Bosch VE diesel pump, and the United Technologies Model 100 diesel pump. The Robert Bosch PES inline injection pump with the RSV governor will be included. Students will identify pump operation and component parts; disassemble, repair, and adjust internal parts; reassemble the pump; and perform pump adjustments on the test bench. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME2863 Advanced Agricultural Electrical/Electronics (2 credits)
This course covers review, troubleshooting, and diagnosis of charging and starting systems. Reading of schematics for all electrical areas are also included. Other areas covered are theory and operation of lighting, warning, accessory, cooling, steering, shifting, and hitch control circuits. Monitoring and control circuits found on planters and combines are included. G.P.S. systems will be touched on with equipment availability. (Prerequisites: AGME 1861)
AGME2882 Ag Tech Seminar (1 credits)
This course is designed to cover career opportunities, prospective placement, and current technical problems in the Agricultural Mechanics field. Time spent with topic areas may vary. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME2892 Hydraulic Theory and Diagnosis (4 credits)
This course covers the hydraulic systems found on most agricultural and industrial equipment. The hydraulic diagrams, pumps, open/closed/pfc systems, valve types, electric over hydraulics, and JIC diagrams are presented. The students will identify, test, diagnose, and repair hydraulic systems and components such as control valves, power steering, brakes, pumps, rockshafts, and motors. This course includes use of the flow rator, flow meter, and pressure gauges. (Prerequisites: AGME 1891)
AGME2945 Tractor/Equipment Repair I (3 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students perform repair services on customer tractors and school units. (Prerequisites: AGME 1822, 1823, 1831, 1891, 1923)
AGME2946 Tractor/Equipment Repair II (4 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students perform repair services on customer tractors and school units. (Prerequisite: AGME 2945)
AGME2947 Tractor/Equipment Diagnosis and Repair (4 credits)
This course provides the student with tractor service shop experience in hydraulics, diesel fuel systems, electrical systems, power trains, air conditioning, and engines. Students will perform repair services on customer tractors and school units and will compare their component repair time with flat rate. If you have a disability and need accommodations to participate in the course activities, please contact your instructor as soon as possible. (Prerequisites: AGME 2945. Student must be enrolled in the Agribusiness Service Technician program)
OTEC1001 Computer Software for College (2 credits)
This course covers basic information about computer hardware and software and the use of computer software as a business productivity tool. Students will be given introductory training on a Windows operating system and the common business applications of word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation graphics. This course is designed to equip the student with knowledge of hardware and software applications. This course will cover the business application software that will be used in more advanced courses. (Prerequisites: Basic computer skills or Computer Basic class; mouse proficiency, keyboarding skill of 25 words per minute)
OR
OTEC1790 Keyboarding for College (2 credits)
This course covers the development of basic keyboarding techniques using the touch-typing method of the computer. Emphasis will be on learning the touch-typing method of typing alphabetic, number and symbol keys. The keyboarding goal will be to attain a minimum rate of 35 words per minute with accuracy. (Prerequisites: None)
Internship (9 Credits)
Complete 9 internship credits
AGME2940 Agribusiness Service Technician Internship (1 - 9 credits)
This course is a cooperative work-study program between the South Central College Agribusiness Department Service Technicians program and area dealership or industry, which allows the student an employment-like work experience. Application of competencies gained from previous coursework will be emphasized. Specific tasks to be accomplished by the student will be identified in an individualized student training plan. Variable credits 1-9 (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Agribusiness Service Technician Program)
Elective Credit (1 Credit)
Select one credit from courses in the following subjects: AGBS, AGEC, AGRI, ANSC, MEAG, PLSC, SGAG, SWPR, OTEC or HLTH. Courses must be selected in consultation with advisor/faculty.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
