Diesel ThinkBig Caterpillar (DCAT) Course Catalog
Use this course outline to follow your Caterpillar-specific training from the classroom to paid dealership internships. See how the program prepares you for a career as a CAT service technician.
Attending college is more than just collecting credits — there's a carefully designed path that builds your knowledge, skills, and expertise step by step. On this page, you'll find a complete, semester-by-semester breakdown of all the courses required to graduate.
Diesel ThinkBig Caterpillar (DCAT) Info
Diesel ThinkBig Caterpillar (DCAT) (2026-2027)
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
20 Months (4 Semesters, 1 Summer Session)Credits Required for Graduation: 72
First Year – Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCAT 110 | CAT Engine Fundamentals | 112 | 4 |
| DCAT 111 | Introduction To CAT Service | 56 | 2 |
| DCAT 118 | MSHA Certification | 15 | 1 |
| DCAT 150 | Internship I | 300 | 5 |
| ● Selected Communications Course (choose one) CMST 101 - Foundations of Communication* (CSS 100 – Career Search Strategies .5 credit) COMM 101 - Communications and Career Strategies ENGL 101 - Composition * (CSS 100 – Career Search Strategies .5 credit) | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 528 | 15 | |
First Year – Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCAT 112 | Fundamentals Of Hydraulics | 84 | 3 |
| DCAT 113 | Caterpillar Fuel Systems | 56 | 2 |
| DCAT 114 | Fundamentals Of Electricity | 84 | 3 |
| DCAT 151 | Internship II | 300 | 5 |
| ● Selected Social Science Course (choose one) ECON 105 - Leadership in the Global Workplace ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics* ECON 202 - Principles of Macroeconomics * SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology * | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 569 | 16 | |
First Year – Summer Session
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCAT 115 | Fundamentals Of Air Conditioning | 56 | 2 |
| DCAT 116 | Fundamentals Of Transmissions And Torque Converters | 84 | 3 |
| DT 116 | Metallurgy | 56 | 2 |
| ● Selected Behavioral Science Course (choose one) | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 241 | 10 | |
Second Year – Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCAT 200 | Undercarriage/Final Drives | 28 | 1 |
| DCAT 201 | CAT Machine Electronics | 84 | 3 |
| DCAT 210 | Machine Hydraulic Systems | 84 | 3 |
| DCAT 235 | Applied Failure Analysis | 15 | 1 |
| DCAT 250 | Internship III | 300 | 5 |
| ● Selected Mathematics Course (choose one) | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 556 | 16 | |
Second Year – Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCAT 202 | Engine Performance | 56 | 2 |
| DCAT 203 | Diagnostic Testing | 56 | 2 |
| DCAT 204 | Machine Specific Systems | 84 | 3 |
| DCAT 251 | Internship IV | 300 | 5 |
| MATH 103 | Mathematical Reasoning | 45 | 3 |
| Total | 541 | 15 |
Optional Courses Available
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL 100 | Written Preparation | 15 | 1 |
| CDL 102 | Behind the Wheel Training | 84 | 3 |
● Students will select a course in each of the areas listed to meet general education requirements. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) can be transferred directly to the university system and may be substituted for recommended courses on the outline. Students should speak with an advisor before doing so.
Students who select to take transferable communications course CMST 101 or ENGL 101, must also register for CSS 100 – Career Search Strategies for .5 credit. This curriculum is required for all Lake Area Tech graduates and is included in the COMM 101 course but is separate from the university system.