Heavy Equipment Operator Course Catalog
Use this course outline to see how your skills progress from equipment operation and maintenance to GPS technology, project management and real-world internship experience.
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.
On-Campus (2026-2027)
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
22 Months (4 Semesters, 2 Summer Sessions)Credits Required for Graduation: 72.5
* Optional Exit Point for Diploma, after First Year – Summer Session
An exit point is intended for those students who do not purse the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. These students will receive a diploma.
11 Months (2 Semesters, 1 Summer Session)
Credits Required for Graduation: 41
First Year – Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 100 | Heavy Equipment Operations I Theory | 15 | 1 |
| HEO 102 | Heavy Equipment Operations I Lab | 90 | 2 |
| HEO 105 | Equipment Simulators | 56 | 2 |
| HEO 115 | Heavy Equipment Operator Safety | 28 | 1 |
| HEO 120 | Site Modification | 56 | 2 |
| CDL 100 | Written Preparation | 15 | 1 |
| CDL 102 | Behind the Wheel Training | 84 | 3 |
| 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 | |
| Selected Mathematics Course (choose one) | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 434 | 18 | |
First Year – Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 110 | Site Engineering And Layout Theory | 30 | 2 |
| HEO 130 | MSHA Certification (HEO) | 28 | 1 |
| HEO 140 | Backhoe And Front End Loader | 56 | 2 |
| HEO 145 | Earthmoving Blueprints And Grade Stakes Theory | 30 | 2 |
| HEO 150 | Equipment Preventive Maintenance | 56 | 2 |
| HEO 163 | Heavy Equipment Operations II | 56 | 2 |
| HEO 170 | Crane Certification | 56 | 2 |
| FLT 132 | Advanced Unmanned Aerial System | 84 | 3 |
| WLD 130 | Into To Stick Metal Arc Welding | 28 | 1 |
| Total | 424 | 17 |
First Year – Summer Session
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 201 | Heavy Equipment Operations III | 140 | 5 |
| HEO 202 | Advanced Equipment Preventive Maintenance | 28 | 1 |
| Total | 168 | 6 |
Second Year – Fall Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 203 | Base And Rover For Construction | 84 | 3 |
| HEO 205 | Grader Operations | 84 | 3 |
| HEO 215 | Gps For Field Machines | 56 | 2 |
| HEO 225 | Soils And Compaction | 42 | 1.5 |
| HEO 233 | Heavy Equipment Operations IV | 84 | 3 |
| Selected Behavioral Science Course (choose one) | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 395 | 15.5 | |
Second Year – Spring Semester
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEO 210 | Demolition And Estimating Theory | 15 | 1 |
| HEO 230 | Budgeting For Seasonal Worker | 15 | 1 |
| HEO 237 | Hydraulic Systems | 28 | 1 |
| HEO 242 | Project Management | 30 | 2 |
| HEO 250 | Internship (HEO) | 240 | 4 |
| HEO 255 | Electrical Systems | 28 | 1 |
| CSC 102 | Windows Applications for Technicians | 45 | 3 |
| Selected Social Science Course (choose one) ECON 105 - Leadership in the Global Workplace ECON 201 - Principles of Microeconomics* SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology * | 45 | 3 | |
| Total | 446 | 16 | |
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.