Choose your path.
Diesel Ag/Industrial Tractor & Truck
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation across all major diesel systems through hands-on training. That includes diesel and small engines, power trains, hydraulics, electrical systems, welding, HVAC, and shop management. You’ll also learn essential shop practices like safety, CPR/first response, and hazardous materials handling, along with the computer skills used in modern service environments.
After your first year, you’ll choose a specialization based on your interests and career goals.
Ag/Industrial Option
This path focuses on agricultural and industrial equipment, with advanced training in diesel engine overhaul, hydraulic and electrical system diagnostics, fuel systems, GPS, and integrated machine systems. You’ll work on real, customer-owned equipment in the shop, building the experience needed for careers with equipment dealerships, construction companies, farms, and maintenance operations.
Truck Option
The truck path prepares you to work on heavy-duty trucks and transportation systems. Training includes diesel engine overhaul, fuel systems, electronic engine controls, drivetrains, air brakes, suspension, steering, and preventative maintenance. Like the ag/industrial option, you’ll spend most of your time diagnosing and repairing customer-owned equipment in a real shop environment.
Across both paths, the focus stays the same: learning by doing, building real experience, and preparing for work in industries that depend on diesel every day.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Articulation Agreements:
Diesel Ag/Industrial Tractor & Truck Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Diesel Ag/Industrial Tractor & Truck degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Diesel Ag/Industrial Tractor & Truck sector.
Diesel Technician
Graduates of the Diesel Ag/Industrial & Truck program can pursue careers as Diesel Technicians, diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing the equipment that powers agriculture, transportation, construction, and industry. In this role, you'll troubleshoot engines, electrical systems, hydraulics, and powertrain components while helping customers maximize equipment performance and uptime. It's an excellent career path for individuals who enjoy technology, problem-solving, and hands-on work.
Where you might work:
• Equipment dealerships
• Truck service centers
• Agricultural operations
• Construction companies
• Fleet maintenance facilities
Agricultural Equipment Technician
As an Agricultural Equipment Technician, you'll specialize in the maintenance and repair of tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, and other modern farming equipment. Graduates can expect to work with advanced diagnostics, precision agriculture technology, hydraulics, and electronic systems that help producers operate efficiently and profitably.
Where you might work:
• Agricultural equipment dealerships
• Farm equipment manufacturers
• Precision agriculture service providers
• Agricultural operations
• Equipment rental companies
Heavy Equipment Technician
Heavy Equipment Technicians maintain and repair the machinery used in construction, mining, earthmoving, and infrastructure projects. In this role, you'll work with loaders, excavators, bulldozers, graders, and other specialized equipment while helping ensure machines operate safely and efficiently in demanding environments.
Where you might work:
• Construction equipment dealerships
• Heavy equipment service centers
• Mining and aggregate operations
• Construction companies
• Equipment rental organizations
Fleet Maintenance Technician
As a Fleet Maintenance Technician, you'll help keep commercial trucks and transportation fleets operating safely and reliably. Graduates can expect to perform preventative maintenance, diagnose mechanical issues, and repair critical systems that support transportation and logistics operations. This role offers opportunities to work with a wide range of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
Where you might work:
• Trucking companies
• Transportation fleets
• Municipal fleet operations
• Logistics organizations
• Commercial vehicle service centers
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
Getting all of this straight can be tough – but you're not alone. Our representatives are here to help.
"I chose Lake Area Tech because it had the leading Cosmetology program and instructors in South Dakota."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,380 |
| State Fees | $3,150 |
| Departmental Fee | $4,608 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,170 |
| Uniform Fee | $280 |
| Course Fees | $240 |
| Tools | $8,250 |
| Books | $1,400 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $30,668 |
We know that college is a significant investment in your future. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate. You can find these estimates and a semester breakdown in the PDF cost breakdown worksheet.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
