35 Credits DIP3160, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The diploma is designed to prepare learners for career opportunities in the diesel, farm equipment and industrial mechanics field. Students will prepare for entry level employment in a variety of settings doing lube services, detailing, and light mechanical repairs. With additional course work and experience technician aides will become service technicians.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 35 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: $7,506
Tools and Equipment: $1,800
Total Estimated Cost: $9,306 *
and you'll see that tuition at 色中色 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 (15 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
AGME1801 Outdoor Power Equipment (3 credits)
This course covers operational theory and service competencies necessary to service small four-stroke cycle engines, two-stroke cycle engines, lawn/garden equipment, and chain saws. Fuel systems, electrical systems, tune-up, drive train adjustment, and attachments are emphasized. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1812 Equipment Assembly, Operation, Adjustment and Reconditioning I (2 credits)
This course covers basic tillage and planting equipment. The student will learn all component parts and proper adjustment of units. Machine adjustment may be accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples, and actual equipment, or on field trips. In the machinery set-up and reconditioning portion the student identifies set-up and reconditioning procedures, follows the set-up and operator's manual, uses a checksheet, uses a torque chart, learns the procedure for threading and taping, installs heli-coils and keenserts, sharpens drill bits, installs the hydraulic system, follows the hydraulic diagram, assembles machinery, touches up paint, and adjusts the equipment for field use. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1813 Equipment Assembly, Operation, Adjustment and Reconditioning II (2 credits)
This course covers basic harvesting equipment. The student will learn all component parts and proper adjustment of units. Machine adjustment may be accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples, and actual equipment, or on field trips. In the machinery set-up and reconditioning portion the student identifies set-up and reconditioning procedures, follows the set-up and operator's manual, uses a checksheet, uses a torque chart, learns the procedure for threading and taping, installs heli-coils and keenserts, sharpens drill bits, installs the hydraulic system, follows the hydraulic diagram, assembles machinery, touches up paint, and adjusts the equipment for field use. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1821 Precision Measuring Tools (1 credits)
This course covers using precision tools. The student will learn to use micrometers and vernier calipers (English and metric); torque wrenches; small hole and telescoping gauges; dial bore gauges; steel, iron, and wire gauges; feeler gauges; thread pitch gauges and plastigauges. Students will also learn compression testing (gas and diesel), cylinder leakage testing, and radiator cap, thermostat, and antifreeze testing. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1822 Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I (3 credits)
This course covers overhauling an engine. Students will rebuild gas and diesel heads. Steps covered include grinding valves, seats, and rocker arms; replacing worn seats and guides; testing springs; and reassembling heads. In addition, students will perform tasks such as engine removal/replacement and disassembly/reassembly; sleeve removal/replacement; and crankshaft, camshaft, sleeve, piston, bearing, and rod measuring. The reassembled engine will be timed, adjusted, and tested on the dynamometer. (Prerequisites: AGME 1821)
AGME1823 Engine Support Systems and Lab (3 credits)
This course covers cooling, lubrication, and intake/exhaust systems. The student will identify, troubleshoot, and repair each of the systems. The student will also become familiar with special tools necessary to service these systems. The laboratory portion of the class involves overhauling an engine and should be taken in conjunction with AGME1822. Students will increase their understanding and knowledge by applying the materials and procedures learned in Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I. (Prerequisite: AGME 1821)
AGME1831 Tractor Power Trains (3 credits)
This course includes lecture instruction and laboratory experience in dry clutches, wet clutches, mechanical transmissions, power take-off units, final drives, differentials, brakes, and steering. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1861 Tractor Electrical Systems (3 credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of electricity and its application to farm equipment electrical systems. The content includes wiring diagrams, batteries, test equipment, charging systems, cranking systems, ignition systems, and diagnostic service procedures. (Prerequisites: None)
AGME1881 Parts Department Operation (1 credits)
This course covers the basics in the operation of an agricultural equipment dealership. The major emphasis is the parts department area. A total review of this department will be covered in class. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME1891 Hydraulic Theory (1 credits)
This course covers basic hydraulic systems used with modern agricultural equipment. This course will focus on the basic principles and the study of hydraulic components that make up the modern hydraulic systems. Students must read and sign the safety eyeglass form required by the state. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME1923 Gas/Diesel Engine Repair II (4 credits)
This course is designed to assist the students in building their understanding and application of materials and procedures learned in Gas/Diesel Engine Repair I, Power Trains, Electrical Systems, and other mechanical courses. The students will repair customer units. The primary repair work will involve engine overhaul (gas and diesel), clutch, brake, and electrical repairs. Customer units must be completed by the end of the course. (Prerequisites: AGME1821. Students must be enrolled in the Agribusiness Service Technician program)
AGME1930 Ag Welding (2 credits)
This is an introduction to both electric arc and gas welding. Also included is a short section on the wire welding system. (Prerequisites: None)
AGRI1850 Employer/Employee Relations (3 credits)
This course covers the principles of supervision and the factors of supervision as they relate to the goals of the business. Supervision problems with practical solutions will be emphasized. Personnel management techniques including determine personnel needs, finding and recruiting people, performance appraisals, training, promotions, legal issues, stress control and terminations will be included. Students will develop an employment portfolio. (Prerequisites: None)
HLTH1952 First Aid (1 credits)
This course includes emergency care training for initial treatment of illness and injury. Patient assessment, bleeding control, shock management, soft tissue injury, orthopedic injury, diabetic problems, seizures, poisons, heat exposure and cold exposure are some of the topics covered in the course. This course is appropriate for anyone who may need to render immediate care. The topics covered do meet the course requirements for OSHA and MSHA first aid training.
SGAG1000 Ag Orientation (1 credits)
Students will become oriented to the careers in agriculture related to the specific filed they plan to enter. Completion of interviews of industry professionals will be required and students will need to write a career plan relating to the path they have been oriented. (Prerequisite: None)
Internship (2 Credits)
Complete 2 credits:
AGME2940 Agribusiness Service Technician Internship (1 - 9 credits)
This course is a cooperative work-study program between the 色中色 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)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
