Diesel and Heavy Equipment (BAS)
Emphasis

Pittsburg State is one of only approximately 10 colleges and universities in the nation to offer a 4-year degree in automotive technology. In fact, this program is considered by industry to be one of the top 3 of its kind in the country.

Students learn in classes that are purposefully kept small (average size is 20); guaranteeing a “hands-on” experience with some of the nation’s most accomplished professors. Our automotive laboratories encompass 32,000 square-feet of space and are among the most advanced in the nation. Thanks to our partners in industry, students have the opportunity to work on more than 40 donated automobiles and use the same tools and technology currently being used in the workplace. In fact, students do not need to bring or purchase their own tools.

Employers actively seek out Pittsburg State Automotive graduates because they know the quality of our program. Our graduates can be found in some of the largest and most well-respected companies in the world including: AGCO, Allstate, American Honda, Bridgestone-Firestone, Caterpillar, CNH Industrial, FIAT Chrysler Automobiles,  Cummins,  Ford Motor Company, John Deere, General Motors, Mazda, NAPA, Nissan, State Farm, Toyota, and many more. (See expanded list)

Students are able to choose from a variety of emphasis areas. Each option consists of approximately 21 credit hours. In most cases, students will take 2 years of general education classes and 2 years of automotive technical classes concurrently. (BST courses - BAS courses)

Pittsburg State is well known for developing leaders in the field of Automotive and Diesel Technology. Our graduates gain more than just the technical skills needed to gain employment in this fast changing industry; they gain the leadership skills necessary to succeed at the highest corporate levels. Companies actively recruit Pittsburg State students because they know they are signing an employee that is both a skilled technician and communicator. In fact, nearly 100% of our graduates either found jobs or were accepted into a graduate program according to the latest Employment Data Report. 

Graduates accept careers as heavy equipment administrators, hotline troubleshooters, company field representatives, service training instructors, field testing, technicians and instructional developers.

Manufacturers of vehicles are interested in individuals who have an understanding of automotive and diesel systems, mechanical design, engineering materials, processing technologies, and the quality measures associated with manufacturing quality products. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Standards, the annual median pay for automotive Industrial manufacturing managers is $93,940.