Bachelors In

Heavy Equipment Mechanic Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
Table of Contents

Why We Love It

  • $50,080
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493042.htm for 49-3042 Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

In a bachelor of science in heavy equipment mechanic program, students learn how to build, repair, and service diesel-powered equipment used in the agricultural, mining, construction, drilling, and transportation industries.

Graduates will gain the knowledge and certifications needed to find careers as heavy equipment mechanics, either working full-time for an employer or owning their own repair shops.

What is a Degree in Heavy Equipment Mechanic?

In the past, a degree wasn’t necessary to find work as a heavy equipment mechanic. New mechanics were hired with little experience and trained on the job or through apprenticeships.

However, modern heavy equipment has become much more complex—utilizing advanced electronic and computer systems—and these advanced components require significantly more technical knowledge to repair. For this reason, many employers now seek heavy equipment mechanics with formal degrees and training.

In a heavy equipment degree program, you’ll take coursework in math, science, and logic, preparing you to use your knowledge to form sound theories on which equipment is malfunctioning, and providing you with the skills to repair malfunctioning equipment.

You may also participate in internships for college credit as part of your coursework, learning from experienced heavy equipment mechanics on farms, in truck repair shops, on construction sites, on offshore drilling facilities, or at mining sites.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Heavy Equipment Mechanic?

  • Applied Failure Analysis
  • Fleet Management
  • Testing Systems and Analysis
  • Interactive Electronic Controls
  • Advanced Hydraulic Systems
  • OSHA Laws and Regulations
  • Automotive Materials
  • Engine Air Flow Analysis

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Heavy Equipment Mechanic?

Graduates of heavy equipment mechanic degree programs can qualify for a variety of jobs in many different industries, so demand for educated professionals should be strong in the coming decade.

Diesel mechanics in particular are expected to be in high demand due to the current popularity of online shopping. Once distributors rely on tractor-trailer fleets to transport goods across the country, and the high number of diesel vehicles being used is expected to increase demand for diesel mechanics.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Heavy Equipment Mechanic will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for Heavy Equipment Mechanic Degrees

Graduates of heavy equipment mechanic programs work on construction equipment, diesel trucks, industrial machinery, farming equipment, and aircraft engines, among others.

They find positions on farms, with drilling companies, for airports and shipyards, with construction companies, and at mines. Some also open their own mechanic shops, offer traveling services, or repair client equipment on site.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Heavy Equipment Mechanic degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

Create My SmartPlan

Get a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Certificate

While some employers will require a bachelor’s degree, many hire heavy equipment mechanics who’ve only earned certificates in the field. A certificate program usually only takes a year of study—less in some cases—and graduates may be able to find work in the field as heavy equipment mechanics after graduation.

This will allow you to earn an income and professional experience sooner, and if you decide to also pursue a bachelor’s degree later, your credits may transfer to your bachelor’s degree program.

You Might also be Interested in

Many visitors who look for a degree in Heavy Equipment Mechanic are also interested in the following degrees.

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