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Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology

Majors Overview August 16, 2014

Receive information about a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program in Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in HVAC-R Technology

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program are taught supervisory, management and technical skills. They learn how to install and repair HVAC-R systems, in addition to subject areas such as the management of energy, system design and controls. Core coursework also includes topic areas such as job scheduling, quality control, material management, and cost estimating.

After they complete the program, students can expect to gain a firm grasp of customer relations, technical specifications of these systems, general principles of air flow and energy, and legal codes and regulations.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Students enrolled in some schools may be required to complete courses in communications, chemistry, computers, trigonometry, and algebra.

Coursework

While many of the courses in the technical HVAC-R program include hands-on training, coursework also incorporates general education classes. Programs may give students the opportunity to avail field experience. Coursework may include professional courses such as:

•Blueprint reading
•Air conditioning systems
•Commercial systems
•HVAC-R electricity
•Mechanical systems
•Refrigeration systems
•HVAC-R system servicing
•Heating systems
•HVAC-R system controls

Career Choices

Those who complete these programs may seek employment that involves installation, maintenance or repair of residential or commercial HVAC-R systems. Graduates may commonly aspire for job titles such as:

•HVAC-R contractor
•Estimator
•Project manager
•System design assistant

Job and Wage Outlook

In May 2012, HVAC-R mechanics and installers brought in an average annual wage of $43,640 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The highest wages to these professionals came from wired telecommunications carriers; building equipment contractors were their most common employers (BLS). A job growth rate of 21% has been predicted for HVAC-R installers and mechanics, over the 2012 – 2022 decade (BLS).

Continuing Education Choices

Licensure is mandatory in some states for HVAC-R technicians (BLS). Licensure norms commonly include the passage of a skills test and meeting the experience and education requirements. Certification is mandated by the federal government for individuals working with or purchasing refrigerants. Industry organizations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offer such certification to these professionals.

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