Associate Degree in Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing
On this page:
About This Program
The Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing programs prepare students to install, repair and maintain refrigeration, heating and air conditioning equipment. Students learn about the components and construction of HVACR systems, temperature control and electronics, and how to read blueprints. This program incorporates a hands-on practical approach through work in the lab on HVAC equipment.
Graduates enter their field with skills and knowledge in basic electricity, heating and refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems, as well as the skills and competencies for journeyman plumbing. Special attention will be given to the integration of green technologies. Advanced courses develop more sophisticated design and application skills such as estimating thermal loads, hydronic piping design and controls for more complex circuits including digital. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/ HVACR) technicians can work in private homes, commercial offices, industrial complexes or any other type of building.
The Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing department offers an Associate in Applied Science degree with two options: Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, and Heating & Plumbing. The program also offers individual certificates in Plumbing, Heating, and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in the HVAC/Plumbing fields.
Out-of-State Licensure Information
If you are completing this program and will be seeking licensure in another state, please download our Out-of-State Licensure document.
Your Degree Courses
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Plumbing offers two Associate in Applied Science degrees requiring a mix of general education and hands-on courses. The following courses are a sampling of what you might take as a student in these programs and are subject to change.
Program Course Sampling
- Print Reading
- Basic Electrical Principles/Electronics for HVAC
- Residential Heating Systems
- System Design & Industrial Heating
- Introduction to Welding
- Basic Refrigeration
- Basic Air Conditioning
- English Composition
- Introduction to Literature
- College Algebra & Trigonometry
- College Physics I & II with Lab
- Fine Arts/Humanities and Social Science electives
- Use of Leveling Instruments
- Basic Electrical Principles/Electronics for HVAC
- Residential Heating Systems
- System Design & Industrial Heating
- Introduction to Welding
- Blueprint Reading & Sketching
- Plumbing Applications and Methods/Code
- English Composition
- Introduction to Literature
- College Algebra & Trigonometry
- College Physics I & II with Lab
- Fine Arts/Humanities & Social Science electives
Current Major-Specific Courses Available
Interested in seeing some of the current major-specific courses being offered as a part of this degree program?
Graduation Requirements
Prospective Students
If you are thinking about attending SMCC and are curious what the current program course requirements are to earn your degree, download the current SMCC Course Catalog.
Current Students
If you are a current student, your program requirements may be different than those listed for the current catalog year. To view your specific program requirements or to search and register for courses, log in to MySMCC and visit the MyDegree webpage.
Graduation Outcomes
- Assemble warm air, steam and hot water systems
- Combustion test for maximum operating efficiency
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical and fuel systems
- Exhibit knowledge of installation code and safe work practices
- Assemble, charge and operate refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Troubleshoot and repair refrigeration and AC control systems
- Recover, recycle and work safely with refrigerants
- Awareness and teamwork skills
Equipment Requirements
Estimated Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Certificate Programs
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Plumbing offers certificates in Heating, Plumbing and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning which require a mix of general education and hands-on courses.
To learn more:
- Visit our Heating Certificate webpage.
- Visit our Plumbing Certificate webpage.
- Visit our Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Certificate webpage.
Program Costs
View an estimate of costs to complete this program:
SMCC Graduates
