The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) program at College of DuPage provides both a general technical background in HVACR and also allows for specialization in many areas of the industry.
Students learn about refrigeration, air conditioning and heating, electrical circuitry, control equipment and system design, as well as troubleshooting and equipment installation. Take HVACR courses in testing, troubleshooting and equipment installation.
Our degree and certificate programs prepare students for positions as technicians and mechanics, installers, stationary operators, managers, contractors and HVACR business owners. With proper planning, students can continue their education at a four-year college or university and pursue a degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Determine Your Path
Find employment with utility or supply chain companies companies, governmental organizations or manage your own business.
Whether you are preparing for a career in HVACR, planning to transfer to a four-year college or university or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
- Flexible schedules with day, evening, and online learning.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Affiliations with many industry and trade associations such as The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), as well as local unions ensure that the students gain knowledge and skills that are relevant and in demand by today’s employers.
Building Automation Systems (BAS), Certificate
The Building Automation Systems (BAS) certificate prepares a student for an entry level building or energy controls technician position. This certificate requires 37 credits in the courses listed below.
Energy Audit and Analysis, Certificate
The Energy Audit and Analysis certificate is designed for Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) and building inspection contractors to expand their services to include residential and light commercial energy audits and additional services. This certificate requires 10 credits in the courses listed below.
Entry Level HVACR, Certificate
Prepares students for an Entry-Level technician positions in the HVACR industry. This stackable credential allows entry-level employment after one semester of courses and can be applied towards advanced HVACR credentials. Upon completion, students can continue their education while working in the industry. The credential is a speed to market solution for students seeking entry level employment after one semester worth of work.
Facility Maintenance Mechanic, A.A.S.
The Facility Maintenance Mechanic degree is designed for the individual seeking a career in Facility Maintenance. The degree prepares students for commercial and industrial facility maintenance employment. There are emphases in both commercial and industrial HVACR to allow students to create their own career pathways. This degree requires a minimum of 64 credits in program requirements, electives and general education in the courses listed below.
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician, A.A.S.
The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician degree offers training in current technology for diagnosing, servicing, repairing, installing and maintaining heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and energy systems. There are emphases in both residential and commercial HVACR to allow students to create their own career pathways. This degree requires a minimum of 64 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education in the courses listed below.
HVACR Contractor, A.A.S.
The HVACR Contractor degree is intended to provide the technical and business skills required to be successful as an HVACR Contractor. This degree requires 64 credits in program requirements and general education in the courses listed below.
Service Technician, Certificate
The Service Technician certificate prepares students for entry- level positions in the HVACR industry. This certificate requires 33 credits in the courses listed below.
Stationary Operator, Certificate
The Stationary Operator certificate is designed for the individual seeking a career in Facility Maintenance. The certificate prepares students for commercial and industrial Facility Maintenance. This certificate requires 31 credits in the courses listed below.
COD Stories
“Whether responding to carbon monoxide dangers or emergency heating issues, I knew this career would allow me to make a difference while providing a stable income for my family.” - Mike Bartolomucci
Mike's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in HVACR is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
- Facility Maintenance Mechanic, Associate in Applied Science
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician, Associate in Applied Science
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Contractor, Associate in Applied Science degree
- Building Automation Systems (BAS), Certificate
- Energy Audit and Analysis, Certificate
- Stationary Operator, Certificate
- Service Technician, Certificate
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Service Technician, A.A.S.
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
Facility Maintenance Mechanic, A.A.S.
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Develop an understanding of central plant heating and cooling systems in commercial facilities.
- Understand the role of building automation systems in commercial facility systems.
HVACR Contractor, A.A.S.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Develop a business startup strategy to sustain a successful business.
Building Automation Systems (BAS), Certificate
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Develop an understanding of building automation networking systems.
- Develop an understanding of building automation system architecture.
- Demonstrate the ability to program building automation systems with block programming.
- Understand how commercial HVACR systems work with building automation systems.
Energy Audit and Analysis, Certificate
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate energy code knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Stationary Operator, Certificate
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Develop an understanding of central plant heating and cooling systems in commercial facilities.
- Understand the role of building automation systems in commercial facility systems.
Service Technician, Certificate
- Understand tools and instruments and how they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
- Formulate an installation or trouble shooting plan utilizing proper tools and instruments.
- Identify and implement safety procedures for all tasks.
- Provide a quality control plan that identifies and analyzes data for the HVAC/R industry.
- Apply the principles of engineering, mathematics and science to analyze and solve mechanical, electrical, airflow, and energy problems in the HVAC/R industry.
- Understand the impact of HVAC/R actions as it relates to the environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of local, state and federal laws as they apply to the HVAC/R industry.
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Valley City State University, AAS Facility Maintenance Mechanic to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Valley City State University, AAS HVACR Contractor to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
- Valley City State University, AAS HVACR Service Technician to Bachelor of Applied Science in Management
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.Career Information
Explore careers based on your interest, location and salary range or view top occupations by income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the HVACR program.
If you are planning to attend school full-time (at least 12 semester hours of classes), suggested first semester courses can be found in the course catalog. Suggested courses for your first semester are listed in the information for each degree/certificate.
If you are planning to attend part-time, then regardless of the degree or certificate, we suggest that you enroll in HVACR 1100 first, followed by HVACR 1105, HVACR 1161 and HVACR 1110.
