Academic Catalogs

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_HVAC

Control Number: 03976

Financial Aid Eligible


The Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVACR) option prepares students for employment as heating, ventilating and air conditioning technicians. Students will be trained to install, service and maintain air conditioning/refrigeration equipment in buildings. The program provides a background for more advanced studies in the design and installation of computerized building automation systems.

Refrigeration relates to the cooling of air or liquids, thus providing lower temperatures to preserve food, cool beverages, make ice, and for many other applications. Air conditioning includes space cooling, heating, humidification, dehumidification, air filtration, and ventilation to condition the air and improve air quality. The field of HVACR Technology is vital to our health and security, from the cryogenic (ultra-low temperatures) scientific field to the preservation of our food products to the air conditioning of hospitals and institutions.

A math competency level equivalent to Tech A040 is strongly recommended or satisfactory score on math competency examination.

Complete the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog.

Program Outcome

Prepare students for entry-level employment as an HVACR Technician and for industry certifications.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
  4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course Title Units
Required Courses
Select one of the following:3
Computer Use in Technology
Introduction to Computer Applications
Introduction to Computer Information Systems
HVAC A100Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Principles3
HVAC A101Basic Electrical for HVAC-R3
HVAC A102Refrigeration Service3
HVAC A103Air Conditioning Service3
HVAC A105Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Controls3
HVAC A110Pneumatic Controls3
HVAC A140Building Automation3
Select six units of the following:6
Air Balance
Non-Residential Applications for HVAC
Ice Machine Service & Repair
Total Units30
Requirement Units
Program Major Units 30
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Minimum Degree Units 60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
HVAC A100 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Principles 3
HVAC A101 Basic Electrical for HVAC-R 3
CHT A100
Computer Use in Technology
or Introduction to Computer Applications
or Introduction to Computer Information Systems
3
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
HVAC A104
Air Balance
or Non-Residential Applications for HVAC
or Ice Machine Service & Repair
3
 Units15
Semester 2
HVAC A140 Building Automation 3
HVAC A102 Refrigeration Service 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
Intermediate Algebra 1
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units15-16
Year 2
Semester 1
HVAC A110 Pneumatic Controls 3
Choose one not already taken above: 3
Air Balance
or Non-Residential Applications for HVAC
or Ice Machine Service & Repair
 
HVAC A105 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Controls 3
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units15-16
Semester 2
HVAC A103 Air Conditioning Service 3
OCC AS GE AREA B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 3
 Units15-16
 Total Units60-63