Level I Certificates & AAS, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.
Program Description
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Program is designed to equip students with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills required for in-demand careers in residential HVAC systems. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mechanical principles, electrical systems, diagnostics and safety standards, while also providing extensive practical training in installation, maintenance, and repair. Built around industry-recognized certifications and a workforce-aligned curriculum, students gain real-world experience through hands-on labs, internships and partnerships with regional employers.
As part of the program, students will earn EPA Section 608 Universal Certificate and the ESCO Employment Ready/HVAC Excellence Certification. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as skilled HVAC technicians and are eligible to serve as a registered technician under a licensed contractor sponsor and begin accruing the required supervised work experience toward technician or contractor licensure.
Statewide Industry Insights
- Current Workforce: 63,439
- Average Salary: $62,000
- Open Positions: 6,926
Data provided by Lightcast, 2025
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level I Certificate, HVAC Electrical and Controls Technician | ||
| HART 1401: Basic Electricity for HVAC | 4 | |
| HART 1407: Refrigeration Principles | 4 | |
| HART 2301: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Codes | 3 | |
| HART 2368: Practicum (Or Field Experience) – HVAC/R Technology/Technician | 3 | |
| HART 2442: Commercial Refrigeration | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level I Certificate, Residential HVAC Technician | ||
| EECT 1300: Technical Customer Service | 3 | |
| HART 1441: Residential Air Conditioning | 4 | |
| HART 1445: Gas and Electrical Heating | 4 | |
| HART 2331: Advanced Electricity for HVAC | 3 | |
| HART 2334: Advanced Air Conditioning Controls | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 17 | |
| Cumulative Total | 35 | |
Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) | ||
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I 1 | 3 |
| GOVT 2306 | Texas Government 2 | 3 |
| MATH 1314 | Pre Calculus Algebra 3 | 3 |
| SPCH 1318 | Interpersonal Communication 4 | 3 |
| SPCH 1321 | Business & Professional Communication 5 | 3 |
| HART 2336: Air Conditioning Troubleshooting | 3 | |
| HART 2441: Commercial Air Conditioning | 4 | |
| HART 2345: Residential Air Conditioning Systems Design | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 25 | |
| Cumulative Total | 60 | |
- 1
ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).
- 2
GOVT 2306 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).
- 3
MATH 1314 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).
- 4
SPCH 1318 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture).
- 5
SPCH 1321 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).
Additional information: Reference the SHSU Polytechnic College page for additional information.
Level I Certificate, HVAC Electrical and Controls Technician
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Hours |
| HART 1401: Basic Electricity for HVAC | 4 |
| HART 1407: Refrigeration Principles | 4 |
| HART 2301: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Codes | 3 |
| HART 2368: Practicum (Or Field Experience) – HVAC/R Technology/Technician | 3 |
| HART 2442: Commercial Refrigeration | 4 |
| 18 | |
| Total Hours: 18 | |
Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.
Level I Certificate, Residential HVAC Technician
| First Year | |
|---|---|
| Spring | Hours |
| EECT 1300: Technical Customer Service | 3 |
| HART 1441: Residential Air Conditioning | 4 |
| HART 1445: Gas and Electrical Heating | 4 |
| HART 2331: Advanced Electricity for HVAC | 3 |
| HART 2334: Advanced Air Conditioning Controls | 3 |
| 17 | |
| Total Hours: 17 | |
Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.
AAS, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| ENGL 13011 | 3 | SPCH 13215 | 3 |
| GOVT 23062 | 3 | HART 2336: Air Conditioning Troubleshooting | 3 |
| MATH 13143 | 3 | HART 2441: Commercial Air Conditioning | 4 |
| SPCH 13184 | 3 | HART 2345: Residential Air Conditioning Systems Design | 3 |
| 12 | 13 | ||
| Total Hours: 25 | |||
- 1
ENGL 1301 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area I (Communications).
- 2
GOVT 2306 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area VII (Political Science/Government).
- 3
MATH 1314 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area II (Mathematics).
- 4
SPCH 1318 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IV (Language, Philosophy, and Culture).
- 5
SPCH 1321 satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Component Area IX (Component Area Option).
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Level I Certificates and AAS Program in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) are designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Ability to install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including electrical components, ductwork, and controls.
- Develop the skills to identify and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues in HVAC systems using industry-standard diagnostic tools and techniques..
- Apply EPA Section 608 guidelines to safely handle, recover, and dispose of refrigerants in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with clients, document service work, and explain technical issues in clear, professional language.
- Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA standards, safe work practices, and compliance with state and federal HVAC licensing requirements.
