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

Level I Certificate, HVAC Electrical and Controls Technician
HART 1401Basic Electricity for HVAC4
HART 1407Refrigeration Principles4
HART 2301Air Conditioning and Refrige3
HART 2368Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology/Technician3
HART 2442Commercial Refrigeration4
Total Hours18

Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum.  

Level I Certificate, Residential HVAC Technician
EECT 1300Technical Customer Service3
HART 1445Gas and Electric Heating4
HART 2331Advanced Electricity for HVAC3
HART 2334Advanced Air Conditioning Controls3
Total Hours17
Cumulative Total 35

Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum. 

AAS, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Level I Certificate, HVAC Electrical and Controls Technician18
Level I Certificate, Residential HVAC Technician17
Core Curriculum
ENGL 1301Composition I 13
GOVT 2306Texas Government 23
MATH 1314Pre Calculus Algebra 33
SPCH 1318Interpersonal Communication 43
SPCH 1321Business & Professional Communication 53
Required Courses
HART 2336Air Conditioning Troubleshooting3
HART 2345Residential Air Conditioning System Design3
HART 2441Commercial Air Conditioning4
Total Hours60
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
FallHours
HART 14014
HART 14074
HART 23013
HART 23683
HART 24424
 18
Total Hours: 18

Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum. 

Level I Certificate, Residential HVAC Technician

First Year
SpringHours
EECT 13003
HART 14414
HART 14454
HART 23313
HART 23343
 17
Total Hours: 17

Note: The Level I certificate program stacks into the AAS curriculum. 

AAS, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENGL 130113HART 23363
GOVT 230623HART 23453
MATH 131433HART 24414
SPCH 131843SPCH 132153
 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.