Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology

Start Date: Fall and Spring Semesters

OSUIT’s Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology degree is a sure way to invest in an HVAC career path.

From emergency repairs to installation and maintenance, A/C technicians are an in-demand profession that can earn you a salary of $51,000 on average, with exponential room to scale. With climate and temperature control being of utmost importance to a variety of industries, those with air conditioning degrees can find work in private, commercial, or manufacturing settings all over the country and world.

The AAS in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (ACR) is a 6-semester program that trains current and future refrigeration and cooling technicians and engineers in systems, control platforms, and service tools—complete with hands-on applications and internship opportunities.

AAS in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology Program Outcomes

To begin working in the air conditioning and refrigeration technology industry, A/C mechanics, technicians, and repair professionals typically need apprenticeship training and in-field work experience, as well as education and training at a certificate level.

Because of this, it can be hard to break into the cooling industry, unless you have professional connections to vouch for you. However, OSUIT’s air conditioning and refrigeration degree program combines high-level, well-rounded instruction with built-in internships that ensure job readiness upon graduation.

With an Associate of Applied Science degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration from OSUIT, you won’t just learn about the design of electrical and mechanical cooling systems and how to manipulate control platforms; you’ll also get a guaranteed internship experience at real-world firms, where you can stack up in-field experience with hands-on instruction from experienced faculty. This puts you well on your way to a rewarding career in air conditioning and refrigeration technology.

In the AAS degree, you’ll learn:

Residential A/C and heating system operation
Commercial air conditioning and refrigeration
System control and design
Expert use of service tools like pressure gauges, electrical meters, refrigerant recovery units, manometers, air flow meters, and temperature recorders
Mechanical codes
EPA Certification

Certificate programs can be one way to get into a cooling and refrigeration career path, but an air conditioning and refrigeration technology associate degree includes a curriculum that goes beyond technical applications, providing a worldly, well-rounded education that sets you apart during your HVAC technician training or career as an A/C professional.

Taking courses to develop skills like group communications, business mathematics, and technical writing can open you up to higher-level positions or even help you start your own refrigeration business.

Review the complete plan of study for the AAS in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

Why Enroll in OSUIT’s AAS in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology?

OSUIT’s refrigeration and air conditioning technology associate degree is the only ACR degree in Oklahoma, but there’s more than one reason to choose OSUIT to prepare you for your career in temperature control systems.

Expert Instructors

Instructors in the air conditioning and refrigeration technology associate degree program are experts in the world of HVAC technician training. Bringing real-world experience, our ACR department faculty teach the latest industry standards and best practices. Get to know the ACR faculty.

Built-In Paid Internships

An essential component of the air conditioning degree at OSU Institute of Technology is the built-in paid internships. Get academic credit while earning a paycheck, not to mention the real-world work experience you need to begin your HVAC career path. Learn how our business partners help students find meaningful internships.

Post-Graduation Job Placement

Nearly 100% of OSUIT graduates report job placement within six months of graduating. In fact, one of our own refrigeration program instructors began working as an HVAC technician after graduating from the ACR program. Explore our student career resources, including the OSUIT Assessment Center and Career Services and job board.

Competitive Tuition Cost

At just $5,760, OSU Institute of Technology’s AAS degree tuition is around half the amount of other state universities. Learn more about OSUIT tuition and fees.

Transfer Prior Credits

OSU Institute of Technology makes it simple to shorten your degree program requirements with prior learning assessments, saving you time and money on tuition. Find out if you qualify for credit for prior learning to start fast-tracking your air conditioning and refrigeration associate degree.

Financial Aid Options

When you’re enrolled in the AAS in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program, or any OSUIT degree program, several financial aid programs are available, from federal to state-funded. Financial circumstances and availability of funds are evaluated to determine the amount of the student financial aid award. Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Cooling and Refrigeration Career Prospects

With the skills and knowledge you need to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair residential and commercial heating, A/C, and refrigeration systems, there’s a spectrum of career paths you will be qualified to pursue after graduating with an air conditioning degree, including:

HVAC helper
HVAC installer
HVAC service technician
Refrigeration technician
Stationary engineer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the HVAC industry is expected to grow, both for installers and repair and replacement workers, due to current rises in residential and commercial construction, as well as an increased demand for more energy-efficient systems. The BLS also reports that the average yearly wage for technicians is around $51,000, but there’s room to grow. The top 10 percent earned more than $80,000.

Learn How to Apply to OSUIT’s Degree in A/C and Refrigeration Technology

You don’t have to be a graduating high school senior to apply to OSUIT. Our student body is made up of first-time college students, working adults, transfer students, current high school students, and international students.

In order to apply for the Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, you’ll need some high school coursework. Whether you’re transferring or just starting out your HVAC technician training, review OSUIT’s admissions requirements to learn your next steps.

Learn More about the AAS Degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

OSU Institute of Technology offers a great start to your HVAC career path with the Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology degree program. From real-world experience to industry-leading knowledge from expert faculty, the skills you learn will prepare you for work in a variety of industries.

Request information about the AAS in ACR degree, or chat with an enrollment advisor today at 918-293-3817.

About Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology

Founded in 1946, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is a recognized leader in applied technology education and is known for world-class teaching facilities, partnerships with industry and a nearly 100 percent career placement rate.

OSUIT programs of study are approved by the Board of Regents for Oklahoma State University and the A&M Colleges, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma State Accrediting Agency. OSUIT, a public state-supported institution, has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1975.