Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
HVAC student presenting project concept

About this program

Hands-on learning is here. In expansive labs alongside expert faculty with 100+ years of combined experience, you’ll take away the technical know-how to excel in high-demand HVAC residential and commercial careers. From installation and repair to system engineering and design, grads are prepared to take on whatever challenges come their way.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

7,500+

Square Feet of Lab Space

Tech +

Learn Technical & Management Skills

$62,000

Average Annual Salary

Careers

  • Applications engineer
  • Design engineer
  • Sales engineer
  • Project estimator or manager
  • Commercial service & installation
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Introduction to Refrigeration (ACR116)
  • Mechanical Systems Design & Operation (PLH113)
  • Fundamentals of HVAC Electrical Controls (ACR152)
  • Air Conditioning Systems I (ACR236)
  • Residential HVAC System Design (ACR239)
  • Advanced Controls for HVAC (ACR253)
  • Basic Heating Systems (PLH233)
  • HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design (ACR103)
  • Advanced HVAC System Service (ACR249)
  • Warm-Air Heating & Duct Design (ACR251)
  • Hydronic Heating Systems (PLH245)
  • Mechanical Estimating (PLH220)
  • Refrigeration Applications - Commercial Installation/Service (ACR221)
  • Mechanical Systems (PLH223)
  • Fundamentals of Engineered Systems Design (BHV311)
  • Heating & Cooling System Configurations (BHV316)
  • Advanced Cooling System Design (BHV320)
  • Advanced Heating Design (BHV325)
  • Principles of Management (MGT115)
  • Advanced HVAC Control Systems (BHV366)
  • Commercial Refrigeration Systems Design (BHV400)
  • Environmental Impacts of the HVAC Industry (BHV431)
  • Mechanical System Design (BHV432)
  • Senior Project (BHV495)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Environmental Science (SCI100)
  • Science Elective with lab (SCL)
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP)
  • Ethics (PHL210)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP)
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry II (MTH183)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
  • Speech Elective (SPC)
Fully Equipped Learning Labs
Facilities

Fully Equipped Learning Labs

Test your skills in 7,500+ square feet of lab space that houses more than 100 pieces of equipment including gas and oil units, water heaters, heat pumps, gas and oil burners for steam or hot water heat, compressors, and more.

Featured Videos

Alumni Spotlight: Jeff Comitz

Meet Jeff Comitz, Applications Engineering Manager at Thermal Product Solutions (TPS). After earning his bachelor’s degree, Jeff accepted an offer at TPS where he partners with global organizations to develop industrial ovens and furnaces for testing and manufacturing processes.

Wildcat Spotlight: CJ Trimber

He was passionate about wrestling in high school, but coming to Penn College took that excitement to a whole new level. Meet Wildcat wrestler and HVAC major CJ Trimber. In this video, you’ll learn why he chose Penn College, what it’s like to be a part of this dynamic team, and how he balances student and athlete responsibilities.

Makerspace: dream, create and innovate

The makerspace is an open workshop for all students. Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Bring your ideas to light. Collaborate with other students, faculty and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career. 

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

ACCA Logo
NORA logo
Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)

The first-ever student chapter of the ACCA, our organization was established to promote education and awareness surrounding HVAC-related topics.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.01.2024

Construction management firm visits architecture, HVAC classes

Two Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. employees visited classes recently in architecture and heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology to introduce students to career paths with the company’s virtual design & construction operations group. That team constructs buildings virtually before they are built physically, explained 2011 construction management alumnus Sean Scully, who is a project manager for Whiting-Turner, and Brandon Hurlburt, a VDC manager for the company.

01.05.2024

Industry blog again benefits from HVAC faculty member's know-how

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has again contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, this time considering "What Are the HVAC Industry's Priorities in 2024?" “The HVAC industry’s top priorities for 2024 will bring interesting challenges,” department head Jason W. Killinger says. "As always, the HVAC industry will embrace, adapt and overcome these challenges."

10.28.2023

HVAC department head lends insight to industry blog

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, sharing his expertise on meeting the demand for a well-educated workforce. “The HVAC industry will continue to advance in response to environmental concerns, technological advancements and changing customer expectations, providing opportunities for those who are prepared to change and grow with it,” department head Jason W. Killinger says in "How to Expand & Support the HVAC Workforce."

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Weis Markets service team hosts HVAC students

Weis Markets service team hosts HVAC students

The Penn College HVAC technology program’s historically strong partnership with Weis Markets continued, as students in the commercial refrigeration classes toured a Weis store with members of the chain’s service team – including a number of graduates. The experience gave the students an opportunity to see operation of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment they covered over the semester.

More Information

Endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Approved National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) Bronze Certification training site.

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. S. Curtis Bierly, Jr., President, The Bierly Group, Inc.
  • Mr. Jason Bowes, '16, Manufacture Sales Rep, M&H Sales
  • Mr. Darin Bressler, '92, Facilities Supervisor, Bldg. Services, HVAC/Refrigeration, PSU
  • Mr. Eric Horvat, President, AJC Professional Services
  • Mr. Jerry Mahonski, '87, Williamsport Branch Manager, Enginuity
  • Mr. John C Makdad, CEO, Makdad Industrial Supply Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Brandon M Marshall, '15, North America Marketing Manager - Refrigerants/Fluorochemicals, The Chemours Company LLC (Formerly Dupont)
  • Mr. Christopher McNally, '87, Service Branch Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
  • Mr. Gregory J Miller, '12, Project Manager, MMC Contractors Northeast Inc.
  • Mr. Scott Scheesley, Corporate Manager of Refrigeration, Weis Markets
  • Mr. Jason Urich, General Manager of Service & Special Projects, HB McClure
  • Mr. Aaron A Weaver, '99, East Coast Regional Sales Manager, Raypak
  • Mr. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair