Friday, July 24, 2026
In partnership with a National Science Foundation-funded initiative to shape a more sustainable heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, Pennsylvania College of Technology will begin offering the final four semesters of its bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology online this fall.
“We’re building a pathway for today’s HVACR technicians to become tomorrow’s engineers,” said Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies. “As engineers, they will design systems, create real-world applications for new refrigerants and be a vital part of a sustainable HVACR future.”
In partnership with a National Science Foundation-funded initiative to shape a more sustainable heating, ventilation & air conditioning industry, Penn College will begin offering the final four semesters of its bachelor’s degree in heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology online in Fall 2026.
The addition of an online option supports the Environmentally Applied Refrigerant Technology Hub, a $26 million National Science Foundation-funded program led by the University of Kansas and five other research universities to shape the future of HVACR.
Among the needs EARTH addresses is developing new, more environmentally friendly refrigerants and equipment. Implementing the emerging technologies will require a skilled workforce of HVACR engineers.
“Pennsylvania College of Technology is proud to partner with the University of Kansas to help shape the future of HVACR engineering,” Lester said.
Penn College’s online bachelor’s degree option allows working HVACR technicians who hold associate degrees to complete a Penn College bachelor’s degree from anywhere.
The coursework, taught by the same expert HVAC faculty who lead the college’s on-campus classes, enhances the hands-on equipment installation and troubleshooting skills developed during the associate-degree phase by adding education in HVAC system design, controls and energy/project management. Bachelor’s degree students also gain skills vital for HVAC business operations, including estimating, scheduling, material and equipment management, contractor/subcontractor relations, and quality control.
The 61 credits required to complete the bachelor’s degree can be completed in two years of full-time study (five classes a semester) or may be taken part time. The coursework will continue to be offered on campus, as well.
“Expanding our HVAC engineering technology program into an online format has been a monumental effort, reflecting our commitment to meeting the industry's evolving needs,” said Jason W. Killinger, associate professor of HVAC technology. “By building this flexible pathway, Penn College is empowering dedicated technicians across the nation to become the visionary engineers who will drive sustainable refrigerant solutions and shape the future of our field.”
Many students will be directed to Penn College’s online bachelor’s degree through EARTH’s 11 community college partners.
More than 2 billion air conditioners, refrigerators and heat pumps operate worldwide, and by 2050, that total is projected to triple. Most refrigerants currently in use are hydrofluorocarbons, which have high global-warming potential. Due to leaks in systems (50%-90% of refrigerants leak into the atmosphere) and high energy consumption, hydrofluorocarbons account for 7.8% of total greenhouse-gas emissions. In response, the U.S. and 170 other countries are phasing down hydrofluorocarbons.
To address this challenge, a multi-institution, multi-disciplinary team put together the EARTH National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center to create a sustainable refrigerant lifecycle that addresses technical, environmental and societal challenges facing the HVACR industry.
Penn College’s involvement in EARTH has been led by Lester, who announced Penn College’s new online bachelor’s degree offering in heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology at an EARTH Industry Forum at the University of Kansas. The event was attended by more than 100 people from academia and industry.
The college also offers an associate degree in heating, ventilation & air conditioning technology. Its HVAC degrees are accredited by the American Council for Construction Education and endorsed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. The college is also an approved National Oilheat Research Alliance Bronze Certification training site. To learn more about HVAC degree options, call 570-327-4520.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
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