Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Associate of Science
Program Details
The air conditioning and refrigeration program prepares students for employment in the field and provides upgrade opportunities for currently employed personnel. By completing the degree or certificate requirements, the student will gain proficiency in service, troubleshooting, installation, and energy-efficient operation of residential, commercial and industrial heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and control systems. Students will learn to read wiring diagrams, diagnose control circuits, operate test equipment, and service pneumatic, electric and electronic controls. Competencies will be assessed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency certificate criteria. Students completing the program may expect to enter the industry as an advanced apprentice or entry-level heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and controls technician. At least 50 percent of the major requirements for the Associate in Science degree must be completed at El Camino College. For Gainful Employment program information, please visit www.elcamino.edu/academics/areas-of-study/air-conditioning-and-refrigeration.php
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Pressure Testing and Charging Systems: Upon completion of a course of study, students in air conditioning and refrigeration will be able to properly pressure test, evacuate, and charge ACR system.
- Installing Servicing and Repairing Systems: Upon completion of a course of study in air conditioning and refrigeration, a student will be able to install, service, and repair ACR systems as required by the industry guidelines.
- Attaining Certificates, Degrees, Transferring and Attaining Jobs: Students completing a course of study in air conditioning and refrigeration will successfully earn a certificate/graduate/transfer to 4 year universities and will successfully compete for jobs in which they can apply their knowledge and communicative skills acquired in the air conditioning and refrigeration program.
- Safety Knowledge and Skills: Students successfully completing air conditioning and refrigeration program, whether in the certificate program or degree program, will acquire and be able to use specific safety knowledge and skills relating to the air conditioning and refrigeration discipline and will be able to apply those skills to specific job requirements.