Oakton College
AC-3: Undergraduate Program

Environmental Studies Pre-major is recommended for students who are considering completing a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Humanities, or Environmental Science after transferring to a four-year institution. It also offers a suitable pathway to a range of other undergraduate humanities, social science, or science programs. An undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies provides a strong foundation for graduate programs in environmental policy and science, as well as environmental law or public health. Interdisciplinary training in environmental studies develops students’ analytical thinking, problem solving, ethical reasoning, and advanced reading and writing so essential to strong communication skills. It therefore offers excellent preparation for a range of career options.

The 19-semester-hour Environmental Studies Concentration (ESC) provides an interdisciplinary framework that promotes understanding of humanity’s impact on the natural environment and how the natural environment impacts human development; a critical appreciation of the importance of sustainability; and the central importance of integrating the work of the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities for a holistic and meaningful understanding of any environmental issue or problem. The disciplinary approaches of the natural and social sciences, as well as the humanities, are all essential to a full appreciation of the relationships between human systems and natural systems and any attempt to think critically and productively about how to best meet current environmental challenges.

Oakton's Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR) program helps you develop the skills and knowledge to work in this important field. You will learn to evaluate the performance of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, to assess energy consumption, to apply principles and methods of energy conservation and more.

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in homes, businesses and other gathering places is an essential quality-of-life service. In fact, in cases of extreme cold or extreme heat, it can even save lives. Ensuring proper ventilation can make a life-changing difference as well.

Having the skill to install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems - also known as HVAC - is invaluable and can lead to consistent employment. Oakton’s small class sizes ensure you benefit from the expertise of Oakton’s experienced professors.

We offer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology, as well as several specialized certificates if you're only looking to develop the technical skills to work in this field.

When you graduate from this program, you'll be able to work as a heating and cooling system mechanic, installing and repairing refrigeration and heating equipment. Your duties in this job will include diagnosing problems, setting up components such as motors and pumps, connecting parts such as air ducts and fuel pumps, and hooking up equipment to power sources.

Facilities management and engineering professionals have an essential job: doing the hard but rewarding work of keeping an organization's workspace running and up to date. Integrating principles of business administration, architecture, and behavioral and engineering sciences, they often manage a staff of trade personnel to oversee the operation and maintenance of buildings and the renovation, allocation and utilization of space and equipment.

Oakton's Facilities Management and Engineering program can get you started in this field. We offer associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degrees in facilities management or facilities engineering, along with certificates in facilities management or facilities engineering.

Our courses bring real-world concepts to the classroom, such as Blueprint Reading, DC and AC Circuits, and Troubleshooting Skills, and Facilities Management. The program also provides opportunities for students to work as an intern at local companies.

A variety of career opportunities exist in a number of different fields. They are employed throughout the country in private industry, government and the non-profit sector to work in manufacturing plants, hospitals, high-rise buildings and educational institutions, as well as large-size hotels.

If you already work in this field, this program can help you upgrade your knowledge and skill in a variety of subjects. Our coursework includes both technical and general education subjects. A degree or certificate can provide valuable recognition for career advancement.

https://catalog.oakton.edu/

Oakton is a two year College. The terminal degree offered at our institution is an Associate's. Pre-majors are the equivalent of "majors" for our institution. The Environmental Studies Pre-major can be achieved by any student pursuing an Associate's Degree.