Undergraduate

A group of people at a table looking at their computers

Industry-Connected Curriculum

EARTH partners with industry to develop and pilot courses, curriculum, and capstone projects that reflect real workforce needs. As HVACR and refrigerant technologies evolve, EARTH works with researchers and industry to keep education aligned with emerging skills and technologies.

The EARTH Refrigerant Systems program includes competency-based undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars taught collaboratively across partner institutions. These materials are also shared broadly through publications and presentations at major academic and industry conferences.

Industry partners support student learning through internships and capstone projects that provide real-world experience and academic credit.

Business and Innovation Learning

EARTH is piloting HVACR-focused business and innovation capstone experiences through existing programs such as KU’s Engineering-MBA. Students work in consulting-style teams to help solve real business and technical challenges in the HVACR industry.

Technician-to-Engineer Pathway

EARTH is working with the KU School of Engineering to develop a new applied technology bachelor’s degree and HVACR-focused minor. This pathway helps skilled technicians advance into engineering roles by recognizing industry training and technical experience toward degree progress.

The curriculum is developed with industry input and includes both technical coursework and professional skills such as communication, safety, ethics, leadership, and business decision-making.

EARTH also supports workforce advancement through industry degree sponsorship opportunities and peer learning between students and working professionals. A new Professor of Practice with HVACR industry experience will support instruction and workforce alignment across programs.