Harper College

Associate in Applied Science

Earn your degree in maintenance technology

Career options Manufacturing and Construction icon


  • Facility engineering
  • Maintenance engineering

Get ready for a career in maintenance technology with this 60-credit-hour degree program. Almost all organizations employ skilled maintenance workers and managers to create safe and sound facilities from which to run their operations. After graduating from this program, you’ll be well-prepared to take on roles in building maintenance as directors, managers or operators for industrial and commercial properties.

Take classes in electrical wiring, prints and schematics, carpentry, plumbing, heating principles, welding, mechanical and energy conservation codes, principles of supervision and more. All classes are taught by skilled instructors who are extremely knowledgeable in all areas of maintenance technology.

A.A.S. degree program plan

This 60 credit-hour program prepares students for employment in the fast growing industrial maintenance service sector of urban society. Graduates may be employed directly in building maintenance as directors, managers or operators for industrial and commercial properties.

FIRST SEMESTER:

All MNT courses are offered in an 8-week scheduling format.

Number Course Title Credits Category
MFT 102 4 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides the student with an introduction to the manufacturing world and provides specific instruction to facilitate safe work practices in industrial environments. Introduces manufacturing specializations such as mechatronics, precision machining and welding. Covers fire safety, pressurized gases, electrical hazards, and safe machine usage. Students will also become acquainted with OSHA policy. Students will have the opportunity to earn the Safety Certification through Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MFT 134 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides students in the machine trades the basic skills required for visualizing and interpreting industrial prints. Emphasizes orthographic projection techniques of top, front, side, and section views, tolerancing, geometric dimensioning and the impact of computer drafting as related to the machine trades.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MNT 135 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers maintaining plumbing systems in a factory, plant or other industrial or commercial site. Describes the structure and function of on-site plumbing systems (water supply, sanitary waste, and storm water) and explains how the major fixtures in these systems work. Covers troubleshooting of common plumbing problems.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MTH 097 1 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Reviews arithmetic, introduces basic algebraic and right triangle trigonometric techniques. Includes arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, ratio and proportions, measurements, right triangle trigonometry and their application to solve a variety of career and technical problems. Draws practical problems the student’s career area, including emergency services, graphic communications, building trades, culinary arts and information technology. Intended for students pursuing Harper degrees and certificates in career program fields. This course: is not transferable, does not satisfy the prerequisite for any other mathematics course, and does not satisfy any general education requirements.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WLD 110 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers fundamentals of oxyacetylene welding theory and practices and beginning electric welding. Includes arc welding and gas welding, brazing and cutting in the horizontal position.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

All MNT courses are offered in an 8-week scheduling format.

Number Course Title Credits Category
ELT 143 2 Program Requirement

Description:  Introduces students to advanced wiring topics as they relate to the commercial electrical service. A safety review followed by terminology, principles, and test and measurement equipment use associated with commercial alternating current (AC) power are examined. Emphasis is placed on the practical application, operation, installation and maintenance of low voltage control systems and single and three-phase AC power equipment and systems. Select portions of the National Electric Code are studied.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

ENG 101 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MFT 109 2 Program Requirement

Description:  Provides a basic understanding of tools and equipment used in manufacturing and knowledge of how to improve productivity through predictive and preventive maintenance.

Prerequisite: MFT 102 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MNT 228 2 Program Requirement

Description:  Trains students in small engine and equipment repair. Students will demonstrate the ability to repair small engines such as those found in lawn, garden, and construction equipment. Emphasis is placed on overhaul, repair, adjustment, and troubleshooting.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

WLD 210 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers advanced welding theory and practice in arc welding. Provides experience in MIG and TIG (Heliarc) techniques. Includes an introduction to strength of weld testing.

Prerequisite: WLD 110 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

All MNT courses are offered in an 8-week scheduling format.

Number Course Title Credits Category
AAS General Education elective2 3 AAS General Education
HVA 101 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Introduces vocabulary, concepts and scientific principles used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Studies theories on heat laws, pressures, matter, and energy; examines refrigerant chemistry and the refrigeration cycle. Covers proper refrigerant management techniques and safe practices. Emphasizes practical application, troubleshooting techniques, measuring and testing the operation of the basic refrigeration cycle; including working with ACR copper tubing, tools, and instruments.

Prerequisite: MTH 097 (Basic Technical Mathematics) with a grade of C or better, or consent of coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MFT 105 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers fundamentals of machine shop theory and safe practices. Provides familiarization with tools, equipment, and practices of the precision metal working industry. Includes introduction to mills, drill press, and lathes. Students are provided classroom and laboratory learning experiences. Students may earn NIMS credentials.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MFT 120 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers machine shop theory with emphasis on safe practices and applications. Includes lathes, surface grinders, and milling machines. Projects in this class will be machined using high speed steel (HSS) tools. Students are responsible for calculating all feeds and speeds. Students may earn NIMS credentials.

Prerequisite: MFT 105 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

MNT 235 3 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers methods of system analysis using schematics, circuit diagrams and installation drawings. Develops troubleshooting diagnostics for control, electrical and mechanical systems based on problem reduction through fault tree analysis.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

FOURTH SEMESTER:

All MNT courses are offered in an 8-week scheduling format.

Number Course Title Credits Category
MNT 255 2 Program Requirement

Description:  Covers a practical knowledge of machine elements and power transmission with emphasis on belts, bearings and mechanical drive systems. Provides knowledge in system maintenance, lubrication and power efficiencies.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

PSC 270 + 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Uses role playing to study how foreign policy is made. Explores human problems such as populations, food and energy on a global dimension. Examines international bodies, including the United Nations, and explores how nations interact. IAI S5 904

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SPE 101 3 AAS General Education

Description:  Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Technical electives3 9 Program Requirement

1 - Students may take MTH 097, MTH 101, MTH 103 or higher.

2 - See full list of AAS General Education Electives.

+ - This course meets the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.

3 - Technical electives: Select courses not listed as required that have one of the following prefixes: ELT, MFT, MNT, SCM or WLD

Program learning outcomes

  1. Operate common hand tools, electrical test equipment and power tools used in the maintenance trade in a safe and efficient manner.
  2. Troubleshoot basic maintenance issues involving plumbing, carpentry, electrical wiring and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).
  3. Read and interpret basic blueprints, shop drawings and electrical schematics.
  4. Have knowledge and skills to safely perform basic welding repairs.
  5. Have basic understanding of belts, bearings and mechanical drives.
  6. Have basic mathematic skills to be able to measure, calculate and estimate needed supplies and costs.
  7. Have basic computer skills needed for communication and record keeping.

Related programs

Students interested in maintenance technology may also be interested in:

Resources

Next steps

For more information about the Maintenance Technology program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 3/15/24