Two area colleges have partnered to offer a dual degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning, according to a news release.

Harrisburg Area Community College and Lancaster-based Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology signed an agreement for graduates to earn an associate degree from each college upon completion of the HVAC program.

Students previously looking for a degree in HVAC from HACC had to travel to the school's Midtown Technology and Trade Center in Harrisburg.

"This is the first time we can say our students can stay right here," said L. Marshall Washington, vice president of HACC's Lancaster campus.

Students can start HVAC evening courses at Thaddeus in the fall.

The HVAC field has jobs readily available for graduates, said William Thompson, vice president for academic affairs at Thaddeus Stevens.

"Instead of duplicating resources, we are maximizing the resources that are available," he said.