Carpentry: Diploma

The Carpentry Diploma program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students comprehensive training in the fundamental skills and techniques required for a successful career in the carpentry and construction industries. This program is designed to prepare students with hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in various carpentry trades, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Throughout the course, students will learn core concepts such as blueprint reading, carpentry mathematics, building codes and safety regulations, framing, roofing, exterior and interior finishing, and cabinetry. The curriculum emphasizes practical applications, ensuring that graduates develop proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and industrial equipment essential for modern carpentry practices. Students will also gain knowledge about sustainable building practices and new technological advancements in construction materials and techniques. The program combines classroom instruction with supervised field experiences, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world environments and build a strong foundation for career advancement. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level positions as carpenters, framing carpenters, or apprentices in various construction firms. This diploma program aims to foster not only technical competence but also professionalism, teamwork, and safety awareness, which are critical in the construction industry. Harrisburg Area Community College is committed to providing students with high-quality education and industry-relevant training, supported by experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities. Whether you are starting your career or seeking to enhance your skills, the Carpentry Diploma program offers a pathway to a rewarding profession in the construction sector, helping students to achieve their career goals and contribute to building the communities of tomorrow.

Major   
CARP 110 Carpentry Fundamentals  3 
CARP 130 Floor, Wall, & Roof Framing  3 
CARP 150 Interior Finishing I  3 
GTEC 101 OSHA-30 & NFPA-70E  3 
WOOD 102 Woodworking II  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Describe the construction trade and its diversity of disciplines, technologies, and employment opportunities

Demonstrate a variety of technical skills in the carpentry field

Apply safety standards and practices on-the-job

Use trade-specific hand and power tools and equipment

Read and interpret blueprints and construction specifications

Perform basic cost estimating

Utilize building materials appropriately

Demonstrate techniques in building construction to include concrete, interior, and exterior applications

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Carpentry diploma program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students comprehensive training in the fundamentals and advanced techniques of carpentry. Designed to prepare students for successful careers in the construction and building industries, this program emphasizes practical skills development alongside theoretical knowledge. Throughout the coursework, students learn essential carpentry skills such as framing, roofing, interior and exterior finishing, stair construction, and installation of windows and doors. The program also covers safety procedures, blueprint reading, building codes, and project management practices, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to handle real-world challenges in the field.

Students have access to state-of-the-art workshops and laboratories equipped with modern tools and equipment, which allow for hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum balances classroom instruction with supervised practical projects, enabling students to develop proficiency and confidence in their craftsmanship. The program also includes coursework in materials science, sustainable building practices, and the use of new technologies in construction, preparing students for evolving industry standards.

Harrisburg Area Community College maintains strong industry partnerships, providing students with internship opportunities, job placement assistance, and networking connections with construction companies and contractors in the region. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and industry experts committed to mentoring students and fostering their professional growth. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared for entry-level positions as carpenters, framing carpenters, finish carpenters, or apprentices in various construction trades. The diploma also provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing further education or certification in construction-related fields. This program is ideal for individuals interested in a hands-on, skills-based career with opportunities for advancement in the building trades industry.