Welding Technology, A.A.S.

Offered at North Campus

This 18-month (six-term) program is a continuation of the college’s four-term Welding Technology diploma program. Completing the A.A.S. degree will enhance the graduate’s opportunities for career upward mobility. Welding is essential to the expansion and productivity of a vast array of industries. Welding is considered to be the principal means of fabricating and repairing all metal products. It is difficult to imagine an industry today, large or small, which does not involve some type of welding. Skilled welders often work independently and can utilize their skills anywhere in the world.

During the first year of the program, students work on projects in the lab learning to perform all types of welding processes such as GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW and Oxy-Acetylene. The lab projects include welds required for AWS certifications and since the program is an American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility, students have the opportunity to earn AWS certifications in GMAW, SMAW, GTAW and FCAW.  In the final three terms, students learn machining skills, quality assurance procedures, Lean concepts and basic robotic welding programming. Many of the courses in this program can be completed during day and evening hours using facilitated, competency-based instruction. Program completion may vary to accommodate individual needs.

To enroll, complete an application and attend any required academic orientation and information session. Students may enter this program at the beginning of either Fall or Spring terms. 

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply the practices of industrial safety including OSHA, RIA, SDS, and PPE.
2. Understand Lean Manufacturing.
3. Use fixtures properly.
4. Determine proper weld size.
5. Understand common weld defects.
6. Read and understand blueprints.
7. Operate GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, FCAW in all positions.
8. Perform basic maintenance and set-up of welding machine.
9. Understand the responsibilities of inspection and quality control.
10. Understand codes and specifications.
11. Use common weld terminology and designs.
12. Demonstrate basic metallurgy knowledge.
13. Identify common/non-destructive testing methods.
14. Perform non-destructive testing.
15. Identify common destructive testing methods.
16. Perform destructive testing.
17. Identify weld procedures and welder qualifications.
18. Interpret pendant menus and displays for welding.

Program Total: 67 Credits