Welding Technology

Overview

Welding Technology offers students a modular base curriculum in a one- or two-year format including technical courses in basic and pipe welding, and/or advanced welding. The first-year welding curriculum offers training in basic and pipe welding techniques utilizing the shielded metal arc welding process. The second-year welding curriculum offers training in advanced and pipe welding techniques utilizing the gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding processes.

This program combines technology theory courses with a variety of general education courses. Significant emphasis is placed on math, communication, physical science, and social science courses. Special courses in the welding metallurgy and quality assurance/quality control are also required within the technology. This mix of theory courses, general education courses, and skill training places our graduates in high demand.

The Welding program works closely with regional manufacturing and the construction industries. The highly sought graduates of this program enjoy employment opportunities in a variety of technical environments including bridge and building construction, metal fabrication, shipbuilding, power generation, petro-chemical industry, and paper industry.

There are a number of scholarships awarded to students in Welding Technology. The Reginald Ray Scholarship was offered for the first time for the 2000–2001 academic year. This scholarship encourages students to complete all three years of training in order to maximize skill potential and career opportunities.

Learning Objectives

Graduates with the Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology Degree function at an entry level position for welders in the following areas:

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (S.M.A.W.) in all positions for mild steel and for pipe welding.
• Flux-Cored Arc Welding (F.C.A.W.) in all positions for mild steel plate.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (G.M.A.W.) in all positions for mild steel plate, aluminum plate, and mild steel pipe.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (G.T.A.W.) in all positions for mild steel, aluminum, and stainless steel plate, and stainless steel pipe.
• Oxy-Fuel Cutting (D.F.C.) for mild steel plate ANSI/A.W.S.C4.2-90 American national standard.
• Air Carbon Arc Cutting (C.A.C.-A) for mild steel plate.
• Plasma Arc Cutting (P.A.C.) for mild steel and stainless steel.
• Blue print reading and drafting for welders.
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control for welding operations.

Graduates take the following tests:

• A.W.S. Structural Certification
• A.S.M.E. Section 9 S.M.A.W. Pipe Certification
• A.S.M.E. Section 9 G.T.A.W. Pipe Certification

Prerequisites

Algebra I required; Algebra II, Geometry and Physics or Chemistry with Lab desired.

Curriculum