Welding Technology - Associate in Applied Science

Automotive, Welding & Machining Pathway

96 Credits   |   9 Quarters

Pathway at a Glance

Work with leading-edge tools and equipment to solve problems and get creative across several growing trades. Auto technician, machinist, or welder—set a target on your career via our Automotive, Welding, and Manufacturing Pathway.

Courses by Quarter
Quarter Plan: 
Quarter 1

Transition Studies Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Digital Literacy, and High School+.

Quarter 2

MATH101 Technical Mathematics I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Covers the theories and applications of mathematics used in technical fields with emphasis on problem solving strategies, measurement, algebra, geometry, unit conversions and the metric system. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 092.
Distribution: AAS, AAS-COMPUTATION

ENGL090 Integrated Reading and Writing I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.
-OR-
ENGL095 Integrated Reading and Writing II 5 Credits Search Schedule
Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.

CCS101 Pathways to Success 3 Credits Search Schedule
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 090 or higher.

 

 

Quarter 3

ENGL098 Transitional English Composition 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a "C" or better in ENGL 095.
-OR-
ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a "B-" or better in ENGL 095 OR a "C" or better in ENGL 098.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING

PSYC116 Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces students to the psychology of human relationships. Examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact communication in a multicultural world. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE, SOC-SCIENCE-CULTURAL, FPA-SocSci-Qtr 5-6-8

 

 

Quarter 4

Concurrent enrollment required for WELD 102, 103, 104, & 106. Pre-requisites required: Eligible for MATH 101 and ENGL 090.

WELD102 Welding Theory I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces the tools and equipment used in welding, including a technical orientation for select welding and cutting processes. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 101 and ENGL 090. Concurrent enrollment in WELD 103, WELD 104, WELD 106.
WELD103 Thermal Cutting and Gouging 1 Credit Search Schedule
Develops the skill for Oxyfuel Cutting, Plasma Arc Cutting, and Carbon Arc Cutting and gouging. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 101 and ENGL 090. Concurrent enrollment in WELD 102, WELD 104, WELD 106.
WELD104 Oxyacetylene Welding 3 Credits Search Schedule
Develops the skill for Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW) steel in various joint designs and positions. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 101 and ENGL 090. Concurrent enrollment in WELD 102, WELD 103, WELD 106.
WELD106 Shielded Metal Arc Welding I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with emphasis on deep penetrating electrodes. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 101 and ENGL 090. Concurrent enrollment in WELD 102, WELD 103, WELD 104.

 

Quarter 5

Choose One:

WELD125 Welding Theory II 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces methods of weld inspection and testing, basic metallurgy, and continuation of the technical orientation to select welding processes. Prerequisite: WELD 102.
-OR-
WELD134 Print Reading for Welders 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops the ability to interpret prints used in welding and fabrication, including the use of welding symbols. Prerequisite: WELD 102.

WELD127 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II 9 Credits Search Schedule
Continues skill development in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with an emphasis on the applications and techniques for low hydrogen electrodes. Prerequisite: WELD 102.

 

 

Quarter 6

Choose One:

WELD125 Welding Theory II 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces methods of weld inspection and testing, basic metallurgy, and continuation of the technical orientation to select welding processes. Prerequisite: WELD 102.
-OR-
WELD134 Print Reading for Welders 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops the ability to interpret prints used in welding and fabrication, including the use of welding symbols. Prerequisite: WELD 102.

WELD125 Welding Theory II 5 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces methods of weld inspection and testing, basic metallurgy, and continuation of the technical orientation to select welding processes. Prerequisite: WELD 102.

Quarter 7

WELD210 Flux Cored Arc Welding 12 Credits Search Schedule
Develops the knowledge and skill for using gas and self-shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) to join carbon steel in all positions. Prerequisite: WELD 125 and WELD 127.

Quarter 8

WELD220 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 12 Credits Search Schedule
Develops the knowledge and skill for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) carbon steel and aluminum in all positions. Prerequisite: WELD 125 and WELD 127.

Quarter 9

WELD230 Welding Fabrication and Certification 12 Credits Search Schedule
Provides a capstone experience to develop metal fabrication knowledge while applying welding techniques gained in previous course work. This course will allow students the opportunity to become a Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) certified welder. Prerequisite: WELD 134, WELD 135, WELD 210, and WELD 220.

Print Pathway Map
Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion for the Welding Technology Program, the successful student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize relevant data to problem solve in a welding environment
  • Demonstrate effective oral, written, and graphical communication skills appropriate to the welding industry
  • Demonstrate measuring methods and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to welding
  • Apply the appropriate ethical standards and practices of the welding industry
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify the values, beliefs, and practices of a multicultural workforce and collaborate with diverse groups across a variety of knowledge and skill levels and perspectives

In addition, students who complete the program will demonstrate the following skills standards specific to Welding Technology:

  • Evaluate potential hazards and apply procedures to maintain workplace safety
  • Select and operate tools and equipment used in welding and metal fabrication
  • Perform thermal cutting and gouging processes to industry standards
  • Perform Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) to industry standards
  • Perform Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) to industry standards
  • Perform Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) to industry standards
  • Perform Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) to industry standards
  • Identify materials and apply metallurgy knowledge to solve practical welding problems
  • Interpret drawings including welding symbols and make accurate calculations
Helpful Notes

Program Costs

In addition to textbooks, it costs approximately $900 upon entry into the program for personal protective equipment, tools, and supplies.

Additional Information

Students are accepted into the Welding Technology Program every quarter. An Associate in Applied Science degree will be awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 90 credits in the specified courses numbered 100 or above.  All core and general education requirements must be met, with any additional credits to be selected as electives.

Revision Date: 
Tuesday, March 30, 2021