Welding Technology

Associate in Applied Science

Credits: 96 | Length of Program: 7 quarters

Welding Technology - Associate in Applied Science

The Welding Technology Program is designed to prepare students for entry-level employment in welding and related occupations. The competency-based curriculum combines classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training and practical exercises to develop knowledge and skill in the most common welding and metal cutting processes used in industry.

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Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in manufacturing, the construction trades, or in maintenance and repair positions. Some welders may work as “fitters” or “fabricators” who interpret drawings, plan projects, and use a variety of tools and machines to complete work. With experience and a strong technical background, welders may advance into leadership positions or within quality control. See Automotive, Welding, & Manufacturing » Welding Technology for more career and employment information.

Program 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

Ed Plan / Class List

Required Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WELD135 Gas Metal Arc Welding 9 Credits Search Schedule

Develops the knowledge and skill for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) carbon steel and aluminum in all positions. Prerequisite: WELD 102 and WELD 127.

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.

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.

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.

General Education Requirements

Communication:

ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops writing skills by focusing on strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas, evaluate information, make a point, and participate in multiple discourse communities. Emphasizes both the process and the product of writing. This course was formerly known as WRIT 101, College Writing I. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test scores OR appropriate completion of ENGL 095, ENGL 095X, or ENGL 098 OR concurrent enrollment in ENGL 110 with instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING

Computation

5 Credits in COMPUTATION

Human Relations

5 Credits in HUMAN RELATIONS

Diversity Requirement
Diversity-designated courses at South Puget Sound Community College provide opportunities for students to develop awareness of their own social and cultural identities, seek understanding of others, and cultivate skills to communicate across cultures and differences. All programs require the completion of a diversity course.

Effective Catalog Year 2019-2020

Length of Program

Full-time students can complete the degree program in seven quarters, if basic skills are complete.

Cost of Program / Financial Aid

Additional: Include textbooks plus approximately $900.00 upon entry into the program for personal protective equipment, tools, and supplies.

Application Process / How to Apply

Apply Now

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:

February 19, 2019