The Welding Technical Diploma prepares individuals for employment in the field of welding. Instruction is provided in various processes and techniques of welding – flux-core arc welding, plasma arc welding, blueprint reading, weld symbols, and joints – while facilitating the competitiveness of graduates for entry-level technical and supervisory positions. A career and technical certificate (CTC) may be earned in the first semester and a certificate of technical studies (CTS) may be earned in the second semester; a technical diploma may be earned upon completion of all technical courses. Students also have the option to complete the Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science with a concentration in Welding.

Upon completion of the technical courses, which cover the skills designated by the American Welding Society (AWS) required for entry-level welders, students will be prepared to take the AWS Entry-Level Welder test.

To receive any credential in this program, the student must:

  • Complete the program of study below.
  • Earn a “C” or better in all courses that are to be used toward the credential.

Program Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the skills needed for entry and advanced levels of employment in a welding career.
  • Demonstrate various processes and techniques of welding including oxyfuel cutting, carbon arc cutting, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, flux-core arc welding, gas metal arc welding, pipe and structural plate welding, and plasma arc cutting.
  • Demonstrate the skills designated by the American Welding Society (AWS) and be prepared to take the AWS entry-level welding test.
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient work practices, basic occupational skills, employability skills, and strong work ethics.

First Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CORE 1003 Introduction to Craft Skills 3
WELD 1113 Welding Fundamentals 3
WELD 1211 Cutting Processes 1
WELD 1318 SMAW I (Fillet Weld) 8

Semester Total: 15

Second Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
WELD 1419 SMAW II (V-Groove Open, BU/Gouge & Plate 2G-4G) 9
WELD 1519 SMAW III (Pipe Welds I 2G-6G) 9

Semester Total: 18

Third Semester

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
WELD 2116 GTAW (Pipe 2G-6G) 6
WELD 2213 FCAW (Fillet & Groove Welds) 3
WELD 2313 GMAW (Fillet & Groove Welds) 3

Semester Total: 12

Total Program Credit Hours: 45

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CORE 1003 Introduction to Craft Skills 3
WELD 1113 Welding Fundamentals 3
WELD 1211 Cutting Processes 1

CTC: Welding Fundamentals (7 Credit Hours)

Course Code Course Title Credit Hours
CORE 1003 Introduction to Craft Skills 3
WELD 1113 Welding Fundamentals 3
WELD 1211 Cutting Processes 1
WELD 1318 SMAW I (Fillet Weld) 8
WELD 1419 SMAW II (V-Groove Open, BU/Gouge & Plate 2G-4G) 9

CTS: Structural Welder (24 Credit Hours)

Students interested in pursuing the Technical Studies Associate of Applied Science degree with a concentration in Welding should contact the Division of Technical Education at 225-216-8367 for more information.