Associate in Applied Science
Welding Technology
Prepare for hands-on careers in welding and fabrication through training in SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, oxyfuel cutting and welding, blueprint reading, metal fabrication, layout, pattern making, safety, metallurgy, and specialty welding processes. Minimum required credits: 62.
Program Snapshot
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Minimum required credits: 62
- Hands-on preparation for welding, fabrication, manufacturing, construction, and repair careers
Program Options
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
- Program Certificate (PC)
- Certificate of Completion (COC): Metal Inert Gas
- Certificate of Completion (COC): Shielded Metal Arc
Ready to Become a Teton?
Student Education Plan
Review the full Welding Technology AAS Student Education Plan for recommended course sequencing, program requirements, and advising notes.
View AAS Student Education Plan (SEP)
Program Description
The Welding Technology program at Williston State College offers multiple educational pathways, including an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, a Program Certificate (PC), and Certificates of Completion (COC). These programs are designed to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge required for successful careers in the welding industry.
Criteria for Admission
Program applications will be provided by WSC Admissions to students applying to the Welding program. Program instructors will review the qualifications of each applicant, and each applicant will be notified about their acceptance into the program.
A total of 15 students will be admitted with alternates selected. Accepted students enroll in program courses for the following fall. Students not selected are given priority to enroll in program courses the next academic year and are encouraged to take General Education courses in the meantime.
These criteria for admission apply to the Welding AAS, PC, and COC options.
What You’ll Learn
- Welding Techniques: Develop proficiency in welding processes such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and oxyfuel cutting and welding.
- Blueprint Reading: Learn to interpret and analyze blueprints and welding symbols, which are essential for accurate fabrication and assembly.
- Fabrication Skills: Gain hands-on experience in metal fabrication, layout, pattern making, and advanced welding technologies.
- Safety Practices: Understand and implement industry-standard safety protocols to support a secure working environment.
Course Requirements
To earn the AAS degree in Welding Technology, students must complete a minimum of 62 credits, including general education courses and the following program-specific courses:
- WELD 107 — Advanced Welding Technology & Manufacturing Lab
- 5 credits
- WELD 109 — Blueprint Reading for Welders
- 3 credits
- WELD 110 — Introduction to Welding Lab
- 2 credits
- WELD 121 — Welding Theory & Safety for Semi-Automatic Processes
- 2 credits
- WELD 122 — Wire Feed & Welding Certification Lab
- 4 credits
- WELD 123 — Beginning Fabrication Lab
- 5 credits
- WELD 131 — Layout & Pattern Making Basics
- 3 credits
- WELD 151 — Welding Theory, Technology, & Safety
- 3 credits
- WELD 153 — SMAW Welding Lab
- 4 credits
- WELD 213 — Metal Fabrication Lab
- 3 credits
- WELD 214 — GTAW Lab & Lecture
- 6 credits
- WELD 215 — Specialty Welding Processes L/L
- 3 credits
- WELD 220 — Basic Metallurgy
- 2 credits
Note: In addition to these program-specific courses, students must fulfill general education requirements as outlined in the college catalog.
View course descriptions.
Possible Career Paths & Average Salaries
Graduates of the Welding Technology program are prepared for various roles within the welding and fabrication industry.
Welder / Fabricator
$45,000 / yr
Perform welding and fabrication tasks in manufacturing, construction, and repair settings.
Pipe Welder
$55,000 / yr
Specialize in welding pipes for industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing.
Structural Welder
$50,000 / yr
Work on welding structural components for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.
Welding Inspector
$60,000 / yr
Ensure the quality and safety of welded structures by conducting inspections and tests.
Welding Instructor
$55,000 / yr
Teach welding techniques and safety practices in educational or training institutions.
Welding Supervisor / Welding Engineer
Advancement Path
With experience and additional certifications, graduates may advance into welding supervision, inspection, education, or engineering-related roles.
Salary figures are approximate and can vary based on location, experience, certification, and industry demand.
Certificate Options
Program Certificate (PC)
Minimum required credits for PC: 30
Students enrolled in this certificate program will be trained in SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, oxyfuel cutting and welding, and blueprint reading.
View PC Student Education Plan (SEP)
- WELD 109 — Blueprint Reading for Welders
- WELD 110 — Introduction to Welding Lab
- WELD 121 — Welding Theory & Safety for Semi-Automatic Processes
- WELD 122 — Wire Feed & Welding Certification Lab
- WELD 131 — Layout & Pattern Making Basics
- WELD 151 — Welding Theory, Technology, & Safety
- WELD 153 — SMAW Welding Lab
- WELD 213 — Metal Fabrication Lab
Certificate of Completion (COC)
Option: Metal Inert Gas
Required program credits for COC: 15 or less
View Metal Inert Gas COC SEP
- WELD 121 — Welding Theory & Safety for Wirefeed
- WELD 122 — Wirefeed & Welding Certificate Lab
- WELD 213 — Metal Fabrication Lab
Certificate of Completion (COC)
Option: Shielded Metal Arc
Required program credits for COC: 15 or less
View Shielded Metal Arc COC SEP
- WELD 110 — Introduction to Welding Lab
- WELD 151 — Welding Theory, Technology, & Safety
- WELD 153 — SMAW Welding Lab
In addition to program-specific requirements, students should review the general graduation requirements for CTE programs.
Estimated Cost of Attendance