Automotive, Welding & Machining Pathway

Welding Technology

Associate in Applied Science

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.

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Welding Technology Pathway Map

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

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.

Quarter Plan

Search Schedule

Quarter 1

Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, ESL, High School+, and Basic Computer Skills.

Quarter 2

MATH101 5cr Technical Mathematics I
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. Fees: $12.00 Natural Applied Science Course Fee

Choose One:

ENGL090 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing I
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 or an �S� in ABE 054, ABE 055, ESL 065, ESL 066, IE 065, or IE 066.
-OR-
ENGL095 5cr Integrated Reading and Writing II
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 3cr Pathways to Success
Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners.

Quarter 3

Choose One:

ENGL098 5cr Transitional English Composition
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. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
-OR-
ENGL&101 5cr English Composition I
Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee
Choose One

PSYC116 5cr Psychology of Human Relations: Diversity
Introduces students to the psychology of human relationships. Examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact communication in a multicultural world. Fees: $12.00 Social Science/Business Course Fee
-OR-
CMST&210 5cr Interpersonal Communication: Diversity
Focuses on understanding and developing interpersonal communication skills needed to build and maintain healthy one-on-one relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Examines how diverse communication styles can impact relationships. Prerequisite: None. Fees: $12.00 Humanities/Communications Course Fee

Quarter 4

WELD102 5cr Welding Theory I
Introduces the tools and equipment used in welding, including a technical orientation for select welding and cutting processes. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

WELD103 1cr Thermal Cutting and Gouging
Develops the skill for Oxyfuel Cutting, Plasma Arc Cutting, and Carbon Arc Cutting and gouging. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

WELD104 3cr Oxyacetylene Welding
Develops the skill for Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW) steel in various joint designs and positions. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

WELD106 5cr Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
Introduces Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with emphasis on deep penetrating electrodes. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Quarter 5

WELD127 9cr Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
Continues skill development in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) with an emphasis on the applications and techniques for low hydrogen electrodes. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee
Choose One

WELD125 5cr Welding Theory II
Introduces methods of weld inspection and testing, basic metallurgy, and continuation of the technical orientation to select welding processes. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee
-OR-
WELD134 5cr Print Reading for Welders
Develops the ability to interpret prints used in welding and fabrication, including the use of welding symbols. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Quarter 6

WELD135 9cr Gas Metal Arc Welding
Develops the knowledge and skill for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) carbon steel and aluminum in all positions. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee
Choose One

WELD125 5cr Welding Theory II
Introduces methods of weld inspection and testing, basic metallurgy, and continuation of the technical orientation to select welding processes. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee
-OR-
WELD135 9cr Gas Metal Arc Welding
Develops the knowledge and skill for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) carbon steel and aluminum in all positions. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Quarter 7

WELD210 12cr Flux Cored Arc Welding
Develops the knowledge and skill for using gas and self-shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) to join carbon steel in all positions. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Quarter 8

WELD220 12cr Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
Develops the knowledge and skill for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) carbon steel and aluminum in all positions. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Quarter 9

WELD230 12cr Welding Fabrication and Certification
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. Fees: $100.00 Welding Course Fee

Revision Date: 

Thursday, May 04, 2023