Welding is the science of joining and cutting materials like steel and aluminum. Welding technicians are needed everywhere in manufacturing, construction and the oil and gas industries. As much as it is a science, welding is also one of the oldest and most useful art forms. Manual welding takes a great deal of skill and may take a lifetime to master, so welders must develop patience, focus and a love for details.
With the multitude of processes and applications to choose from, a welder can choose a number of career paths. From farm equipment repair to aerospace components, a welder’s career options are only limited by their imagination. CMU Tech is devoted to developing the skills, knowledge and imagination of those students interested in welding technology.
All welding courses at CMU Tech are modeled after the American Welding Society’s criteria for training entry-level welders. This ensures that graduates leave with the skills and knowledge used by manufacturers nationwide and that students are prepared for entry-level employment.
Due to the high demand for courses in this major, registering early is recommended for the best availability. If your major courses are not available, Student Services can help you build an alternative and applicable schedule.
Why choose the Welding Technology program at CMU Tech?
- State-of-the-art simulators in the virtual welding lab
- Robotic welding educational cells from Lincoln Electric and FANUC Robotics
- Fully-equipped fabrication and lay-out lab
- Cutting tables, track torches and gas welding booths
- Classrooms with digital interactive projectors
- Knowledgeable faculty with the latest educational resources
The Associate of Applied Science Welding Technology degree provides training and the opportunity to become proficient at SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, OAC, PAC, blueprint reading, pipe welding, fabrication, automation, layout, mathematics and safety. This program offers classroom lecture and related lab work. Students study welding, cutting, layout, fabrication and technical math. Safety, attitude and quality of workmanship are stressed throughout this course. The welding AAS degree prepares students for advanced-level placement in a wide range of jobs in the welding industry and is designed to meet competency based standards set by the American Welding Society. This program prepares students to become AWS certified welders.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Welding TechnologyThis Basic Welder certificate is designed to provide training and opportunity to become proficient at SMAW, GMAW, OAC, PAC, blueprint reading, mathematics and safety. This program offers classroom lecture and related lab work. Welding, cutting, layout, safety, attitude and quality of workmanship are stressed throughout this program. The Basic Welding certificate prepares students for welding helper-apprentice positions in the welding industry and is designed to meet competency based standards set by the American Welding Society. This program prepares students to become certified AWS certified welders in the welding industry upon successful completion of the appropriate test standard.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Basic WelderThis Welding Technology certificate provides training and the opportunity to become proficient at SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, OAC, PAC, blueprint reading, fabrication, layout, mathematics and safety. This program offers classroom lecture and related lab work. Students study welding, cutting, layout, fabrication and technical math. Safety, attitude and quality of workmanship are stressed throughout this course. This welding certificate prepares students for entry-level placement in a wide range of jobs in the welding industry and is designed to meet competency based standards set by the American Welding Society. This program prepares students to become AWS certified welders in the welding industry.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Welding TechnologyCareer Opportunities
- Entry-level welder, shop-hand, material-handler fitter, fabricator
- GTAW (tig welder), GTAW code-certified welder
- SMAW (stick welder), SMAW code-certified welder for pipe, pressure vessel or structural steel
- GMAW (mig welder), production welder
- FCAW (flux-core welder), construction and fabrication
- Robotic welding programmer
Career Pathways
Career pathway programs prepare students for employment in industries while also providing a stepping stone to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree and beyond. Learn more about career pathways.
| Career Pathways Certificate | Length of Program |
|---|---|
| Basic Welder | 2 semesters (16 credits) |