Academic Catalog

WELDING (WELD)

WELD 105  BASIC SHIELDED METAL ARC(SMAW)  
4 Credit Hours  
This course introduces students to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) fundamentals, focusing on welding safety, theory and basic skills. Topics include welding safety protocols, oxy-fuel cutting techniques, SMAW equipment setup and operation, pad welding and fillet welds in various positions. Practical application and safety are emphasized.
WELD 115  INTERMEDIATE SMAW  
4 Credit Hours  
This course builds upon foundational SMAW knowledge and skills, introducing plasma arc cutting, advanced weld joints and groove welds in all positions. Students will practice single V-groove welds on 3/8" and 1" plate with backing strips and gain an introduction to basic pipe welding techniques. Safety, accuracy and welding theory remain a core focus.
WELD 116  BASIC GMAW/FCAW  
4 Credit Hours  
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Topics include equipment setup and maintenance, welding safety, the theory of GMAW and FCAW processes and hands-on practice welding on materials ranging from 16-gauge sheet metal to 3/8" plate. Students will learn pad welds, fillets, T-joints and groove welds while developing an understanding of welding symbols and blueprints.
WELD 117  BASIC GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING  
4 Credit Hours  
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students will learn welding safety, theory and the setup and operation of GTAW equipment. The course covers material handling, preparation and welding techniques for pad welds, T-joints, lap joints and fillet welds. Students will begin on thin-gauge materials and progress to 3/8" plate, practicing autogenous and filler metal welding.
WELD 160  BLUEPRINT READING FOR WELDERS  
3 Credit Hours  
This course teaches the fundamentals of blueprint interpretation for the welding industry. Students will learn to analyze AWS and ISO welding symbols, apply dimensioning practices and solve practical layout challenges. Emphasis is placed on understanding welding specifications and industry standards to prepare for professional success.
WELD 215  ADVANCED SMAW (SMAW III)  
3 Credit Hours  
This course focuses on advanced shielded metal arc welding techniques, emphasizing pipe welding in all positions. Students will continue developing their skills with groove welds on 1" plate, progressing to Schedule 80 pipe welding in the 2G, 5G and 6G positions. Students will refine their welding theory knowledge and practice code-level welding techniques to meet industry standards.
WELD 216  ADVANCED GMAW/FCAW II  
3 Credit Hours  
This course builds upon the foundational skills developed in Basic Gas Metal Arc Welding and Flux Core Arc Welding, focusing on advanced techniques and applications. Students will refine their skills through practice and repetition, welding on plate and pipe in multiple positions. Emphasis will be placed on precision, consistency and industry standards for weld quality and inspection.
WELD 217  ADVANCED GTAW II  
3 Credit Hours  
This course builds upon foundational GTAW knowledge and skills developed in the Basic GTAW course. Students will refine welding techniques, practice welding in all positions and work with advanced materials and thicker sections, including plate up to 1" and Schedule 80 pipe. The course emphasizes advanced weld theory, precision control and high-quality welds using various filler materials and shielding techniques. Students will also interpret Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) and prepare for industry-standard welding tests.
WELD 260  WELDING CAPSTONE  
2 Credit Hours  
This capstone course requires students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program. Successful completion of the identified external industry standard assessments are required to graduate. This course is to be taken by Welding students in their final semester.
WELD 261  STEEL FABRICATION & LAYOUT  
3 Credit Hours  
This course introduces students to steel fabrication and layout practices including job estimation, interpreting layouts from sketches or blueprints and applying mathematical concepts in layout and fit-up scenarios. Students will engage in hands-on projects involving flat and round layout and fabrication.
WELD 270  CODE WELDING  
2 Credit Hours  
This lab-only, capstone-style course provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of welding skills in accordance with industry standards. Students will utilize Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) to complete code-compliant welds under the conditions of a formal weld test. The course focuses on preparation, execution and quality assurance for industry-standard welding certification. Successful completion of the course may result in students being listed on the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders.
WELD 279  WELDING INSPECTION  
3 Credit Hours  
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of welding inspection, focusing on the role of the inspector in ensuring weld quality and compliance with industry standards.
WELD 281  METALLURGY  
3 Credit Hours  
Properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals; physical metallurgy of ferrous metals; producing iron and steel; surface treatment; alloys of special steel; classification of steels.
WELD 293  COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE  
1-8 Credit Hours  
Cooperative work experience placements must be approved by the academic division.
WELD 297  SPECIAL TOPICS  
1-4 Credit Hours  
Variable subject content that is determined by the academic division.
WELD 299  INDEPENDENT STUDY  
1-6 Credit Hours  
WELD 393  COOPERATIVE WORK EXPERIENCE  
1-8 Credit Hours  
Cooperative work experience placements must be approved by the academic division.