Welding Technology

As long as there is metal, there will always be a need for qualified welders.  Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal, melting and fusing it to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, railways, and other structures and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries.

The program is located in a new facility built to American Welding Society (AWS) standards and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment such as a robotic welder, computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutter, and multi-process data-tracking welders.

Today’s industries are using more advanced and modern technology that requires welders to have highly technical skills.  CNC plasma cutting and robotic welding courses are designed to answer that call.  Students receive project-based instruction that are aligned with today’s industry standards. 

The Welding Technology degree program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).  The program is also certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) and structured to be flexible and provide students with the ability to obtain industry certifications while earning an Associate of Applied Science degree or certificate(s). 

The degree program provides expert education to prepare students for both AWS School Excelling through National Skill Standards Education (SENSE) Entry and Advanced Welder certifications as well as other career skills required by industry such as safety, communications, blueprint reading, hoisting and rigging, mathematics, automation, inspection, and testing.

The Less than One-Year Certificate in Entry-Level Welding takes two semesters to complete and prepares students for the AWS SENSE Level I Entry Welder certification examinations and for entry-level welding employment. 

A One-Year Certificate in Advanced-Level Welding may be sought once all Entry-Level Welding Certificate “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirements” courses are completed with a grade of “C” or better.  The Advanced-Level Welding Certificate takes three semesters to complete.  Students who complete this certificate are prepared for the AWS SENSE Level II Advanced Welder certification examinations. 

It is a graduation requirement of the Welding Technology (WLT) program for students to earn a grade of “C” or better in all “Core Curriculum” and “Program Requirement” courses.

To view program outcome data, visit https://statetechmo.edu/welding-technology-program-facts/.

Program Mission

The mission of the Welding Technology program is to provide students with education on state-of-the art equipment and technology based on current industry standards to prepare them with the skills, knowledge, and attributes required for the completion of the AWS SENSE Level I Entry Welder and/or AWS SENSE Level II Advanced Welder certification(s) and employment in the welding technology field.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide the opportunity for students to develop:

• Technical skills and knowledge required for manual and automated fabrication of precision weldments from ideas, drawings, and blueprints.
• Math skills necessary to compute the required measurements and formulas required for accurate fabrication or production of required parts.
• Knowledge and skills necessary to complete American Welding Society (AWS) School Excelling through National Skill Standards Education (SENSE) certifications.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem solving skills required in the welding industry.
• Work ethic and attitudes that enhance the ability to secure and maintain increasingly meaningful employment.

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 48.0508

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
WLT	101	Introduction into Metalworking	5
WLT	126	Gas & Arc Welding I	3
WLT	144	Semi Automatic Welding I	4
WLT	146	Mathematics for Metalworking	2
WLT	162	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I	3
WLT	166	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II	3
WLT	170	Gas & Arc Welding II	3
WLT	180	Semi Automatic Welding II	3
WLT	231	Gas & Arc Welding III	4
WLT	245	Semi Automatic Welding III	6
WLT	261	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III	3
WLT	264	Computer Numerical Control Plasma Cutting	5
WLT	282	Robotic Welding	5
SUB-TOTAL			49

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
General Education Requirements			19
May Not Include:
ASC	104	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab I	4
ASC	106	Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab II	4
NST	101	Network Fundamentals	3
SUB-TOTAL			19

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Welding Technology (WLT) associate of applied science degree program for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

69

Advanced-Level Welding Certificate - One-Year (C1)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 48.0508

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
WLT	166	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II	3
WLT	170	Gas & Arc Welding II	3
WLT	180	Semi Automatic Welding II	3
WLT	231	Gas & Arc Welding III	4
WLT	245	Semi Automatic Welding III	6
WLT	261	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III	3
WLT	264	Computer Numerical Control Plasma Cutting	5
WLT	282	Robotic Welding	5
SUB-TOTAL			32

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
Must include:
COM	101	English Composition	3
CPP	101	Introduction to Microcomputer Usage	3
SUB-TOTAL			6

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Welding Technology (WLT) one-year certificate in advanced-level welding for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

39

Entry-Level Welding Certificate - Less than One-Year (C0)

Classification of Instructional Programs - 48.0508

Core Curriculum

			Credit Hours
WLT	101	Introduction into Metalworking	5
WLT	126	Gas & Arc Welding I	3
WLT	144	Semi Automatic Welding I	4
WLT	146	Mathematics for Metalworking	2
WLT	162	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I	3
SUB-TOTAL			17

General Education Requirements

Refer to the General Education Requirements and General Education Courses in the College Catalog.

			Credit Hours
Must Include:
COM	111	Oral Communications	3
CPP	101	Introduction to Microcomputer Usage	3
SUB-TOTAL			6

Program Requirements

			Credit Hours
MAT	051	Introductory Algebra	4
		or
MAT	071	Intermediate Algebra	4
SUB-TOTAL			4

Graduation Requirements

			Credit Hours
COM	125	Job Search Strategies	1
It is a graduation requirement of the Welding Technology (WLT) less than one-year certificate in entry-level welding for students to earn a grade of "C" or better in all "Core Curriculum" and "Program Requirements" courses.
SUB-TOTAL			1

PROGRAM TOTAL

28

Courses

WLT 101: Introduction into Metalworking

This course teaches the basic understanding of safe operations and practices in the work area, proper hoisting and rigging practices, blueprint interpretation, visual examination of weld characteristics, and safe operation of equipment used for each welding and thermal cutting process. The proper use of personal protective equipment, precautionary labeling, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information and inspection are also taught. Students are prepared for the AWS SENSE Safety and Health of Welders certification.

Credit Hours: 5

WLT 126: Gas & Arc Welding I

This course teaches the basic skills and knowledge required to set-up and operate manual oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment, plasma cutting equipment, and air carbon arc equipment as needed for the fabrication and preparation of materials. Basic skills and knowledge required to set-up Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) equipment, select correct electrodes, identify materials, and perform SMAW operations on carbon steel are also covered. This course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level I welder performance qualification tests in the flat and horizontal positions.

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 144: Semi Automatic Welding I

This course teaches the basic skills and knowledge required to set-up Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) equipment, select correct electrodes, identify materials, and perform GMAW and FCAW operations on carbon steel. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level I welder performance qualification tests.

Credit Hours: 4

WLT 146: Mathematics for Metalworking

This course focuses on practical mathematical computations required for various welding technology applications. Areas, volumes, conversions, scaling, and measurement of materials as well as right- and oblique- triangle trigonometry are emphasized. This class will include challenges of solving comprehensive problems relevant to precision custom manufacturing that are similar to what will be encountered in the work environment.

Credit Hours: 2

WLT 162: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I

This course teaches the basic skills and knowledge required to set-up Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) equipment, select correct electrodes, identify materials, and perform GTAW operations on carbon steel. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level I welder performance qualification tests in the flat and horizontal positions.

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 166: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II

This course provides students with continued development of the skills and knowledge used to set-up Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) equipment, select correct electrodes, identify materials, and perform GTAW operations on structural aluminum, and carbon and stainless steel. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level I welder performance qualification tests in the vertical and overhead positions.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 162 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 170: Gas & Arc Welding II

This course provides students with continued development of the skills and knowledge used to set-up and operate manual and mechanized oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment, plasma cutting equipment, and air carbon arc equipment as needed for the fabrication and preparation of material. Students also receive further instruction in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) equipment, selecting correct electrodes, identifying materials, and performing SMAW operations on structural carbon steel. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level II welder performance qualification tests.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 126 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 180: Semi Automatic Welding II

This course provides students with continued development of the skills and knowledge used to set-up Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) equipment, select correct electrodes, identify materials, and perform GMAW and FCAW operations on structural carbon steel. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level II welder performance qualification tests.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 144 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 231: Gas & Arc Welding III

This course teaches advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), oxy-fuel cutting, plasma cutting, and carbon arc gouging operations on carbon and stainless steel. Carbon steel pipe welding is also covered. The course also prepares students for AWS SENSE Level II welder performance qualification tests.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 170 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 4

WLT 245: Semi Automatic Welding III

This course teaches how to use Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Pulse Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-P), and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) equipment to perform advanced operations on aluminum, and carbon and stainless steel. Carbon steel pipe welding is also covered. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level II welder performance qualification tests.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 180 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 6

WLT 261: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III

This course teaches advanced Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding-Pulsed (GTAW-P) operations on aluminum, and carbon and stainless steel; pipe welding is also covered. The course prepares students for AWS SENSE Level II welder performance qualification tests.

Requisite:
Prerequisite WLT 166 minimum grade C

Credit Hours: 3

WLT 264: Computer Numerical Control Plasma Cutting

This course teaches the use of visual machine designer software to program the tool path. Students will use the computer aided drafting (CAD) software for a plasma cutting system to build basic and advanced CAD projects.

Credit Hours: 5

WLT 282: Robotic Welding

This course teaches the safe set-up and operation of the robotic welding system. Students are taught to identify the variables that affect the robotic welding system, set-up the system parameters, and operate within those parameters.

Credit Hours: 5