All the training, all the skills - you're ready.

The Welding AAS degree is awarded after successful completion of all five semesters.

This is our most extensive training program available. Graduate with a strong foundation of skills across all the most common processes, practices, and equipment.

Program location

 

Skills you'll learn

Master Welding Techniques: Learn the art and science of welding from experienced instructors. Perfect your skills in MIG, TIG, and stick welding, and become a master of the trade.

Safety First: Your well-being matters. We prioritize safety, teaching you the importance of protective gear and safe working practices, so you can confidently handle any welding project.

Real-World Projects: Apply your knowledge to real-world projects. Weld sculptures, create metal structures, and bring your imagination to life while gaining valuable experience.

Certification Ready: Get industry-ready with our program. Prep for your AWS certification exam and ace the tests. Then can flash your credentials in front of employers and land the job.

Where this degree can take you

• Pipe Fitter
• Iron Worker
• Maintenance
• Sheetmetal worker
• Production welder

 

Contact Us

Schedule an Appointment

 

The Welding program is designed to give students a solid foundation in the principles, practices and usage of both gas and electric welding in the industrial setting. Students get ample practice in welding skills, brazing and flame cutting. Instruction emphasizes production fabrication techniques, maintenance and repair procedures, blueprint reading, properties of metals and inspection methods, among other aspects of the welding trade.

SCC is an accredited American Welding Society (AWS) testing facility. Students will have the opportunity to obtain AWS Certifications.

There are several levels of welding certificates, a diploma and an associates of applied science degree. See the links below for details.

The Basic Welding Processes certificate is awarded after successful completion of WEL-111, WEL-160, WEL-186 and WEL-192.

The Advanced Welding Processes certificate is awarded after earning the Basic Welding Processes certificate and successful completion of WEL-130, WEL-164, WEL-172, WEL-197 and MAT-702.

The Welding diploma is awarded after successful completion of the first two semesters. (This is equivalent to the Advanced Welding Processes certificate and successful completion of ENG-110.)

The Advanced Manufacturing Welding Processes certificate is awarded after earning both Welding Processes certificates and successful completion of WEL-182, WEL-198, WEL-292, WEL-235 and WEL-720.

The Welding AAS degree is awarded after successful completion of all five semesters.

*Certificates and diploma can be earned one time.

Please view the technical standards for this course.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence

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Fall Semester I	Course Title	Credit
MAT-702	Introduction to Math Applications	3
WEL-111	Welding Blueprint Reading	3
WEL-160	Arc Welding I (SMAW)	5
WEL-186	Gas Metal Arc Welding	4
WEL-192	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding	4
	TOTAL CREDITS	19

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Spring Semester I	Course Title	Credit
ENG-110	Writing for the Workplace	3
WEL-130	Oxyacetylene Welding	2
WEL-164	Arc Welding II (SMAW)	4
WEL-172	Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding II	4
WEL-197	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding - Tube	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	16

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Summer Semester	Course Title	Credit
SOC-115	Social Problems	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	3

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Fall Semester II	Course Title	Credit
DRF-113	Fundamentals of Technical Drafting	3
SOC-114	Conflict Resolution in the Workplace	3
WEL-182	Flux Cored Arc Welding	2
WEL-198	Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding - Aluminum	2
WEL-292	Pipe Welding/SMAW - Uphill	4
Take WBL-110 as 1 credit
WBL-110	Employability Skills	1-3
	TOTAL CREDITS	15

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Spring Semester II	Course Title	Credit
MGT-130	Principles of Supervision	3
PSY-102	Human and Work Relations	3
WEL-235	Layout and Fabrication	4
WEL-720	Introduction to Robotic Arc Welding	2
	TOTAL CREDITS	12

MAT-702 - Introduction to Math Applications

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is offered to students who can profit from an applied course in mathematics and will prepare students who need to develop skills for MAT-704. It is designed as an introductory level algebra course recommended for students with one year of high school algebra. Emphasis is on the building of basic algebra skills and the application of these mathematical techniques. The course studies the relationship of geometry and algebra as they apply to various fields. This course will also cover whole numbers/decimals, integers, fractions/percents, direct measurement, basic geometric concepts/relationships, linear equations and right-triangle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MAT-052 or meet minimum placement testing requirements.

WEL-111 - Welding Blueprint Reading

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

A course concerned with basic fundamentals of interpreting drafting as applied in the welding trade. Emphasis is placed on developing the ability to interpret blueprints from which the welder must work. A thorough coverage of welding symbols is integrated within the course.

WEL-160 - Arc Welding I (SMAW)

Lecture: 2

Lab: 6

Credit: 5

Provides a thorough technical understanding of shielded metal arc welding fundamentals, weld hazards and weld safety, power sources and electrode selection. Provides ample time and direction to develop skills necessary to make high quality welds on 16 gauge to ¼" mild steel in all positions.

WEL-186 - Gas Metal Arc Welding

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

Provides a technical understanding of the gas metal arc welding process, power sources and adjustment, metal transfer, shielding gases and weld safety. Develops skills necessary to produce high quality welds of 1/16"at 3/8" mild steel in all positions. Students will develop skills necessary to produce and bend-test single vee groove welds on 3/8" carbon steel in all positions according to American Welding Society code requirements.

WEL-192 - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Lecture: 2

Lab: 4

Credit: 4

Provides a thorough technical understanding of the TIG (Heliarc) process including metal characteristics, electrode, filler metals and shielding gases with emphasis on weld safety and procedures.

ENG-110 - Writing for the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Writing for the Workplace prepares students for the various types of written communication required by professional employers. In this class, students learn how to write informal and formal documents and reports in the design and style of career-related communication with a focus on audience, purpose, subject and genre and how they affect our writing choices. This course also includes a review of grammar and usage skills, as well as emphasizes effective language use in real-world applications. Prerequisites: ENG-013 with a minimum grade of C-or meet minimum placement test score requirements. No Waivers.

WEL-130 - Oxyacetylene Welding

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

To provide a thorough technical understanding of metallurgy, oxyacetylene welding, flame cutting and brazing fundamentals, and to develop skills necessary to produce high quality fillet and square groove welds in 3/16" plate and schedule 50 carbon steel pipe. Students develop understanding of weld hazards and safety procedures throughout the course. Can be taken for additional credit. Approval of Instructor.

WEL-164 - Arc Welding II (SMAW)

Lecture: 1

Lab: 6

Credit: 4

An advanced course designed to develop skills, integrity, and confidence necessary to pass skill tests on pre-qualified joints on plate and structural steel as required of code welding by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and American Welding Society. Prerequisite: WEL-160.

WEL-172 - Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding II

Lecture: 1

Lab: 6

Credit: 4

Provides understanding and skill development necessary to produce high quality welds on 3/8" to 1" mild steel in all positions. Includes information relating to air-arc cutting and gouging, procedures and welder qualifications, testing of welds and metals identification. Prerequisite: WEL-160.

WEL-197 - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding - Tube

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Develops skills necessary for making high quality all position welds on schedule 10 to schedule 40 carbon steel pipe; preparation and testing of pipe is included. Prerequisite: WEL-192.

SOC-115 - Social Problems

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An investigation into a selection of social problems involving alternative solutions. Topics may include drug and alcohol abuse, crime, violence, prejudice and discrimination, and human sexuality.

DRF-113 - Fundamentals of Technical Drafting

Lecture: 1

Lab: 4

Credit: 3

Fundamentals of drawing techniques conveyed using free hand sketching. Emphasis is placed on the ability to visualize in three dimensions, neatness, accuracy, legibility, speed and use of computer graphics in the solution of graphic problems.

SOC-114 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace will study conflict resolution theories and applications in the workplace. The course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their own effective interpersonal conflict resolution skills as well as skills needed to help employees resolve their conflicts with one another and the skills needed to negotiate contracts. Students will also be introduced to theories and skills needed to apply culturally sensitive principles to conflict resolution.

WEL-182 - Flux Cored Arc Welding

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

Provides thorough technical understanding of the flux cored arc welding process including adjustment and operation of power source, types of arc shielding, and safe operating procedure. Quality welds are produced on 3/8" to 1" carbon steel in all positions. Prerequisite: WEL-186.

WEL-198 - Advanced Gas Metal Arc Welding - Aluminum

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

An advanced gas metal arc welding course designed for the student who wishes to develop skills necessary to weld 0.050" to 0.250" aluminum in all positions. Prerequisite: WEL-186.

WEL-292 - Pipe Welding/SMAW - Uphill

Lecture: 1

Lab: 6

Credit: 4

Provides thorough technical understanding of uphill pipe welding procedures and application. Students produce welds using schedule 40 and 60 carbon steel pipe in 1G, 2G, 4G and 6G positions with a degree of skill necessary to meet American Society of Mechanical Engineer’s code requirements. Prerequisites: WEL-160 and WEL-172.

WBL-110 - Employability Skills

Lecture: 1-3

Credit: 1-3

This course is designed to assist students in developing the skills necessary to obtain employment, and to learn and practice the skills and attitudes required for job success. Students will practice resume writing, job application completion and interviewing techniques. Additionally, students will practice work-place problem solving strategies and demonstrate skills required to work in a diverse environment. Prerequisite: WBL-150 is recommended.

MGT-130 - Principles of Supervision

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course provides an overview of the principles involved in supervision, including planning, organizing, motivating, staffing and appraising. Also covered are interpersonal skills including communication, decision making, conflict and team work.

PSY-102 - Human and Work Relations

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This is a course that includes the understanding of the applications of psychological principles, theory and research related to the work setting.

WEL-235 - Layout and Fabrication

Lab: 8

Credit: 4

Teaches layout & fitting skills applicable to an industrial welding shop, including reading prints, estimating and ordering materials, performing layout and cutting work, and welding procedures applicable to fabricating a finished product. Emphasizes problem solving and cooperation within an industrial-like environment. Safety, accuracy and a commitment to excellence is emphasized. Prerequisite: Completion of first 3 semesters of welding program curriculum or Instructor Approval.

WEL-720 - Introduction to Robotic Arc Welding

Lecture: 1

Lab: 2

Credit: 2

This course is an overview of robots used in the welding industry. Basic mechanisms, hydraulics, and pneumatics are covered. Students receive hands-on experience in programming a robot to weld fixture parts using the GMAW process. Prerequisite: WEL-186.

Mike Kaczinski - Assistant Professor - Welding

Email: mkaczinski@scciowa.edu
AWS Certification of Welding Educators (CWE)
AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors (CWI)

William White - Assistant Professor - Welding

Email: bwhite@scciowa.edu
AWS Certification of Associate Welding Inspectors (CAWI)