Welding - Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Description

The Associate of Applied Science in Welding is a culmination of the career pathway and one-year certificates of completion. Emphasis is on structural welds that include multiple positions and pipe. Students will weld overhead, vertical, and cylindrical pipe. All welding methods are used. Students also use destructive testing methods of welds.

In order to complete the program, students must satisfactorily complete welding, welding laboratory, and general education courses.

Along with welding, the degree allows electives that can be taken in the machine shop. Students can take manual or computer numerical control (CNC) classes in machining.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Model industry safety standards in a welding/fabrication environment.
  2. Summarize test standards and information in order to pass the American Welding Society Expert Welder practical knowledge qualification written test.
  3. Perform the specific skills needed to pass American Welding Society Expert Welder performance qualification tests.
  4. Apply inspection, testing, and acceptance criteria at the American Welding Society Expert Welder level.
  5. Model effective and appropriate communication with welding professionals and clients.

Entrance Requirements

Academic Entrance Requirements

Recommended:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Completion of MTH 060 Beginning Algebra or minimum placement Math Level 10
  • Successful completion of or current enrollment in MFG 100 Manufacturing Technology Orientation
  • College-level computer skills

Additional Program Costs (Beyond Standard Tuition/Fees and Textbooks)

Material Costs

Required:

  • Welding personal protective equipment and tools: approximately $250

Recommended:

  • A desktop or laptop computer capable of running the latest version of Windows and Microsoft Office: approximately $600

Enrollment Fees

  • Fees on specific MFG courses: approximately $1,100 total

Course Requirements

Course Title Credits
Core Courses
MFG 100Manufacturing Technology Orientation1
MFG 101Blueprint Reading3
MFG 103Welding Technology I4
MFG 105Welding Technology II4
MFG 107Welding Technology III4
MFG 110Manufacturing Processes I4
MFG 119Manufacturing Design and Drafting Techniques4
or MFG 119M Mechanical Drawing Techniques
MFG 264Automated Cutting3
MFG 267Oxygen-Fuel and Plasma Cutting3
MFG 271SMAW I3
MFG 272GMAW I3
MFG 273SMAW II3
MFG 274GMAW II3
MFG 281GTAW I3
MFG 282FCAW I3
MFG 283GTAW II3
MFG 284FCAW II3
MFG 288Industrial Fabrication3
MFG 289Material Handling-Fork Lift Safety1
MFG 280Co-op Work Experience Manufacturing1-4
Welding Program Electives20
Blueprint Reading Sheet Metal
Manufacturing Processes II
Manufacturing Processes III
Quality Assurance
Bench Work
Metals Preparation
Vertical Milling
Lathe Operator I
Lathe Operator II
Additive Manufacturing
Manufacturing Jigs and Fixtures
CNC Mill Programming
CNC Mill Setup & Operation
Mastercam Mill
CNC Lathe Programming
CNC Lathe Setup & Operation
Mastercam Lathe
Manufacturing Cost Estimation
SMAW III
GMAW III
GTAW III
FCAW III
Other Required Courses
Choose one from the following:3-4
Customer Service
Business Human Relations
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small Group Communication
MTH 102Applied Technical Mathematics (or choose from the foundational requirements math list)4
WR 121ZComposition I4
Total Credits90-94

Advising Notes

Nearly all MFG courses are self-directed, outcome-based curricula. This provides students with a greater degree of flexibility than other programs.

Upon starting their program, students review their desired degree outcome with their advisor, and a coursework sequence is identified. This is particularly important if developmental work is needed.

The program is designed for students planning to enter the manufacturing workforce upon graduation. Often only selected credits are considered transferable to public or private baccalaureate institutions. Before starting any manufacturing technology program, students are advised to contact the institution to which they intend to transfer and identify what credits may be transferable.

Most of the skills development courses in this program require two hours a week in the welding lab for each credit. This usually means students will need to schedule 24 hours or more each week in the lab. The welding lab is staffed Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm (40 hours a week).

Performance Standards

  • Academic Requirements:
    • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.
    • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher. 

Sample Plan

Sample Plan Grid
First Year
First TermCredits
MFG 100Manufacturing Technology Orientation1
MFG 101Blueprint Reading3
MFG 103Welding Technology I4
MFG 110Manufacturing Processes I4
MFG 119
Manufacturing Design and Drafting Techniques
or Mechanical Drawing Techniques
4
 Credits16
Second Term
MFG 105Welding Technology II4
MFG 107Welding Technology III4
MFG 264Automated Cutting3
MFG 267Oxygen-Fuel and Plasma Cutting3
 Credits14
Third Term
MFG 271SMAW I3
MFG 272GMAW I3
MFG 281GTAW I3
MFG 282FCAW I3
Welding program elective4
 Credits16
Second Year
First Term
MFG 273SMAW II3
MFG 274GMAW II3
MTH 102Applied Technical Mathematics (or choose from the foundational requirements math list)4
Welding program elective (recommend MFG 254)2
Welding program elective3
 Credits15
Second Term
MFG 283GTAW II3
MFG 284FCAW II3
WR 121ZComposition I4
Welding program elective (recommend MFG 275)3
Welding program elective2
 Credits15
Third Term
Choose one course from the following:3-4
Customer Service
Business Human Relations
Introduction to Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Small Group Communication
MFG 280Co-op Work Experience Manufacturing1-4
MFG 288Industrial Fabrication3
MFG 289Material Handling-Fork Lift Safety1
Welding program elective (recommend MFG 276)3
Welding program elective (recommend MFG 285)3
 Credits14-18
 Total Credits90-94

Outside of
expected

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