Welding, Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion Welding prepares students for entry-level jobs in metal working fields. Required courses are applicable toward the AAS Welding degree.
Entry Requirements
Students are required to complete the College's placement process to determine skill level and readiness in math, reading and writing. As part of their training program, students must begin with the courses within their skill level as determined by the placement process.
Because a variety of working conditions exist in the welding field, a person generally should be in good physical condition and able to stand, stoop, kneel and bend without difficulty and be able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds. Good eyesight, especially depth perception, is necessary for a welder.
The Certificate of Completion Welding is an American Welding Society (AWS) entry-level welding certified program. Successfully completing the AWS portion of each welding course also qualifies the student for a Certificate of Completion from the AWS as an entry-level welder – a nationally recognized certificate.
By the second week of the term, students will need to purchase the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) required for the term. Required PPE includes: Welding hood, leathers or welding jacket, gauntlet gloves, safety glasses (clear and shade 5), and leather boots (steel toe is preferred).
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 48 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Set-up and operate manual and semi-automatic welding and cutting equipment used in the metal fabrication industry.
- Perform basic layout and fabrication skills to produce welded metal parts and projects.
- Read and interpret blueprints and American Welding Society standard welding symbols.
- Perform as a team member and practice skills that reflect professional and ethical behavior in the workplace.
Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process. Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| DRFT105 | Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| WLD100 | Welding Process I | 3 |
| WLD101 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 6 |
| WR115 | Fundamentals of Report Writing 1 | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| MTH20 | Basic Mathematics (or higher) 3 | 4 |
| WLD102 | Welding Lab A | 3 |
| WLD103 | Gas Metal Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD104 | Flux Cored Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD110 | Welding Cert for 1st Year ` | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations 2 | 3 |
| WLD105 | Pipe Fitting and Welding I | 3 |
| WLD106 | Welding Lab B | 3 |
| WLD107 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 |
| WLD202 | Forklift Operator Training and Cert | 1 |
| WLD150 | Welding & Joining Processes | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
A higher writing may be substituted, excluding WR241, WR242, WR243, and WR250.
- 2
BA110, BA120, BA285, PSY100, PSY201, PSY202, PSY203 will satisfy this requirement.
- 3
MTH60, 65, 95, or higher, excluding MTH211, may be substituted.
- *
All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.