Industrial Welding Technology

Associate of Applied Science

About the Program

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Welding Technology is designed for students whose goals are to enter the job market as entry-level welders/fabricators. Upon completing the program, students will be qualified to test for certification to the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1-06 Structural Steel Welding Codes and the AWS D1.3-08 Sheet Steel Welding Code. Students would also be able to test to certify as pipe welders to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Section IX Welding Code, and as Level I Entry Level and Level II Advanced Level Welder by the AWS EG2.0 and 3.0 welder training programs.

Additionally, students will have a good foundation in structural steel layout, pipefitting, and sheet metal pattern development. Students will also be prepared with mathematics and communication skills and be knowledgeable of the human relations skills necessary to become valuable employees in the industrial welding field.

If students intend to transfer to SOU’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program, transfer courses should be chosen from the list of electives where possible. See an advisor for more information or visit SOU’s Degree Completion page. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The curriculum in RCC courses is derived from a set of identified learning outcomes that are relevant to the discipline. Program learning outcomes for the Industrial Welding Technology Associate of Applied Science are:

Demonstrate a commitment to a culture of safety.

Interpret and create mechanical blueprints to industry standards.

Layout and fabricate industry-quality fabrication projects.

Produce industry quality cuts and weldments on carbon steel plate and pipe in various positions and joint and groove configurations.

Produce industry-quality welds using various welding processes on stainless steel and aluminum plate.

Develop a sequence of steps to foresee, troubleshoot, and resolve mechanical and process issues that arise in the workplace.

Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the 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 through the Placement Process.

Advanced Standing

Coursework from accredited colleges and universities will be accepted in accordance with college policies. In order to ensure that coursework is current, program courses over ten years old must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department Chair before being accepted toward core requirements. College Now credit will be accepted in accordance with current agreement. Verified industry experience may be substituted for some coursework in accordance with college policy and the department chair’s approval.

Credits earned in the successful completion of Career Pathways certificates can be applied to other certificates and degrees in the Career Pathway. For more information, speak to a program advisor.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete all courses in this program with a grade of “C-” or better to receive their degrees. Certain required courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. A grade of “P” for these courses indicates a student earned the equivalent of a “C-” or better grade.

This guide lays out an optimal path to graduate. Where zero credits are listed in the prerequisites, students may place into a higher level(s) based on designated placement. Note: some prerequisites may be required for graduation. Please consult an advisor with any program completion questions.