Welding is becoming an increasingly high-tech skill in which welders are being trained to operate robots and other automated systems that use powerful lasers, electron beams and explosives to bond metal. With demand for skilled welders rising and the technology used in welding becoming more advanced, especially where automation and robotics are concerned, students have a unique opportunity to learn a career that can be shaped around their interests.
The Welding Technology program is designed for students interested in learning welding or upgrading their skills. Earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in welding or receive a certificate in welding and AWS Sense 1.
Students will learn shield metal arc (stick), gas tungsten (TIG), oxyacetylene (gas), gas metal arc (MIG) and plasma welding/cutting processes, using both manual and semi-automatic applications. Welding courses in welding theory and blueprint reading are also available. The Welding program is an individualized, competency-based program that benefits both novice and advanced welders.
Welding supplies are required. The following gear list outlines supplies in order to begin Welding 1100.
Facilities for the Welding Technology program are housed in the Technical Education Center (TEC). The program offers instruction during day, evening and Saturday classes.
Determine Your Path
The U.S. Department of Labor lists more than 75 occupational titles, including mechanics, machinists, plumbers, construction and maintenance workers, as well as sculptors and other artisans, that entail some form of welding-related activities.
Whether you are preparing for a career in welding or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities, on cutting-edge equipment.
- Flexible schedules with day, evening, and weekend classes.
- Hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Partnerships with industry professionals and organizations ensure that the curricula and equipment are on track with the skills required in the field and sought after by employers.
Welding, Associate in Applied Science
The Associate in Applied Science in Welding Technology program provides students with the theory and practice in entry-level welding skills. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared for the American Welding Society (AWS) examinations.
Welding
The Welding certificate program provides students with an individualized, competency-based method of instruction in the four most common methods of metal joining: shielded metal arc (stick), gas tungsten (TIG), oxyacetylene (gas), and gas metal arc. Additionally, both manual and semi-automatic plasma welding and cutting are included in various courses.
AWS Sense 1
The AWS Sense 1 certificate program provides theory and practice in the preparation and welding of steel joints in various positions. It covers safety, electrode selection, inspection, and testing using shielded metal, gas tungsten, flux core, and gas metal arc welding. Skills are developed in producing different position butt and fillet welds. American Welding Society (AWS) testing is emphasized.
COD Stories
"For students who have already decided they want to weld, the program is evolving and growing." - Maggie Guzman
Maggie's COD StoryCOD Stories
"COD has a plethora of resources and has always impressed me as an academic institution. But I was blown away when I began discovering everything that the Technical Education Center had to offer. The teachers, labs, tools and technology have all been beneficial to my success.” - Nicole Salmon
Nicole's COD StoryGet Started Today
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Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Welding Program graduates will:
- Identify safe welding practices and procedures conforming to American Welding Society (AWS) Z 49 standards.
- Demonstrate practical knowledge of making welds with all types of mild steel electrodes, arc air gouging and the welding of mild steel in all positions in a safe manner.
- Exhibit a basic understanding of metallurgy required of a competent welder.
- Interpret both basic and advanced welding fabrications blueprints including: welding symbols, weld testing symbols, structural steel shapes, and welding specifications.
- Document advanced knowledge and techniques for the safe and successful operation of gas tungsten welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and oxy fuel gas welding.
- Demonstrate knowledge of code practices and procedures in American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1.
- Perform an American Welding Society (AWS) 1G with a backing strip test or 3G with an open root.
College of DuPage has several welding technology transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Career Information
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