Welding Technology Associate of Science (AS)
About the Program
The Associate of Science in Welding Technology prepares students for the welding and manufacturing industry. Welding touches every aspect of our modern life from the shoes we wear to the food we eat. The Welder or Welding Technician is concerned with all of the activities related to the manufacturing, production, performance, and maintenance of welded products. Interest is primarily in the manufactured or fabricated product, including process selection, power sources, base and filler materials, manufacturing methods, hands-on skills training, inspection, quality control, performance evaluation, and equipment service. The broad range of welded products with which welders and welding technicians deal includes structures, such as bridges, buildings, utility equipment, wind turbines, and communication towers; pressure vessels and heat exchangers, such as nuclear systems, boilers, solar thermal systems, oil and natural gas exploration, chemical processing equipment, storage vessels, and transmission and distribution piping; transportation vehicles for water, land, air, and space travel; and production and processing machines of all types.
Career Opportunities
The welding industry offers a wide variety of dynamic and challenging careers. Underwater welders are needed on offshore oil rigs. Welder-operators use automated welding systems to manufacture cars. Structural welders help to construct skyscrapers and bridges. In addition to welders, other professionals such as certified inspectors and engineers rely on welding to do their jobs. Without these professionals, our country would fall apart. The demand for skilled welding professionals is constantly growing. By 2025, our nation’s workforce will need over 400,000 welders to satisfy the demands of several industries.
Program Outcomes
- Upon completion of the AS in Welding Technology, students are able to operate safely in a welding workplace environment.
- Upon completion of the AS in Welding Technology, students have the skills necessary to pass an American Welding Society standard welding certification test.
Learning and Career Pathway Maps
Required Core: (33 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 39 | Trigonometry | 4 |
| WLDT 55 | Print Reading for Industry | 2 |
| WLDT 61 | Welding Ferrous Metals | 3 |
| WLDT 61AL | SMAW Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 61BL | FCAW Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 62 | Welding Nonferrous Metals | 3 |
| WLDT 62AL | GTAW Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 62BL | GMAW Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 63 | Welding Layout and Fitting | 2 |
| WLDT 66 | Welding Inspection and Testing | 2 |
| WLDT 69AL | Beginning Pipe Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 69BL | Advanced Pipe Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 73 | Welding Workplace Safety | 1 |
| WLDT 75 | Measurements and Calculations | 4 |
LIST A: Select from Below (12 units)
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| WLDT 1 | Welding Camp | 1 |
| WLDT 67A | Elementary Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 67B | Basic Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 67C | Intermediate Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 67D | Advanced Welding Skills Laboratory | 2 |
| WLDT 68 | Certification Preparation | 2 |
| WLDT 70 | Introduction to Welding | 2 |
| WLDT 71 | Welding for the Arts | 3 |
| WLDT 72 | Laser Welding and Cutting | 3 |
| WLDT 79 | Manufacturing Processes | 2 |
Total Units for the Major: 45
The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Science (AS) Degree, California State University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.