Welding Certificate

Academic Program Code:  931

Welding is the process of joining pieces of metal by fusing them together. It is the most common method of permanently connecting metal parts in the construction of automobiles, spacecraft, ships, appliances, construction equipment and thousands of other products. Welding processes differ in the manner in which heat is applied to the parts being joined as well as in the techniques dictated by the nature of the metals involved and the configuration of the pieces. Gas welding uses a flame fueled by a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gases to supply heat, while arc welding uses the heat of a high-voltage electric arc. The nature of the metals being joined often makes it necessary to protect the heated area from the air, and different ways of providing inert gas-shielding (GTAW and GMAW welding processes) of the weld zone have been devised. This one-year Welding certificate program provides students with a quick way of learning the fundamental skills of welding. Students learn oxyacetylene (gas) welding, arc welding, and inert gas-shielded techniques. All credits earned in this certificate program may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences in Welding Technology. The following scheduling is presented as a guide only. Courses may be taken in any order as long as all requirements (including prerequisites) are met.