Program Overview

Welding Technology, AAS

The Welding Technology AAS degree provides students with skills to weld and fabricate complex projects. Students receive in-depth knowledge of the nature of metals as it relates to welding, fabricating, and the application of heat. Students also prepare to take the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) certification test.

Welding Technology AAS degree graduates will:

• be prepared for a range of entry-level positions as welder apprentices, welders, welder fabricators, welding fitters
• be prepared to succeed on the WABO certification and similar industry exams
• demonstrate proficiency in most major industrial welding and cutting processes common in the construction, manufacturing, maintenance, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries
• demonstrate communication, critical thinking, cultural humility, information literacy, and teamwork skills
• meet Humanities, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, and Written Communication general education distribution area outcomes

Program Requirements

Required Course Sequence

• Quarter One
  • WELD 118 Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Cutting Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 119 Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Cutting Lab 10 credits
  • MATH 105 Applied Math 5 credits (Students who placed below MATH 105 can take their first math course in Quarter One)
• Quarter Two
  • WELD 128 Wire Feed Welding Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 129 Wire Feed Welding Lab 10 credits
  • SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• Quarter Three
  • WELD 138 Gas Tungsten Arc and Oxy-Fuel Welding Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 139 Gas Tungsten Arc and Oxy-Fuel Welding Lab 10 credits
  • ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits (Students who placed below ENGL& 101 can take their first English course in Quarter Three)
• Quarter Four
  • WELD 248 Layout and Fabrication Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 249 Layout & Fabrication Lab 10 credits
  • CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)
• Quarter Five
  • WELD 208 Advanced Pipe Welding Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 209 Advanced Pipe Welding Lab 10 credits
• Quarter Six
  • WELD 228 Advanced GTAW II Lecture 3 credits
  • WELD 229 Advanced GTAW II Lab 10 credits

General Education Requirements - 20 Credits

• MATH 105 Applied Math 5 credits
• ENGL& 101 English Composition I 5 credits
• SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology 5 credits (or any Social Science course)
• CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication 5 credits (or any Humanities course)

Diversity and Social Justice Requirement

Within the degree requirements, students must complete a 3-5 credit course that meets the college’s Diversity and Social Justice (DSJ) requirement. DSJ courses are designed to meet other general education or technical requirements simultaneous to meeting the DSJ requirement.

Total Program Credits: 98

The Welding Technology AAS degree requires a total of 98 credits. Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not offer every course each quarter, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult the Class Schedule and work out an individual schedule with an advisor. Any developmental coursework a student may be required to complete may increase the program length.