Welding

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Welding prepares students to work in industry using Oxy-Fuel welding and cutting (OFW) (OFC) and Shielded Metal Arc welding (SMAW) processes. This degree emphasizes the knowledge and skills required to work with modern industrial welding equipment using advanced welding techniques including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). This degree also provides students with the opportunity to complete at least three of the following certificates: Welding: Gas Metal / Flux Cored Arc Welding (GMAW)/(FCAW), Welding: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Ferrous, Welding: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Non-Ferrous, Welding: Shielded Metal Arc welding (SMAW) Plate, and Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Pipe.

Details

Offered At
Mesa
Field of Interest
Applied Technology
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Welding (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3244
Total credits required
61-69
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2022
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Adhere to industry safety regulations applicable to welding environments.
  2. Demonstrate proficient use of machines, tools and equipment in the welding environment.
  3. Prepare various types of weld joints per industry standards, using appropriate welding and cutting processes and procedures.
  4. Perform various types of welds on industry standard joint types in all positions, using appropriate welding and cutting processes and procedures.
  5. Evaluate quality control standards and practices applied in welding inspection in the welding industry.
  6. Analyze technical documentation to make informed decisions in welding processes.
  7. Apply mathematical and logical reasoning to the welding and fabrication processes.
  8. Analyze the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of materials to perform welding and fabrication procedures.
  9. Demonstrate quality workmanship in a timely manner.
  10. Demonstrate professionalism with conduct, ethics, and workplace practices.
  11. Effectively communicate verbally, non-verbally and in writing with diverse audiences in various workplace environments.
  12. Evaluate challenges and employment opportunities within the field of welding.
  13. Identify opportunities to expand knowledge, skills, and abilities within the field of welding.
  14. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

$48,520

* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD101 Welding I Gateway course OR Permission of Program Director 0–3
WLD106AA Introduction to SMAW Critical course 5
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3
GTC107 Technical Mathematics I OR Satisfactory score on math placement test. GTC107 is only needed if intending to take GTC108 to fulfill the math requirement. 0–3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD106AB or
WLD106AC or
WLD206AA		 SMAW 6010 Plate or SMAW 7018 Plate or Introduction to GMAW/FCAW and GTAW 5
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3
GTC108 or
MAT14+		 Technical Mathematics II or College Mathematics Critical course OR Any higher level mathematics course None or MA 3–6
ENG102 or
ENG108 or
ENG111		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL or Technical and Professional Writing FYC or FYC or L 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3
RE Restricted Electives 5
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication SB or SB or L or SB 3
SG or
SQ		 Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative Recommend CHM130 AND CHM130LL OR CHM130AA SG or SQ 4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
RE Restricted Electives 5
RE Restricted Electives 5–6
SB Social & Behavioral Sciences SB 3
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design HU 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD101 Welding I Gateway course OR Permission of Program Director 0–3
WLD106AA Introduction to SMAW Critical course 5
FYE101 or
FYE103		 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
GTC107 Technical Mathematics I OR Satisfactory score on math placement test. GTC107 is only needed if intending to take GTC108 to fulfill the math requirement. 0–3
ENG101 or
ENG107		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL Critical course FYC or FYC 3
WLD106AB or
WLD106AC or
WLD206AA		 SMAW 6010 Plate or SMAW 7018 Plate or Introduction to GMAW/FCAW and GTAW 5

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
GTC108 or
MAT14+		 Technical Mathematics II or College Mathematics Critical course OR Any higher level mathematics course None or MA 3–6
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
ENG102 or
ENG108 or
ENG111		 First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL or Technical and Professional Writing FYC or FYC or L 3
RE Restricted Electives 5

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3
RE Restricted Electives 5

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
RE Restricted Electives 5–6
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
WLD103 or
WLD150 or
WLD215 or
WLD225		 Basic Blacksmithing and Metal Shaping or Welding Blueprint Reading or Welding Fabrication or Welding Inspection and Quality Control 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230		 Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication SB or SB or L or SB 3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SG or
SQ		 Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative Recommend CHM130 AND CHM130LL OR CHM130AA SG or SQ 4
HU Humanities, Fine Arts & Design HU 3

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SB Social & Behavioral Sciences SB 3

Restricted Electives

Select 15 to 16 credits in consultation with a Program and/or Academic Advisor to further develop skills in the specialization areas shown below. WLD106AB, WLD106AC, WLD206AA may be selected as Restricted Electives if not used to satisfy Required Courses.

Gas Metal / Flux Cored Arc Welding (GMAW)/(FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
WLD206AA Introduction to GMAW/FCAW and GTAW 5
WLD206AB Advanced GMAW and FCAW 5
WLD206AC Advanced GTAW Non-Ferrous 5
WLD206AD Advanced GTAW Ferrous 5
WLD208AB GMAW Code Welding 5
WLD208AC FCAW Code Welding 5

WLD296WA Cooperative Education (1) OR
WLD296WB Cooperative Education (2) OR
WLD296WC Cooperative Education (3) OR
WLD296WD Cooperative Education (4) (1-4)

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Plate
WLD106AC SMAW 7018 Plate 5
WLD208AA SMAW Code Welding 5
 

WLD296WA Cooperative Education (1) OR
WLD296WB Cooperative Education (2) OR
WLD296WC Cooperative Education (3) OR
WLD296WD Cooperative Education (4) (1-4)
 

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Pipe
WLD106AB SMAW 6010 Plate 5
WLD106AD SMAW Introduction to Pipe 5
WLD208AA SMAW Code Welding 5
WLD208AD SMAW Code Welding Pipe 5
 

WLD296WA Cooperative Education (1) OR
WLD296WB Cooperative Education (2) OR
WLD296WC Cooperative Education (3) OR
WLD296WD Cooperative Education (4) (1-4)


Computer Aided Design
MPT150 Introduction to SolidWorks 3
DFT105AA Computer Aided Drafting I: AutoCAD 3

WLD296WA Cooperative Education (1) OR
WLD296WB Cooperative Education (2) OR
WLD296WC Cooperative Education (3) OR
WLD296WD Cooperative Education (4) (1-4)

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

  • FYC = First Year Composition
  • HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
  • L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
  • MA = Mathematics
  • SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
  • SG = Natural Sciences General
  • SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=171674).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.