Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology

Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
Student framed in welding sculpture

About this program

With job opportunities across industries and around the globe, a degree in welding and fabrication will take you where you want to go. At Penn College, you’ll get hands-on training in specialized learning labs. Work alongside passionate and experienced instructors to hone in-demand technical skills in this ABET-accredited program. And learn everything from techniques and methods to problem solving skills.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

95%

Overall Placement

55,000+

Square Foot Facility

45%

Hired BEFORE Graduation

Careers

  • Welding engineer
  • Designer engineer
  • Automation engineer
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (WEL119)
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (WEL133)
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (WEL142)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (WEL146)
  • Welding Blueprint & Layout (WEL102)
  • Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes (WEL209)
  • Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (WEL216)
  • Basic CNC Programming (WEL240)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Pipe Welding (WEL244)
  • Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding (WEL264)
  • Welding Blueprint & Layout II (WEL252)
  • Non-Destructive Testing I (QAL241)
  • Introduction to Metallurgy (MSC106)
  • Robotic Welding (WEL249)
  • Parametric Modeling & FEA Applications for Welders (DSG328)
  • Industrial Project Support Systems (WEL401)
  • Design Statics & Strength of Materials (DSG323)
  • Advanced High Energy Density Processes (WEL302)
  • NDT Quality Assurance (QAL301)
  • Industrial Weld Design (WEL410)
  • Fabrication of Alloys (WEL400)
  • Engineering Ethics & Legal Issues (MET321)
  • Welding Codes & Procedures (WEL420)
  • Welding Internship (WEL495)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

  • College Physics I (PHS115)
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP)
  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Information, Technology & Society (CSC124)
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry II (MTH183)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
  • Applied Calculus (MTH230) or
  • Calculus I (MTH240)
  • Speech Elective (SPC)
Featured Video

Sculpting Success

Follow along as welding student Erin Beaver crafts an amazing entry for the 2019 SkillsUSA welding sculpture competition.

Maker Profiles
Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

ABET-Accredited Program

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org), under the General Criteria.

Facilities

Lab Tour

In this virtual tour, you'll walk through our newly upgraded 55,000+-square-foot facility, meet a few instructors, and check out some of the latest technology and tools of the trade.

Facilities

Welding Lab Expanded

Get hands-on experience in one of the largest facilities in higher education, using industry-standard equipment just like you’ll see in the real world.

Facilities

Cutting-Edge Equipment

Faculty recently trained on an electron beam welder to prepare for the arrival of such a unit. Penn College will be the first U.S.educational institution to feature an electron beam welder.

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

ATF Logo
Internship

Your knowledge in practice

Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.

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Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

American Welding Society (AWS)

American Welding Society (AWS)

Being a part of the AWS allows students to network and learn and sharpen the skills needed for a successful career in the welding industry.

SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions. 

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
03.22.2024

Welding lab sparks 'Recruitment Day' connections

The Automated Manufacturing, Welding & Metal Fabrication Recruitment Day drew 24 employers and 111 students to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s welding lab on Wednesday. The expansive space, believed to be the largest welding facility in higher education nationwide, buzzed with connection.

02.19.2024

Penn College welding grad ‘engineers’ career success

Garrett D. Corneliussen gained more than a job from his education at Pennsylvania College of Technology. He secured a career: One he hopes will make a difference for society. The 2017 welding & fabrication engineering technology graduate believes his latest position offers strong potential to meet that lofty objective. Corneliussen is the founding engineer for manufacturing at Reframe Systems, a company that aims to build attainable net-zero modular homes at massive scale.

02.14.2024

'Baja SAE Williamsport'

Gear up for a great conversation when Marshall Fowler, engineering design technology student and Penn College Baja SAE Club president, sits down to share his team's dynamic drive in the latest episode of the Tomorrow Makers podcast, "Baja SAE Williamsport." As the college prepares to host the international Baja SAE competition, May 16-19, this podcast episode highlights the high excitement and unwavering dedication of Penn College Baja SAE Club members.

Gain global experience
Study Abroad

Gain global experience

See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Penn College welding students cap unique remodeling project

Penn College welding students cap unique remodeling project

Members of the college’s American Welding Society student chapter and faculty advisor recently volunteered their time and expertise to craft and install a 6-by-9-foot “tree of life” metallic sculpture at a former church.

Read more

More Information

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org), under the General Criteria.

American Welding Society (AWS) Accredited Test Facility (ATF) and Sustaining Company Member.

View general transfer information

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

Penn College offers American Welding Society (AWS) certification testing.

Tools

Students should review the Welding Tools & Supplies to determine what tools and supplies they will need to purchase. The Welding department realizes that some students may not need to purchase the entire list of supplies. These students may contact the School Office for guidance in purchasing their supplies. The College Store can provide the complete kit.

Personal Protection Equipment

  • Leather work shoes (safety toes optional)
  • Safety glasses
  • Welding helmet with #10 lens
  • Cutting goggles with #5 lens
  • Welding jacket
  • Welding gloves (SMAW & GTAW)

Personal Protection Equipment and tools are available for purchase through The College Store .

  • Mr. Robert Blauser, '96, '00, Vice President of Operations, GSM Industrial
  • Mr. Richard A Conrad, Jr., '02, Field Application Engineer, Hobart/Miller Electric
  • Mr. Jacob D Fisher, '10, Plant Manager, High Steel Structures LLC.
  • Mr. Eric F Geier, '17, Operations Leadership Rotation Future Leader, Aerojet Rocketdyne
  • Mr. Matthew Hillyer, Welding Engineer, Johnson Controls Navy Systems
  • Mr. Wayne A Leone, Welder Training & Testing for Susq. Nuclear Power Plant, PP&L
  • Mr. Michael Sebergandio, '01, '03, Quality Engineer - Welding, Case New Holland
  • Mr. Brian A Thompson, Owner, Jasper Steel Works, LLC
  • Mr. Richard Wagoner, Principal Construction Training Leader, UGI Utilities
  • Mr. Dave Watson, Sales Engineer, Lincoln Electric
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair