Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology
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.
- WEL133Flux Cored Arc Welding
- WEL119Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- WEL142Gas Metal Arc Welding
- WEL146Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- WEL102Welding Blueprint & Layout
- WEL209Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes
- WEL216Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding
- WEL240Basic CNC Programming
- MSC106Introduction to Metallurgy
- WEL244Gas Tungsten Arc Pipe Welding
- WEL264Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding
- WEL252Welding Blueprint & Layout II
- QAL241Non-Destructive Testing I
- WEL249Robotic Welding
- DSG328Parametric Modeling & FEA Applications for Welders
- WEL401Industrial Project Support Systems
- DSG323Design Statics & Strength of Materials
- WEL302Advanced High Energy Density Processes
- QAL301NDT Quality Assurance
- WEL410Industrial Weld Design
- WEL400Fabrication of Alloys
- EET303Industrial Electronics & Applications
- MET321Engineering Ethics & Legal Issues
- WEL420Welding Codes & Procedures
- WEL495Welding Internship
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.
Maker Profiles
Alumni
Erin Beaver
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Penn College Dual Enrollment courses gave Erin a head start on her welding career.
Alumni
Nate Lyon
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Everyone said Nate was a rising star in his field. They were right.
Faculty
Ryan Good
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Ryan will bring out the best in you. He’ll challenge you to solve complex problems. Inspire you to strive for perfection. And groom you to become the leader that others are proud to follow.
Leadership
Dr. Kathy Chesmel
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
Civil Engineering
Polymer Engineering
Welding & Metal Fabrication
She understands the value of positive role models and is determined to inspire the next generation of tomorrow makers.
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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
ABET-Accredited Program
The B.S. in Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program 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.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
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
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Johnson Controls continues support for Penn College students
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Robotic welding system entrusted to Penn College
Friday, September 5, 2025
Penn College welding student receives scholarship
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.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
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.
More Information
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/Transferring-Credits). Exceptions must be approved the school dean.
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.
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. Dan Bechek, Sales Engineer / Central PA, Lincoln Electric
- 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. 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