Welding Technology

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
welding student

About this program

From manufacturing and construction to artistic exploration, welding is a craft that crosses industry lines. At Penn College, you’ll be part of a community of creators. Mastering practical skills to take on in-demand careers in this thriving field. In this ABET-accredited program you’ll explore theories. Challenge and test concepts. And apply skills, methods, and techniques in advanced learning labs using tools and technology just like you’ll find in the field.

Next steps...

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

96%

Overall Placement Rate

Seamless Associate-to-Bachelor Degree Pathway

Global Opportunities

Careers

  • Welding technician
  • Welding supervisor
  • Welding inspector
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.

  • Flux Cored I (WEL132)
  • Shielded Metal Arc I (WEL114)
  • Flux Cored II (WEL136)
  • Shielded Metal Arc II (WEL116)
  • Gas Metal Arc I (WEL120)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc I (WEL123)
  • Gas Metal Arc II (WEL124)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc II (WEL129)
  • Welding Blueprint & Layout (WEL102)
  • Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes I (WEL211)
  • Shielded Metal Arc III (WEL221)
  • Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes II (WEL212)
  • Shielded Metal Arc V (WEL223)
  • Basic CNC Programming (WEL240)
  • Introduction to Metallurgy (MSC106)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc III (WEL215)
  • Shielded Metal Arc IV/Pipe Welding (WEL225)
  • Gas Tungsten Arc IV (WEL220)
  • Shielded Metal Arc VI/Pipe Welding (WEL227)
  • Robotic Welding (WEL249)
  • Non-Destructive Testing I (QAL241)
  • Welding Blueprint & Layout II (WEL252)

​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.

  • Core Arts Perspective (ARP) or
  • Core Applied Arts Perspective (AAP) or
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP) or
  • Core Historical Perspective (HIP) or
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)

​​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)
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
Featured Video

Sculpting Success

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

Student Experience

"The most satisfying part is that you're taking something from nothing and creating whatever you want from it. This is exactly what I want to do. I love this."

Erin Beaver

Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology

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.

Jun 24

Open House

Saturday, June 24 8:30 AM - 2 :30 PM

Jul 29

Open House

Saturday, July 29 8:30 - 2 :30 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)

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.

News
05.11.2023

Welding lab hosts K-12 teacher-training program

Teachers became students May 9-10, when Penn College’s welding faculty hosted its second Welding Teacher Training program, a seminar that provided educators in high schools and career and technical education centers with an opportunity to immerse in hands-on learning in the college’s Lycoming Engines Metal Trades Center.

05.11.2023

Penn College Baja team begins new era with stellar showing

A dedicated group of Pennsylvania College of Technology students ushered in a new era of competition with a strong showing recently at Baja SAE Oshkosh in Wisconsin.

05.02.2023

Instructor turns welding student in memorable reversal

Invited by one of her students into the welding lab, Penn College faculty member Melissa A. Webb this week flipped roles for what she later called an "unforgettable experience."

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

Let the competition begin!

Let the competition begin!

Our all-women welding team brought home the gold at the recent SkillsUSA competition.  

Check out their story

More Information

Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org).

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. Eric F Geier, '17, Operations Leadership Rotation Future Leader, Aerojet Rocketdyne
  • 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. Richard Wagoner, Principal Construction Training Leader, UGI Utilities
  • Mr. Dave Watson, Sales Engineer, Lincoln Electric