COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE · UNITED STATES
Welding Technology AAS
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 2 yearsProgram Duration
- Hands-on trainingLearning Approach
- Shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc welding, pipe weldingKey Skills
- Up to 6 welder qualification testsCertification Opportunities
- $29/hourAverage Wage (WA State)
- 1,000 openings/yearJob Market Openings (WA State)
The Welding Technology program at Columbia Basin College (CBC) offers a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in welding. This program focuses on essential welding techniques, preparing graduates for in-demand careers in construction and fabrication industries. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in various welding processes, ensuring students develop the manipulative abilities and technical understanding required for success.
Curriculum
The AAS degree typically takes two years (6 quarters) to complete and includes a strong emphasis on practical shop experience. Students will gain knowledge in a variety of welding processes and related skills. All AAS degrees require four general education classes (Math, English, Human Relations, Communication) and a minimum grade of 2.0 in major courses to continue enrollment.
- Year 1
- General Education Courses
- Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Blueprint Reading
- Year 2
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Pipe Welding
- Fabrication
- Structural Welder Certification
- Piping Certification
Careers
Graduates of the Welding Technology program are prepared for a wide range of careers in the construction trades and fabrication sectors. The skills acquired, including welder qualification tests, make students highly competitive in the job market.
- Boilermaker Welding
- Carpenter Welding
- Construction Welding
- Ironworker Welding
- Maintenance Welding
- Millwright Welding
- Sheet Metal Welding
- Structural Steel Welding
- Pipe Welding
- Fabrication
- Welding Inspection
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Welding Technology AAS program?
- Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED to be admitted to Columbia Basin College. Program admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who have attended a mandatory information session and are ready to register for classes.
- How much does the Welding Technology AAS program cost for international students?
- International students are subject to CBC tuition and fees, plus program-specific fees. Additionally, there is a $37.50/credit course fee and a $12.50/credit equipment fee for all lab courses.
- What is the duration of the Welding Technology AAS program?
- The Welding Technology AAS degree program is designed to be completed in two years, consisting of six quarters. It includes a strong emphasis on practical shop experience.
- How do I apply to the Welding Technology AAS program?
- To apply, you must first attend an information session, then complete the general application to Columbia Basin College. After these steps, you can register for program classes on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, students may be eligible for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career & Technical Scholarship (up to $1,500 per quarter) or the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Scholarship ($1,500 to $2,500 per student) for tuition and fees.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for various welding roles in construction and fabrication, including Boilermaker Welding, Pipe Welding, Structural Steel Welding, and Welding Inspection. The program includes welder qualification tests to enhance job market competitiveness.
Entry requirements
High School Diploma or GEDRequired for admission to the college.
Minimum GradeA minimum grade of 2.0 in major courses is required to continue enrollment in the AAS degree.
Program admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who have attended an information session and are ready to register for classes. Information sessions are crucial for understanding the admissions process.
Fees
Tuition (international)Students are subject to CBC tuition and fees, plus program-specific fees.
Tuition (home)CBC tuition and fees apply. Additionally, there is a $37.50/credit course fee and a $12.50/credit equipment fee for all lab courses.
LivingEstimated costs for tools and safety equipment: $450 for the first year, $300 for the second year.
Tuition estimates are based on average program enrollment and individual costs may vary. Financial aid, including federal and state options, is available. Scholarships may also be applicable.
How to apply
1. Attend an Information SessionInformation sessions are held in March, April, and May for the Fall cohort, and in October and November for the Winter cohort. Check the CTE Events Portal for dates and registration.
2. Apply to CBCComplete the general application to Columbia Basin College.
3. Register for ClassesOnce admitted and after attending an information session, you can register for program classes on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Prepare for Program StartEnsure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment before the program begins. Details will be provided during orientation.
Scholarships
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS)Up to $1,500 per quarter
Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Scholarship$1,500 to $2,500 per student
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Welding Technology AAS program?
+
Applicants must have a High School Diploma or GED to be admitted to Columbia Basin College. Program admission is on a first-come, first-served basis for those who have attended a mandatory information session and are ready to register for classes.
How much does the Welding Technology AAS program cost for international students?
+
International students are subject to CBC tuition and fees, plus program-specific fees. Additionally, there is a $37.50/credit course fee and a $12.50/credit equipment fee for all lab courses.
What is the duration of the Welding Technology AAS program?
+
The Welding Technology AAS degree program is designed to be completed in two years, consisting of six quarters. It includes a strong emphasis on practical shop experience.
How do I apply to the Welding Technology AAS program?
+
To apply, you must first attend an information session, then complete the general application to Columbia Basin College. After these steps, you can register for program classes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, students may be eligible for the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship Career & Technical Scholarship (up to $1,500 per quarter) or the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs (NBT) Scholarship ($1,500 to $2,500 per student) for tuition and fees.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for various welding roles in construction and fabrication, including Boilermaker Welding, Pipe Welding, Structural Steel Welding, and Welding Inspection. The program includes welder qualification tests to enhance job market competitiveness.