Search form

skip navigation 1-800-4-ALFRED (425-3733)

Welding Technology

Print PDF

AOS Degree - Code #0666

Bradley Thompson, Department Chair
Email address: thompsbj@alfredstate.edu 

This high-tech program focuses on welding processes performed in all positions on both plate and pipe. You will learn proper safety methods, required math, related skills, layout and fit up, welding codes and standards, welding inspection, testing, and drawing/welding symbol interpretation.

The first year, students will complete AWS Level I standards for an entry-level welder. The second year will take students toward AWS Level II - advanced welder and expert welder. Additional techniques such as high-pressure vessel and high-pressure pipe will be taught, as well as other advanced welding techniques.

Advantages

The welding technology program is taught according to the standards set by the American Welders Society (AWS) and is AWS-certified.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate mathematical operations using accepted mathematical applications.
  • Practice shop safety and welding safety.
  • Perform straight and bevel cuts using manual and automatic oxyfuel and plasma equipment.
  • Set up and operate constant current welding equipment.
  • Set up and operate constant voltage welding equipment.
  • Perform fillet and groove welds in all positions on carbon steel plate.
  • Perform fillet and groove welds on pipe in all positions.
  • Identify and describe the heat relationship to the grain structure of various metals.
  • Maintain and develop testing and inspection records.
  • Demonstrate layout and fabrication skills resulting from the previous materials used in program.

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Alfred State welding technology graduates may enter directly into the technology management BBA degree program. Graduates who have credit for freshman composition, statistics, literature, history, and speech may complete the BBA program in two additional years; others may complete the BBA program in two-and-one-half years.

Occupational Opportunities

  • Industrial welder
  • Steel construction
  • Equipment repair
  • Self-employment
  • Fabrication welder
  • Structural welder

Employment Statistics

Employment and continuing education rate of 100 percent – 83 percent are employed; 17 percent continued their education.

Related Programs

Autobody Repair
CNC Manufacturing and Machining
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Required Tools/Equipment

A list of required tools, equipment, PPE, etc. for all of the programs mentioned above can be found at http://www.alfredstate.edu/tool-lists.

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering this degree program. Laptop specifications are available at www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops.

Entrance Requirements/Recommendations

Recommended: In-depth knowledge of basic math skills.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Technical Standards

Applicants for the welding program must meet the following physical requirements:

  • Must be able to perform safely in the shop.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds to eye level.
  • Must be able to communicate orally with a person 6 to 10 feet away in a shop environment.
  • Must be able to diagnose mechanical failures that are distinguished audibly.
  • Must be able to understand and retain information found in service repair manuals and use diagnostic flow charts.
  • Must be able to visually read an LCD display on welding equipment.
  • Must have the dexterity and mobility to weld in all the welding positions to meet all requirements.
  • Good eyesight is recommended. 
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

Welding - AOS Degree

TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First

WELD 1105 Int Shlded Metl Arc Weld (SMAW 5
WELD 1205 Shielded Metal Arc Weld I 5
WELD 1715 Gas Weld, Cutting & Plasma Cut 5
WELD 1733 Blueprnt Readng,Insp & Test 3
      18

Second

WELD 2715 Shld Mtl Arc & Flx Crd Arc Wld 5
WELD 2725 Gas Metal Arc Welding I 5
WELD 2735 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I 5
WELD 1723 Welders Calculations I 3
      18

Third

WELD 3005 Shielded Metal Arc Welding II 5
WELD 3015 GMAW II, FCAW II 5
WELD 3025 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II 5
WELD 3813 Metlgy, Codes, Certs & Inspect 3
      18

Fourth

WELD 4425 GMAW III & GTAW IV 5
WELD 4435 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding III 5
WELD 4445 Welding Fabrication 5
WELD 4013 Senior Project 3
      18

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

A student must successfully complete all courses in the prescribed four-semester program and earn a minimum cumulative index of 2.0, which is equivalent to a “C” average. Students are required to earn a grade of “C” or higher in WELD 1723 to be eligible for graduation. (Articulation is available in this area.)

A "C" or higher must also be received for WELD 4013.