Welding Technology
The Welding Technology curriculum provides students with a sound understanding of the science, technology, and applications essential for successful employment in the welding and metal industry.
Instruction includes consumable and non-consumable electrode welding and cutting processes. Courses in math, blueprint reading, metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and non-destructive testing provide students with industry-standard skills developed through classroom training and practical applications.
Successful graduates of the Welding Technology curriculum may be employed as entry-level technicians in the welding and metalworking industries. Career opportunities also exist in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision, and welding-related self-employment.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in welding employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Welding Technology (A50420)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science - Welding Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
- Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites. Check the Courses section for details.
Contact Information
The Welding Technology program is in the Skilled Trades Division. For more information, call the Welding Technology Program Chair at 704.330.4426 or the Skilled Trades Division at 704.330.4445.
Welding Technology (A50420)
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Select 3 Credit of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Literature-Based Research | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | ||
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Select 3 credits of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 116 | SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 122 | GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 132 | GTAW (TIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 143 | Welding Metallurgy | 2.0 |
| PFT 110 | Introduction to Pipe Fitting | 4.0 |
| WLD 231 | GTAW (TIG) Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 151 | Fabrication I | 4.0 |
| WLD 261 | Certification Practices | 2.0 |
| WLD 265 | Automated Welding/Cutting | 4.0 |
| or WLD 270 | Orbital Welding TIG/Pipe | |
| Technical Electives | ||
| Select 4 credits of the following: | 4.0 | |
| SMAW (stick) Pipe | ||
| Inspection & Testing | ||
| Small Business Management | ||
| Introduction to Nondestructive Examination | ||
| Workplace Safety | ||
| Introduction to Electricity | ||
| Industrial Safety | ||
| Construction Safety | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Basic Welding Processes | ||
| GMAW (MIG) Pipe | ||
| Fabrication II | ||
| Advanced Pipe Fitting | ||
| Robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding | ||
| Total Credits | 67 | |
Welding Technology Diploma (D50420)
Diploma Awarded
A diploma in Welding Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program.
Admissions
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required as the foundation of a career in this area.
Contact Information
The Welding Technology program is in the Skilled Trades Division. For more information, call the Welding Technology program Chair at 704.330.4426 or the Skilled Trades Division at 704.330.4445.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3.0 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 116 | SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 122 | GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 132 | GTAW (TIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 221 | GMAW (MIG) Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 231 | GTAW (TIG) Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 151 | Fabrication I | 4.0 |
| CIS 111 | Basic PC Literacy | 2.0 |
| or CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
Welding Technology Certificates (C50420)
The following certificates can be earned in the Welding Technology Program (A50420).
- Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in S.M.A.W. of Pipe Welding (C50420-C1)
- Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Entry-Level Welding (C50420-C2)
- Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Inert Gas Welding (C50420-C4)
- Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Advanced Level Welding (C50420-C5)
- Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Robotic Welding and Cutting (C50420–C8)
- Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Advanced Welding Automation for Manufacturing (C50420-13)
- Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Gas Metal Arc Welding (C50420-15)
- Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Welding Technology Advanced Processes (C50420-16)
- Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Entry Level Pipe-Fitting (C50420-30)
Admissions
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is encouraged as the foundation of a career in this area.
Contact Information
For more information, call the Welding Technology Program Chair at 704.330.4426 or the Skilled Trades Division at 704.330.4445.
Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in S.M.A.W. of Pipe Welding (C50420-C1)
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 116 | SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 215 | SMAW (stick) Pipe | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Entry-Level Welding (C50420-C2)
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Inert Gas Welding (C50420-C4)
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Advanced Level Welding (C50420-C5)
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 116 | SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 122 | GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 132 | GTAW (TIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 261 | Certification Practices | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Welding Technology Certificate with a Specialization in Robotic Welding and Cutting (C50420–C8)
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| ELC 111 | Introduction to Electricity | 3.0 |
| WLD 265 | Automated Welding/Cutting | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Advanced Welding Automation for Manufacturing (C50420-13)
This program is also available to high school students through Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 265 | Automated Welding/Cutting | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Gas Metal Arc Welding (C50420-15)
This program is also available to high school students through Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 122 | GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Welding Technology Advanced Processes (C50420-16)
| WLD 261 | Certification Practices | 2.0 |
| WLD 262 | Inspection & Testing | 3.0 |
| WLD 265 | Automated Welding/Cutting | 4.0 |
| WLD 268 | Robotic Gas Metal Arc Welding | 4.0 |
| or WLD 270 | Orbital Welding TIG/Pipe | |
| Total Credits | 13 | |
Welding Technology Certificate Specialization in Entry Level Pipe-Fitting (C50420-30)
| Major Requirements | ||
| PFT 110 | Introduction to Pipe Fitting | 4.0 |
| MAT 110 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy | 3.0 |
| or MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy | |
| WLD 112 | Basic Welding Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WOL 110 | Basic Construction Skills | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Welding Technology Suggested Course Sequences
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| WLD 110 | Cutting Processes | 2.0 |
| WLD 115 | SMAW (Stick) Plate | 5.0 |
| WLD 121 | GMAW (MIG) FCAW/Plate | 4.0 |
| WLD 131 | GTAW (TIG) Plate | 4.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 19 | |
| Term II | ||
| WLD 141 | Symbols and Specifications | 3.0 |
| WLD 116 | SMAW (stick) Plate/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 122 | GMAW (MIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 132 | GTAW (TIG) Plate/Pipe | 3.0 |
| MAT 110 or MAT 143 | Mathematical Measurement and Literacy or Quantitative Literacy | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term III | ||
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Term IV | ||
| WLD 143 | Welding Metallurgy | 2.0 |
| PFT 110 | Introduction to Pipe Fitting | 4.0 |
| WLD 265 or WLD 270 | Automated Welding/Cutting or Orbital Welding TIG/Pipe | 4.0 |
| WLD 151 | Fabrication I | 4.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term V | ||
| WLD 231 | GTAW (TIG) Pipe | 3.0 |
| WLD 261 | Certification Practices | 2.0 |
| Technical Elective | 4.0 | |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 67 | |