Welding is an integral part of many construction and manufacturing processes. It requires an understanding of materials, applied chemistry, applied physics, and physical dexterity.

The Instructional Program

The one-year Welding certificate program consists of the first-year courses from the two-year associate's degree program in Welding Technology. Most students interested in this field enroll directly in the associate's degree program (for more information, see the Welding Technology program description). The certificate is primarily for those individuals who can only spend one year in college. It is a two-semester program that begins each fall. If a student completes the certificate program and then decides to continue on for the associate's degree in Welding Technology, the courses taken for the certificate will transfer with no loss of credit.

Career Options

The job titles associated with graduates of the Welding certificate program are:

• Welder
• Welding Technician

There are career opportunities with manufacturing firms, highway departments, welding subcontractors, and with many specialty firms. Students who continue on for the associate's degree increase their options for employment in the field of welding technology.

Further information regarding careers in this field can be found in the Welding Technology program description.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  0712

First Semester

Second Semester

Certificate Requirement: 32 credit hours

Notes

*MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum exit-level requirement for this program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma and meet the College requirements for English and reading competency. Two years of high school mathematics are also recommended.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the Welding certificate program should be able to:

1. Understand and apply the fundamentals of gas and arc welding.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with the shielded metal arc and oxyfuel gas welding and cutting processes, including safety, controls, accessories, types of equipment, and the selection and use of welding consumables.
3. Show practical knowledge of making welds with all types of mild steel electrodes, arc air gouging, and the welding of mild steel in all positions in a safe manner.
4. Exhibit the basic understanding of metallurgy necessary to a successful welder. 
5. Read and correctly interpret both basic and advanced welding fabrication blueprints, including welding symbols, weld testing symbols, structural steel shapes, and welding specifications.
6. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and techniques for the safe and successful operation of gas tungsten welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, and plasma arc cutting.