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Program Overview

Associate of Applied Science - Welding Technology

Student Learning Outcomes
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Welding Tech­nology program prepares students for advanced roles in welding, cutting, and fabrication, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in industries such as construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive. Through a combination of practical experience and theo­retical understanding, graduates are ready for leadership positions and specialized roles in welding technology.
 
Graduates of the AAS in Welding Technology program will be able to:
  • Master Advanced Welding Techniques – Perform high-quality welds in all positions using a variety of welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), meeting industry standards for structural and aesthetic welds.
  • Expertly Execute Cutting Processes – Make precise cuts using advanced techniques such as Oxygen Fuel Cutting (OFC), Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC), and Air Carbon Arc Cutting (ACC), ensuring minimal waste and optimal results for various applications.
  • Interpret Advanced Welding Blueprints – Read, interpret, and apply detailed welding blueprints, symbols, and specifications to accurately fabricate and assemble welded components, integrating design requirements and customer specifications.
  • Pipe Layout and Welding – Plan and execute pipe layout and welding, demonstrating expertise in fitting, aligning, and welding pipes in various con­figurations and materials, including pipe bending and welding in multiple positions.
  • Advanced Welding Metallurgy – Apply in-depth knowledge of welding metallurgy to understand how different materials behave under welding processes, selecting the appropriate materials and techniques to prevent defects and enhance weld quality.
  • Welding Process Optimization – Analyze and optimize welding parameters (e.g., heat input, electrode choice, shielding gasses) to improve weld strength, appearance, and efficiency while minimizing costs and defects.
  • Quality Control and Inspection – Implement ad­vanced quality control techniques, using nonde­structive testing methods (e.g., X-ray, ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant testing) to assess weld integrity and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Leadership and Supervision in Welding Operations – Manage welding projects, supervise welding teams, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and maintain production schedules, while mentoring junior welders and promoting best practices.
  • Workplace Safety and Environmental Compliance – Adhere to OSHA guidelines and industry safety standards, ensuring compliance with environmen­tal regulations, and fostering a culture of safety in the welding environment.
  • Advanced Welding Applications – Apply welding techniques to specialized applications (e.g., aero­space, automotive, pipeline welding), understand­ing the unique materials, design considerations, and industry-specific standards involved.
  • Professional Development and Industry Certifica­tion – Prepare for industry-recognized certifica­tions, such as those offered by the American Welding Society (AWS), and engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with emerging welding technologies and practices.
Formal admission to this program is required.
 
For more information about any School of Industrial Technology and Workplace Development programs, contact 775-327-2167.
 
Great Basin College has certified welding inspectors on staff so students can earn an AWS certification.
 
General Education Requirements

English/Communications (two courses required):  ENG 100 or ENG 101 and ENG 102 or ENG 107 and ENG 108

Course # Course Title Credits
ENG 100 Composition-Enhanced 5 Credits
ENG 101 Composition I 3 Credits
ENG 102 Composition II 3 Credits
ENG 107 Tech Communications I 3 Credits
ENG 108 Tech Communications II 3 Credits

Mathematics (one course required):  Choose from the courses listed below or any higher-level math course.  Excludes MATH 389

Course # Course Title Credits
MATH 116 Technical Mathematics I 3 Credits
MATH 116E Technical Mathematics Expanded 3-5 Credits
MATH 120 Fund of College Math 3 Credits
MATH 120E Fund of College Math Expanded 3 Credits
MATH 126 Precalculus I 3 Credits
MATH 126E Precalculus I Expanded 3 Credits
STAT 152 Intro to Statistics 3 Credits

Science (one course required)

Course # Course Title Credits
ANTH 102 Physical Anthropology 3 Credits
AST 101 General Astronomy 3 Credits
BIOL 100 General Biology/Non Major 3 Credits
BIOL 190 Intro Cell/Molecular Biology 4 Credits
CHEM 100 Molecules/Life Modrn Wrld 3 Credits
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 4 Credits
ENV 100 Humans and the Environment 3 Credits
GEOG 103 Physical Geog Earth Environmnt 3 Credits
GEOL 101 Exploring Planet Earth 3-4 Credits
GEOL 132 Rocks and Minerals 3 Credits
NUTR 121 Human Nutrition 3 Credits
PHYS 100 Introductory Physics 3 Credits
PHYS 107 Technical Physics I 3 Credits
PHYS 151 Gen Physics I 4 Credits

U.S. and Nevada Constitutions: HIST 101 and HIST 102 or PSC 101

Course # Course Title Credits
HIST 101 U.S. History to 1877 3 Credits
HIST 102 U.S. History Since 1877 3 Credits
PSC 101 Intro American Politics 3 Credits

Human Relations (one course required)

Course # Course Title Credits
BUS 110 Human Relations Employmnt 1-3 Credits
MGT 283 Intro Human Resource Mgt 3 Credits
HMS 200 Ethics in Human Services 3 Credits
PSY 208 Psy of Human Relations 3 Credits

Humanities or Fine Arts (one course required)

Course # Course Title Credits
ART 100 Visual Foundations 3 Credits
ART 101 Drawing I 3 Credits
ART 107 Design Fundmntls I (2-D) 3 Credits
ART 160 Art Appreciation 3 Credits
ART 260 Survey of Art History I 3 Credits
ART 261 Survey of Art History II 3 Credits
ENG 203 Intro to Literary Study 3 Credits
ENG 205 Intro to Creative Writing 3 Credits
ENG 223 Themes of Literature 3 Credits
FIS 100 Introduction to Film 3 Credits
FREN 111 First Year French I 3-4 Credits
FREN 112 First Year French II 3-4 Credits
HIST 208 World History I 3 Credits
HIST 209 World History II 3 Credits
HUM 101 Intro to Humanities I 3 Credits
HUM 111 Gateway to the Humanities 3 Credits
HUM 210 Communicating Diversity 3 Credits
MUS 101 Music Fundamentals 3 Credits
MUS 121 Music Appreciation 3 Credits
MUS 125 History of Rock Music 3 Credits
PHIL 101 Intro to Philosophy 3 Credits
PHIL 102 Critical Thinking 3 Credits
PHIL 135 Introduction to Ethics 3 Credits
SPAN 111 First Year Spanish I 3 Credits
SPAN 112 First Yr Spanish II 3 Credits
SPAN 211 Second Year Spanish I 3 Credits
THTR 100 Introduction to Theatre 3 Credits
THTR 105 Introduction to Acting I 3 Credits
THTR 121 Stage Makeup 3 Credits
THTR 204 Theatre Technology I 3 Credits
WELD 200 Metal Art 3 Credits

Technology (embedded in welding Curriculum)

Course # Course Title Credits
WELD 110 Basic Arc Welding Principles .5-5.5 Credits

Program Requirements
Course # Course Title Credits
WELD 105 Draw/Weld Symbol Int 3 Credits
WELD 110 Basic Arc Welding Principles .5-5.5 Credits
WELD 150 Metallurgy Fund for Weld .5-3 Credits
WELD 275 Line Boring 5.5 Credits
WELD 210 Advanced Welding Principles .5-5.5 Credits
WELD 220 Gas Metal & Flux Cord Arc Weld .5-11 Credits
WELD 240 Gas Tungsten Arc Weld 1-8 Credits
WELD 260 Pipe Welding 8 Credits
 
Suggested Course Sequence

Course Credits
English/Communications* 3-5
BUS 110 3
Mathematics* 3
Humanities/Fine Arts* 3
U.S and Nevada Constitutions* 3
WELD 105 3
WELD 110 5.5
WELD 210 5.5
WELD 240 7
TOTAL 36

*Choose with advisor

Course Credits
English/Communications* 3
Science* 3
WELD 150 3
WELD 275 5.5
WELD 220 11
WELD 260 8
TOTAL 33.5

*Choose with advisor

Note: Students who have credit for WELD 136 from previous course enrollment or CTE college credit, contact a GBC advisor. Course requirement for WELD 110: 5.5 units of WELD 110 or 2.5 units of WELD 110 and 3 units of WELD 136.