Welding Technology and Fabrication AAS

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Directors: Doug Zander and Todd Reser 

Program Website 

AAS Program Application (Fall 2026 Application available February 13, 2026)

The Welding Technology & Fabrication AAS degree is offered onsite.

Note: The Welding program is a limited enrollment program. Interested students must apply for entry into the program. An application packet is available here on the GFC MSU catalog website, the Welding program website or Admissions.

Graduates are prepared to:

(In addition to CAS outcomes)

1. Produce welds using SMAW process on pipe in industry recognized positions to meet quality standards.
2. Produce pipe preps and fit ups using various tools and techniques.
3. Design and fabricate a basic project using computer aided design software.
4. Demonstrate techniques and processes used to facilitate weld repair and maintenance

Graduates are prepared to:

(In addition to Tier 3 outcomes)

1. Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to welding.
2. Produce welds using GTAW and SMAW combined processes on pipe in industry recognized positions to meet quality standards.
3. Identify and practice the GTAW/GMAW processes on aluminum.
4. Plan, design, and fabricate a weldment to industry standards by combining skills related to various processes taught in the program. This will include cutting, prepping, welding, and assembling the project to specified dimensions/tolerances.
5. Obtain a welding qualification by producing a satisfactory 1" unlimited qualification weld according to industry standards (AWS Dl.1).
6. Interpret complex blueprints and weld symbols.

Estimated Resident Program Cost*

Estimated Resident Program Cost

Item	Cost
Tuition and Fees	$8,288
Course Fees	$1,604
Tools/Clothing	varies
Books/Supplies	$699
Total	$10,592

*

Fall 2025 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website and/or Student Central for confirmed premium rates.

Many students need preliminary math and writing courses before enrolling in the program requirements. These courses may increase the total number of program credits. Students should review their math and writing placement before planning out their full program schedules.

The Great Falls College Welding Program is a limited enrollment program, accepting a restricted number of students each year. Interested students are urged to contact the Welding Program Director or Advising and Career Center Advisors for student advising specific to admission requirements and criteria for program acceptance.

Program Course Requirements After Formal Acceptance

Plan of Study Grid

Fall		Credits
First Semester - After Formal Acceptance for the CAS degree
(Students who complete the first semester of courses are eligible for the Welding & Fabrication Tier 1 Certificate of Technical Studies degree)
M 111	Technical Mathematics +	3
WLDG 100	Intro to Welding Fundamentals +	3
WLDG 110	Welding Theory I +	2
WLDG 111	Welding Theory I Practical +	4
WLDG 117	Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols +	2
WLDG 145	Fabrication Basics *,+	2
	Credits	16
Spring
(Students who complete the first and second semesters of courses are eligible for the Welding Technology & Fabrication Certificate of Applied Science degree.)
COMX 102	Interpersonal Skills in the Workplace +	1
WLDG 120	Welding Theory II *,+	2
WLDG 121	Welding Theory II Practical *,+	3
WLDG 130	Introduction to Structural Welding *,+	2
WLDG 185	Welding Qualification Test Preparation *,+	1
WLDG 205	Applied Metallurgy *,+	1
WLDG 209	Basic Pipe Welding *,+	2
WRIT 104	Workplace Communications +	2
	Credits	14
Second Year
Fall
First Semester - After Formal Acceptance into the AAS degree
(Students who complete the third semester of courses are eligible for the Welding and Fabrication Tier 3 Certificate of Technical Studies)
WLDG 212	Pipe Welding and Layout (integrated lab) *,+	4
WLDG 253	CNC Plasma Table *,+	3
WLDG 260	Repair and Maintenance Welding *,+	3
WLDG 280	Weld Testing Certification *,+	3
Pick one of the following:
BGEN 105	Introduction to Business +	3
WLDG 298	Internship/Cooperative Education (Application Required) *,+	3
	Credits	16
Spring
WLDG 217	Advanced Blueprint *,+	2
WLDG 237	Aluminum Welding Processes *,+	4
WLDG 245	Metal Fabrication Design and Construction *,+	5
WLDG 281	Weld Testing Certification Lab *,+	2
WRIT 121	Introduction to Technical Writing **,+	3
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	62

+

A grade of C- or above is required for graduation.

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

**

Placement in course(s) is determined by placement assessment.