Welding Technology & Fabrication CAS

Certificate of Applied Science Degree

Program Directors: Doug Zander and Todd Reser 

Program Website

CAS Program Application (Fall 2025 Application available February 14th)

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:

1. Demonstrate measuring methods and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to welding.
2. Demonstrate the ability to follow industry safety practices.
3. Demonstrate industry work ethic and professionalism.
4. Troubleshoot and critically think through problems with welding systems and processes.
5. Demonstrate the ability to produce welds that meet visual inspection criteria based on AWS codes and industry standards in all positions on the five basic joint configurations with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW).
6. Plan, design, and fabricate a weldment to industry standards by combining skills related to the various processes taught in the program. This will include cutting, preparing, welding, and assembling projects to specified tolerances.
7. Demonstrate the ability to set up and operate to industry standards Oxy-fuel, Air Carbon Arc Cutting, and Plasma Cutting equipment.
8. Demonstrate the ability interpret blueprints and welding symbols to accurately fabricate a product.
9. Identify materials and apply the principles of metallurgy during the welding process to solve the practical welding problems.

Graduates are prepared to:

1. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills appropriate to the welding industry.
2. Demonstrate measuring methods and apply mathematical concepts to solve problems related to welding.
3. Demonstrate the ability to follow industry safety practices.
4. Demonstrate industry work ethic and professionalism.
5. Demonstrate basic knowledge about AWS (American Welding Society) D1.1, API (American Petroleum Institute) 1104, and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section IX welding codes with the ability to pass a welder qualification test in multiple processes according to these codes.
6. Troubleshoot and critically think through problems with welding systems and processes.
7. Demonstrate the ability to produce welds that meet visual inspection criteria based on AWS codes and industry standards in all positions on the five basic joint configurations with carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
8. Plan, design, and fabricate a weldment to industry standards by combining skills related to the various processes taught in the program. This will include cutting, preparing, welding, and assembling projects to specified tolerances.
9. Demonstrate the ability to set up and operate to industry standards Oxy-fuel, Air Carbon Arc Cutting, and Plasma Cutting equipment.
10. Demonstrate the ability to perform pipe welds in multiple positions to industry standards and codes.
11. Demonstrate the ability to interpret blueprints and welding symbols to accurately fabricate a product.
12. Identify materials and apply the principles of metallurgy during the welding process to solve practical welding problems.

Estimated Resident Program Cost*

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Fall 2024 MUS Student Health Insurance Premiums may be changing. Please check the Health Insurance website and/or Student Central for confirmed premium rates.

Suggested Electives

This course is highly recommended in addition to standard welding curriculum.

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

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

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