Welding Technology and Fabrication AAS

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Directors: Doug Zander and Todd Reser 

Program Website 

AAS 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 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. 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.

8. Demonstrate the ability to set up and operate to industry standards Oxy-fuel, Air Carbon Arc Cutting, and Plasma Cutting equipment.

9. Demonstrate the ability to perform pipe welds in multiple positions to industry standards and codes.

10. Demonstrate a basic understanding of weld repair and equipment maintenance related to the welding field.

11. Identify materials and apply the principles of metallurgy during the welding process to solve the practical welding problems.

12. Use Computer Aided Design software to:  Draw and edit a 2D project, annotate a drawing plot and scale drawing.

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 a basic understanding of weld repair and equipment maintenance related to the welding field.
12. Demonstrate the ability to interpret blueprints and welding symbols to accurately fabricate a product.
13. Identify materials and apply the principles of metallurgy during the welding process to solve practical welding problems.
14. Use Computer Aided Design software to: Draw and edit a 2D object, annotate a drawing, plot and scale drawings.

Estimated Resident Program Cost*

*

Fall 2024 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

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

*

Indicates prerequisites needed.

**

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