Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1490

The Welding Technology Program is designed to prepare students for positions in a variety of trades or service industries requiring technically trained and/or certified welders. The program is designed to prepare students for the opportunity to become certified welders under the standards set by the American Welding Society. Students can receive their certification by the American Welding Society in a variety of processes as part of the instructional program. The program is available in three formats:

  • Associate in Science Degree in Welding Technology
  • Certificate from Shasta College in Welding Technology
  • Certification by the American Welding Society as a certified welder

This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

16 Units Total
ENGL 1A
GE 4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.

This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 70
M 3
Introduction to Welding
WELD 70
Units 3
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

This is an introductory course designed for the student interested in acquiring basic welding skills to be used in a trade or service occupation. Emphasis is placed on current welding, cutting, and forming processes. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 170
M 3
Introduction to Arc Welding
WELD 170
Units 3
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

This is a course to advance beginning arc welding skills with an emphasis on SMAW. Power sources, electrode identification, weldability of metals, joint design, air arc, oxyacetylene cutting, and introduction to GTAW and GMAW are covered in this course. Course activities include learning to weld stringer and weave beads, butt and fillet welds in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 174
M 3
Beginning GMAW (MIG Welding)
WELD 174
Units 3
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) stresses certification and code welding on plate and structural steel in all positions. Course instruction and related information will include gas metal and flux core arc welding equipment and welding variables. The course will also cover shielding gases, equipment malfunctions, qualifications, and weld procedures. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 175
M 3
Beginning GTAW (TIG Welding)
WELD 175
Units 3
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) or TIG (tungsten inert gas) is an inert gas welding process also known as Heliarc which covers aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, magnesium, and copper welding. The course consists of welding on flat and pipe stock in all positions. Course content will include metals identification and weld symbols. Welding exercises are stressed to develop welding skills. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

16 Units Total
MATH 73
GE M 3
Contemporary Math for Technical Fields
MATH 73
Units 3
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra as determined by Multiple Measure, or Math Placement Level 4 or higher.

This course is designed to equip Career Technical Education students with college-level mathematical competencies required in today's workplace. Topics include college-level algebra, measurement units and conversion, estimation, solid figures, geometry, trigonometry, basic statistics, and probability. This course will promote quantitative reasoning through the use of mathematical applications and modeling with an emphasis on CTE topics. These applications and modeling will be reinforced by using requisite tools utilized by CTE courses to enhance students' visualization and problem-solving development.
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AGNR 1
GE 3
Introduction to Natural Resources
AGNR 1
Units 3
Note: Required day field trips.

This course is an introduction to the integrated management of forests, soil, watershed, fish, and wildlife in the context of protection and restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. An emphasis will be placed on natural resources careers, policy and law, tools, techniques and practices, and management philosophies of public and private lands. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 73
Pre. M 3
Structural Steel Metal Fabrication
WELD 73
Units 3
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

This is a course covering metal fabrication techniques, layout, welding, and the use of metal fabrication equipment. The class simulates on-the-job welding situations. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 171
M 3
Intermediate Arc Welding
WELD 171
Units 3
Advisory: WELD 170 with a grade of C or higher, or equal trade welding experience.

Note: Students must provide safety glasses, welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

This is a course to advance arc welding skills with emphasis on vertical and overhead welding. Course activities prepare the student for weld certification and advanced arc welding classes using the SMAW process. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 178
Pre. M 3
Pipe Welding Fundamentals
WELD 178
Units 3
Note: Student must provide safety glasses, welding gloves, and suitable working clothes before they are permitted to weld. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

This is a fundamental course in pipe welding with emphasis on open groove pipe joints using oxyacetylene, arc and inert gas welding process in all positions. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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INDE 1
M 1
Career Plan/Industrial Technology
INDE 1
Units 1
Career opportunities and training requirements in Industrial Technology will be examined as well as small business employment and entrepreneurship. Students will be assisted in identifying career and business opportunities and developing career goals. This class is required of all Industrial Technology majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

14.5 Units Total
CMST 10
GE 3
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 10
Units 3
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with emphasis on interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the psychological, social, cultural and linguistic factors that affect normal person-to-person interactions. Subjects covered are the understanding of ethical interpersonal communication based in communication theory and research, listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, self-awareness/ self-concept, perception, emotions, relationships, communication climates, and conflict management. Students will increase their knowledge and skills in interpersonal communication. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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INDE 101
M 3
Industrial Trade Basics
INDE 101
Units 3
This course provides an overview of basic skills required for individuals seeking entry-level employment in industrial occupations. The subjects covered include workplace safety and regulations, hand and power tools, basic rigging, introduction to blueprints, and an overview of soft skills related to effective communications and employability requirements necessary for sustainable employment. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 118
M 2
Blueprint & Spec Reading (mechanical)
WELD 118
Units 2
A beginning blueprint reading class for the student in the metal and mechanical trades. Basic visualization and drawing concepts including orthographic projection, detailing, sketching, and communication skills that are needed for employment are developed in the class. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 186
M 2
Advanced Pipe Welding
WELD 186
Units 2
Note: Student must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Practice is needed to master skills to advance to the next level of employment.

This is an advanced pipe welding class with emphasis on ASME and AWS Qualification. Course instruction includes welding codes, pipe classification, and identification. Completion of the class does not guarantee qualification unless welding procedure qualification tests are passed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 188
M 1.5
Advanced FCAW (Flux-Core Welding)
WELD 188
Units 1.5
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

This is an advanced welding laboratory class with emphasis on vertical and overhead welding. This class is designed for the student interested in improving his/her beginning skills in order to prepare for entry into the job force as a FCAW/GMAW welder. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 182
Pre. M 1.5
Advanced Arc Welding
WELD 182
Units 1.5
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

This is an advanced course designed to prepare students to pass structural steel certification in vertical and overhead positions. SMAW (stick) and FCAW (MIG) processes will be used. The goal of this class is to pass the AWS D1.1 welding certificate test. Strict adherence to the testing procedures will be followed. Completion of the class does not guarantee AWS certification unless welding procedure qualification tests are passed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 184
Pre. M 1.5
Advanced GTAW (TIG) Welding
WELD 184
Units 1.5
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

An advanced welding laboratory class with emphasis on vertical and overhead welding. This class is designed for the student interested in improving his/her beginning skills in order to prepare for entry into the job force as a TIG welder. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

14 Units Total
GEOG 8
GE 3
World Regional Geography
GEOG 8
Units 3
This course will introduce students to the world's major geographic regions. This course will increase student awareness of geographic concepts by examining the physical, cultural, economic and political characteristics of the major realms of the world through the unifying concept of the geographic region. This course will illustrate the importance of the world's geographic regions and how they interrelate. The location of important geographic features such as mountain ranges, rivers, countries, and major cities will be an important part of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
GE 3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CIS 1
GE 3
Computer Literacy Workshop
CIS 1
Units 3
Note: Class will require outside time using a computer with appropriate software. Some computer access is provided on campus at the Math and Business Learning Center. Students taking the Internet format of this course must have access to the Microsoft Operating System and Office Suite--further information will be provided on the first day handout.

This course is intended to help students achieve a degree of computer literacy through exposure to a variety of basic computer concepts including discussions of hardware, software, computer history, programming, computer ethics, and cultural implications. In addition, the student will be introduced to several hands-on applications such as systems software (Windows), word processing software (MS Word), spreadsheet software (MS Excel), database software (MS Access), and presentation software (MS PowerPoint). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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WELD 183
Pre. M 1.5
Advanced Arc Welding Specialty Lab
WELD 183
Units 1.5
Note: Students must provide safety glasses and welding gloves, and those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting. Welding is a skill that requires a great deal of hand and eye coordination. Hours of practice are needed to master skills to advance to the next level or become skilled enough for employment.

This course is an advanced course designed to prepare students to pass structural steel certification in vertical and overhead positions. Students can obtain certifications in both the SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and Pipe Welding. The goal of this class is to pass the AWS D1.1, ASME, or API Welding Qualification tests. Strict adherence to the testing procedures will be followed. Completion of the class does not guarantee certification unless welding procedure qualification tests are passed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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DIES 48
M 3.5
Hydraulics
DIES 48
Units 3.5
This course is a study of the theory, application, and component parts of a hydraulic system. This course will emphasize fundamentals in dismantling, inspection, and troubleshooting hydraulic components and complete systems. Closed-loop application, inspection, and troubleshooting will be studied. This course is required for all Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, and Equipment Operations and Maintenance majors. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

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