Program Information
The Anoka Technical College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Welding is a 66-credit program designed for individuals seeking a well-rounded welding background. The Welding program consists of technical courses, specifically designed to develop exceptional welding skills utilizing the major welding processes that are vital to industry.
The technical courses are broken out into semester-long certificates to provide quick access into a welding career. The degree program also offers a balance of general education courses to complement the welding courses and to provide students with opportunity to capitalize on a broad-based welding education.
This program requires students to go full-time. Each semester students are required to take all courses.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will weld to visual acceptance criteria per applicable American Welding Society standards in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding and the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process.
- Students will prepare weld joints and perform welding operations using welding symbol information.
- Students will follow established procedures and policies regarding personal protective gear, shop safety and welding equipment.
- Students will visually examine all work for discontinuities and defects with the knowledge of industry specification.
- Students will work in a team environment and accept constructive criticism.
- Students will operate safely and proficiently using Oxy-fuel, Plasma and Carbon Air Arc equipment.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to weld to entry level standard per American Welding Society on carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Industry and Career Outlook
The diversification of the welding industry impacts virtually every industry around the globe. From the depth of the world’s oceans to the far-reaching corners of outer space, there is a welding position for every hardworking, ambitious, smart individual who is ready and willing to constantly improve and strive for excellence. A career choice in welding offers a vast array of options for employment and continuing personal development. Welding is the most common way to permanently join metal parts. Heat is applied to the pieces that are being joined, melting and fusing them together which forms a permanent bond. Therefore, welding plays a key role in industry production lines, laboratories, research and development, national defense, sales and service, NASCAR and drag racing, custom motorcycle building, artwork, sculptures, pipelines, power plants, refineries, construction, maintenance, repair and much more.
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Certification
The Welding program not only provides students with a thorough background in welding and related theory, but also prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to take three national certification examinations:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers;
- American Petroleum Institute; and
- American Welding Society’s Welding Code
Program Start Dates
Fall Semester: August
Spring Semester: January
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Faculty Contact
Jay Gerdin: 763-576-4055
Rich Godeen: 763-576-4122
Lisa Glendower: 763-576-4086
David Vlasyuk: 763-576-4257
For information on how to apply, to schedule a tour, or for service during summer hours, contact Enrollment Services at 763-576-7710 or EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu