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Welding Technology
The Welding Technology program provides entry-level skills necessary to enter and excel in the welding and metal fabrication industry. Welding theories are built upon through extensive hands-on training using industry-standard equipment and processes. Students develop skills in welding, cutting, fabrication, blueprint reading, and inspection while gaining an understanding of safety practices and industry standards. The welding industry has a strong demand for qualified professionals, and graduates may find employment in manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and fabrication settings. With additional experience and credentials, welders may advance into inspection, supervisory, or specialized technical roles.
Program Description
The DC3 Welding Technology program is aligned with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 48.0508: Welding Technology/Welder. A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to join or cut metal surfaces. Includes instruction in arc welding, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, cutting, high-energy beam welding and cutting, solid state welding, ferrous and non-ferrous materials, oxidation-reduction reactions, welding metallurgy, welding processes and heat treating, structural design, safety, and applicable codes and standards.
Students in the Welding Technology program earn OSHA 10 certification and develop skills in multiple welding processes and positions. Instruction includes SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW in positions 1F, 1G, 2F, 2G, 3F, 3G, 4F, and 4G, as well as FCAW in positions 1F, 1G, 2F, and 2G. Graduates attain welding proficiency that meets or exceeds the American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel standard on 3/8” thick carbon plate. This level of preparations supports entry-level employment and continued advancement in the welding industry.
Program Information
About Program (Skills)
Students completing the Welding Technology program will gain the following:
- Attention to Detail
- Welding Techniques
- Blueprint Reading
- Mathematical Skills
- Ability to work with other
- Meet Deadlines on projects
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control
Career Options
Graduates of the Welding Technology program may pursue the following careers:
- Metal Fabricator
- Structural Welder
- Maintenance Technician
- Manufacturing
- Oil rig Welder
- Pressure Vessel Welder
- Pipeline Welder
- Welder’s Helper
- Welding Instructor
- Certified Welding Inspector
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Engineer
2 years (60 credits)
Associate of Applied Science
1 year (20 credits)
Certificate A
1 year (35 credits)
Certificate B
Tuition
$30*/per credit hour
Fees
$125**/per credit hour
Books
All materials are included
Other Program Fees
$550***
* This rate applies to residents of Ford County. The rate for residents outside of Ford County is $60/per credit hour. International rate is $80/per credit hour.
** Online Courses have an additional $10/per credit hour fee.
*** There are additional course fees for certain lab courses.
Tuition and fees are subject to change
Fall
Spring
Students may start this program at the beginning of the fall or spring semester.
Job Outlook*
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers – 6.2% Growth
Annual Median Salary*
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers – $40,560
*As of August 2025
Faculty
Andy Ruiz
Assistant Professor of Welding
AAS in Welding, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Dodge City Community College
James Granger
Professor of Welding
Multiple Industry Related Welding Certifications
Sample Degree Plan
Year 1
Fall I: (20 Credits)
- Welding Elective – 2 Credit
- MT 108-1001 – Welding Blueprint – 3 Credits
- MT 125-1001 – Welding Theory – 2 Credits
- ^MT 252-1001 – GMAW: Gas Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- OSHA 110-1002 – OSHA 10 – 1 Credits
- ^MT 127-1002 – Cutting Processes – 3 Credits
- ^MT 133-1002 – SMAW: Shielded Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- ^MT 254-1002 – GTAW: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 3 Credits
Spring I: (15 Credits)
- ^MT 134-1001 – SMAW II: Shielded Metal Arc – 4 Credits
- ^MT 255-1001 – GTAW II: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 4 Credits
- ^MT 281-1001 – GMAW II: Gas Metal Arc Welding – 4 Credits
- ^MATH 101 or MATH 104 – Modern College Math (OR above) – 3 Credits
Year 2
Fall II: (13 Credits)
- MT 116-1001 – Intro to Welding Inspection or Available Welding Elective – See list at MyDC3 My Course Needs – 1 Credits
- ^MT 117-1001 – Welding & Inspection I Lab or Available Welding Elective – See list at MyDC3 My Course Needs – 6 Credits
- Computer Sci Basic Skill – See list at MyDC3 – My Course Needs T▶ – 3 Credits
- 3 PE or HLTH 101 – 3 PE Electives or First Aid T▶ – 1 Credits
Spring II: (12 Credits)
- ^MT 285-1001 – CNC Plasma Cutting or Available Welding Elective – See list at MyDC3 My Course Needs – 3 Credits
- ^MT 290-1001 – CAD Systems & Process or Available Welding Elective – See list at MyDC3 My Course Needs – 3 Credits
- SP, BUS, ECON – Choose 1 – See list at MyDC3 – My Course Needs T▶ – 3 Credits
- *^ ENG 101/102/104 – Technical Communication or English Comp I T▶ – 3 Credits
Year 1
Fall I: (11 Credits)
- Welding Elective – 2 Credit
- MT 108-1001 – Welding Blueprint – 3 Credits
- MT 125-1001 – Welding Theory – 2 Credits
- ^MT 252-1001 – GMAW: Gas Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- OSHA 110-1002 – OSHA 10 – 1 Credits
Spring I: (9 Credits)
- ^MT 127-1001 – Cutting Processes – 3 Credits
- ^MT 133-1001 – SMAW: Shielded Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- ^MT 254-1001 – GTAW: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 3 Credits
Year 1
Fall I: (20 Credits)
- Welding Elective – 2 Credit
- MT 108-1001 – Welding Blueprint – 3 Credits
- MT 125-1001 – Welding Theory – 2 Credits
- ^MT 252-1001 – GMAW: Gas Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- OSHA 110-1002 – OSHA 10 – 1 Credits
- ^MT 127-1002 – Cutting Processes – 3 Credits
- ^MT 133-1002 – SMAW: Shielded Metal Arc Welding – 3 Credits
- ^MT 254-1002 – GTAW: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 3 Credits
Spring I: (15 Credits)
- ^MT 134-1001 – SMAW II: Shielded Metal Arc – 4 Credits
- ^MT 255-1001 – GTAW II: Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – 4 Credits
- ^MT 281-1001 – GMAW II: Gas Metal Arc Welding – 4 Credits
- ^MATH 101 or MATH 104 – Modern College Math (OR above) – 3 Credits
Key
T▶ Kansas Systemwide Transfer Course
* Course requires a C or higher
^ Course has a testing or prerequisite requirement
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