Anoka Technical College offers multiple options in Welding education. The Welding program consists of hands-on technical courses, specifically designed to develop exceptional welding skills utilizing the major welding processes that are vital to industry.
The degree program offers a balance of general education courses to complement the welding courses to provide students with opportunity to capitalize on a broad-based welding education and advance in their careers.
Prepares students for AWS Certification
High demand compared to other careers in Minnesota
Hands-on training from industry experts
Potential Jobs:
- Welder
- Fabricator
- Maintenance Welder
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $21.45
Top Earners: $31.02
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu.
Hear from Students
Program Details
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.
- 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 symbols 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 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.
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 striving 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 Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.
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 certification examination;
- American Petroleum Institute certification examination; and
- American Welding Society’s Welding Code certification examination.
Some courses in this program may require a prerequisite. Please see course descriptions for more details.
MnTC General Education Requirements
This program requires completion of the following fifteen credits of general education from at least three goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). Refer to the MnTC course list for elective courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 1500 | Mathematical Ideas (Goal 4) | 3 |
| MnTC Electives | 12 |
Program Sequence
| First Semester (Basic Welding Certificate) | 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| WELD 1002 | Math for Welders |
1
|
| WELD 1004 | Oxy-Fuel Applications |
1
|
| WELD 1006 | Oxy-Fuel Processes |
1
|
| WELD 1008 | Blueprint Reading I |
2
|
| WELD 1012 | Processes and Power Sources I |
3
|
| WELD 1014 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1016 | Gas Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1018 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
| Second Semester (Welding Technology Diploma) | 17 | |
| WELD 1022 | Blueprint Reading II |
3
|
| WELD 1024 | Metal Theory I |
2
|
| WELD 1026 | Processes and Power Sources II |
3
|
| WELD 1028 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II |
3
|
| WELD 1034 | Gas Metal Arc Welding II |
3
|
| WELD 1036 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding II |
3
|
| Third Semester (Welding Fabricator Certificate) | 17 | |
| WELD 1209 | Basic Pipe Welding |
3
|
| WELD 2000 | Basic Pip Layout |
5
|
| WELD 2004 | Metals Theory II |
3
|
| WELD 2006 | Welding Code Interpretation |
2
|
| WELD 2008 | Blueprint Reading III |
4
|
| Fourth Semester | 15 | |
| MATH 1500 | Mathematical Ideas | 3 |
| MnTC Electives | 12 | |
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Pipe Welder
Certificate
Robotic and Laser Welding
AAS degree, Certificate
Welding Fabricator
Certificate
Current Students
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Prepares students for AWS Certification
High demand compared to other careers in Minnesota
Hands-on training from industry experts
Potential Jobs:
- Welder
- Fabricator
- Maintenance Welder
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $21.45
Top Earners: $31.02
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu.
Program Details
The Anoka Technical College Welding Technology diploma is a 34-credit program (the 34 total credits include 17 credits from the Basic Welding certificate) specifically designed to develop exceptional welding skills utilizing the major welding processes that are vital to industry.
The Welding Technology diploma integrates theory with technical skills. Through the rigorous curriculum, students will develop fundamental knowledge of GMAW, GTAW, SMAW and Oxy fuel welding processes. Blueprint and math ability are incorporated in the coursework. Students will also learn metal comprehension, industry safety practices and related equipment applications.
This program requires students to go full-time each semester students are required to take all courses.
- 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
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 striving 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 Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
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 certification examination
Program Sequence
| First Semester (Basic Welding Certificate) | 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| WELD 1002 | Math for Welders |
1
|
| WELD 1004 | Oxy-Fuel Applications |
1
|
| WELD 1006 | Oxy-Fuel Processes |
1
|
| WELD 1008 |
Blueprint Reading I |
2
|
| WELD 1012 | Processes and Power Sources I |
3
|
| WELD 1014 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1016 |
Gas Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1018 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
| Second Semester (Welding Technology Diploma) | 17 | |
| WELD 1022 | Blueprint Reading II | 3 |
| WELD 1024 | Metals Theory I | 2 |
| WELD 1026 | Processes and Power Sources II | 3 |
| WELD 1028 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II | 3 |
| WELD 1034 | Gas Metal Arc Welding II | 3 |
| WELD 1036 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding II | 3 |
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Pipe Welder
Certificate
Robotic and Laser Welding
AAS degree, Certificate
Welding Fabricator
Certificate
Current Students
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
The Anoka Technical College Basic Welding certificate is a 17-credit program designed for individuals seeking a well-rounded foundation in welding. The Basic Welding certificate is designed for individuals who want quick access into the welding careers.
This program requires students to go full-time each semester students are required to take all courses.
Prepares students for AWS Certification
High demand compared to other careers in Minnesota
Hands-on training from industry experts
Potential Jobs:
- Welder
- Fabricator
- Maintenance Welder
Salary Information:
Median Wage: $21.45
Top Earners: $31.02
Information provided is for Minnesota. See current data at careerwise.minnstate.edu.
Program Details
The Anoka Technical College Basic Welding certificate is a 17-credit program designed for individuals seeking a well-rounded foundation in welding. The Basic Welding certificate is designed for individuals who want quick access into the welding careers.
This program requires students to go full-time each semester students are required to take all courses.
- 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
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 striving 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 Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Take a self-guided virtual tour of our campus to see what it's like to be a student at Anoka Tech. View program labs, common student spaces, campus offices and more.
The Basic Welding certificate is designed to be completed in one semester with day and evening options.
Program Sequence
| First Semester | 17 | |
|---|---|---|
| WELD 1002 | Math for Welders |
1
|
| WELD 1004 | Oxy-Fuel Applications |
1
|
| WELD 1006 | Oxy-Fuel Processes |
1
|
| WELD 1008 | Blueprint Reading I |
2
|
| WELD 1012 | Processes and Power Sources I |
3
|
| WELD 1014 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1016 | Gas Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
| WELD 1018 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding I |
3
|
Students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher to be eligible for graduation from this program.
Current Students
All Anoka Technical College students seeking an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, diploma or certification must meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. Please contact your advisor for any further program graduation requirements.
Start Dates:
Fall semester: August
Spring semester: January
Upcoming Events:
Important Dates:
Enrollment Services
EnrollmentServices@anokatech.edu
763-576-7710
Take the Next Step
![If you are, or would like to be, good at building things from scratch, curious about how things work, enjoy solving problems or fixing things that are broken, this field may be the right one for you.
"[Anoka Tech] is set up with a structure where you will grow tremendously."
Learn more about Anoka Tech's construction, engineering, manufacturing and technology career pathway on our website in our bio.](https://scontent-lhr8-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/468033038_578789264619259_7297950599124991867_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=18de74&_nc_ohc=KDAFocafa7YQ7kNvgGfpLZi&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr8-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=ARICQk-HvZNZ9P9hm06AVDT&oh=00_AYBzt5udFQllYURpbyaRkcKsCJM7evMn4otq5I23hYfmhQ&oe=6753C5A5)
