Industrial Welding - Associate of Applied Science
Area of Study: Industrial Welding
Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Science
Academic School: Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science
A welding associate degree is different from a welding certificate. It provides a more comprehensive education, including not only practical welding skills but also theoretical knowledge about welding processes, safety procedures, material science and industry standards, often with additional coursework in fabrication and related manufacturing practices. This allows graduates to pursue more advanced welding positions and potentially supervisory roles compared to those with just a certificate. Essentially, an associate degree offers a deeper understanding of the welding field beyond just hands-on techniques.
Key differences:
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Depth of knowledge: A welding associate degree covers a wider range of welding techniques, materials and industry regulations, while a certificate usually focuses on specific welding processes for a particular job role.
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General education: An associate degree typically includes general education courses in addition to welding-specific training, while a certificate program is primarily focused on practical welding skills.
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Career opportunities: An associate degree can open doors to more advanced welding positions like welding inspector, fabrication specialist or supervisory roles within a welding company, whereas a certificate may primarily qualify someone for entry-level welding jobs.
What's covered?
- Welding techniques: Students learn how to weld different types of alloys.
- Equipment: Students learn how to use various welding equipment and machinery.
- Blueprints: Students learn how to read blueprints.
- Codes: Students learn how to understand welding codes.
- Fabrication: Students learn how to fabricate metal.
- Shielding gases: Students learn how to use different shielding gases.
What's required?
- Students should have mechanical ability and good hand-eye coordination.
- Students should be comfortable using power tools, such as a grinder.
- Students should be prepared for the heat and standing for prolonged periods.
How long does it take?
- Associate degree programs usually take two years to complete.
Program highlights:
- Earn multiple national certifications: Stand out in the industry with credentials that open doors.
- State-of-the-art welding lab: Train in our cutting-edge welding lab on equipment from Lincoln Electric.
- Fabrication project: Complete a complex fabrication project using the skills you gain.
- Learn robotic welding: Learn fundamental skills associated with the operation and programming of robotic welding machines.
- Job placement assistance: Get help finding open positions in the welding industry.
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