Welding engineering and technology bachelor's degree programs include instruction in multiple types of welding, as well as the latest technologies. Learn about the curriculum of this degree program and online learning options, as well as career information for graduates and the job outlook.
What Types of Courses Will I Take in a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering and Technology Program?
Through a bachelor's degree program in welding engineering and technology, you'll learn welding and joining skills, in addition to the fundamentals of fabrication and occupational health and safety. You will also learn to solve manufacturing, materials and method problems, and you'll gain hands-on experience in joining processes, fabrication, inspection and testing through lab-based classes. Your specific courses might include the following:
- Oxy-fuel welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Robotic welding
- Welding design
- Welding codes and procedures
- Manufacturing process
- Welding codes and procedures
- CNC programming
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Topics</b></td><td>Joining processes, fabrication, occupational health and safety, manufacturing and materials</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Some programs allow courses to be completed online; hands-on courses must be completed on campus</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Industries</b></td><td>Manufacturing facilities, including automotive, welding and construction</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 3% growth (<i>for all welders and related occupations</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $44,190 (<i>for all welders and related occupations</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnThisDegreeOnline">Can I Earn This Degree Online?</h3><p>There are a few universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering and Technology programs that can be partially completed online. While you can take core lecture courses and general education classes via the Internet, degree specific and hands-on laboratory courses must be completed on campus. Online courses are typically delivered via videotaped lectures on CD, DVD or Internet streaming video.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3><p>As a graduate of a welding technology program, you'll be prepared for entry-level positions in a range of manufacturing facilities, such as automotive, construction and welding automation firms. You may be employed in one of the following positions:
</p><ul><li>Welding engineer
</li><li>Project manager
</li><li>Consultant
</li><li>Application engineer
</li><li>Sales engineer
</li><li>Welding inspector
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCareerOutlook">What Is the Career Outlook?</h3><p>Career opportunities for welders and related occupations were projected to grow only by about three percent from 2019-2029 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). However, employment opportunities were expected to be good for skilled welders with training in the latest technologies. The median annual salary for welders and related occupations was $44,190 in May 2020.</p>
