Dec 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Welding, Diploma

Location(s): Ankeny, Carroll, Newton



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As described by the American Welding Society, welding is a very sophisticated and technical science, requiring not only mental application but also hands-on abilities. Welding is the fusing of the surfaces of two workpieces to form one, and is a precise, reliable, cost-effective, and high-tech method for joining materials. Welding today is applied to a wide variety of materials and products using advanced technologies.

The program is aligned to the American Welding Society’s SENSE Level 1 skills standards. Instruction focuses on providing a comprehensive education which includes both welding theory and application. The listed sequence of course offerings may be altered. The Welding program offers open-entry and open-exit courses. Students will be allowed to enroll in these open-entry/open-exit courses as long as there is space available.

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny, Carroll, Newton


Pathway: Engineering & Manufacturing


More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Welding diploma, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 36


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2
Books (approximate)   80   100
Supplies 960  

Approximate total for program: $8,088**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Use electric arc or flame processes in welding.
  • Weld steel, steel alloys and other metals.
  • Weld in all positions such as flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead.
  • Welder may work in various positions-bending, stooping, etc.
  • Work from drawings, blueprints and other written plans.
  • Plan and organize work.
  • Layout and fit by means of flame cutting, shearing, sawing, etc.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Demonstrate manual dexterity.
  • Identify details in objects and drawings.
  • Lift and carry 50 to 100 pounds.
  • Read and work from blueprints.
  • Have adequate vision to see definition in the weld puddle.
  • Be a self-starter and work independently.
  • Concentrate for long periods of time.
  • Perform simple math problems quickly.

What Else Should I Consider about this Diploma program?


  • Will be working in hot, sweaty conditions, indoors and outdoors.
  • Welding can be hazardous because of the dusty, smoky environment and electrical dangers.
  • Many welders are union members depending on the place of employment.
  • There is a steady demand for qualified/skilled welders throughout the United States. The current trend in employment is toward highly skilled individuals.
  • 2020 Annual Median Pay (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics): $44,190 ($21.25/hour).

Program Competencies


  1. Inspect and operate equipment using proper safety for welding and thermal cutting practices.
  2. Read, interpret and apply information from welding symbols, drawings and sketches.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Shielded Metal Arc Welding equipment on carbon steel.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Gas Metal Arc Welding equipment (spray and short circuit transfer) on carbon steel.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Flux Cored Arc welding equipment (gas shielded and self-shielded) on carbon steel.
  6. Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Gas Tungsten Arc welding equipment on carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel and aluminum.
  7. Demonstrate the ability to perform cutting operations using Manual and Mechanized Oxyfuel Gas cutting equipment and Manual Air Carbon Arc cutting equipment on carbon steel.
  8. Demonstrate the ability to perform cutting operations using Manual Plasma Arc cutting equipment on carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel and aluminum.
  9. Demonstrate the knowledge to evaluate welds and cuts to welding codes, standards and specifications.
  10. Obtain prerequisite amount of knowledge, attitude, skills and habits required to gain meaningful employment in the welding field.

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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