2026-2027 Course Catalog
Welding, Diploma
|
|
 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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.
|
Locations: Ankeny and Carroll
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……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 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: $8,880**
**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: $44,190 ($21.25/hour). (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Program Competencies
- Inspect and operate equipment using proper safety for welding and thermal cutting practices.
- Read, interpret and apply information from welding symbols, drawings and sketches.
- Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Shielded Metal Arc Welding equipment on carbon steel.
- Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Gas Metal Arc Welding equipment (spray and short circuit transfer) on carbon steel.
- Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Flux Cored Arc welding equipment (gas shielded and self-shielded) on carbon steel.
- Demonstrate the ability to weld in multiple positions using Gas Tungsten Arc welding equipment on carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel and aluminum.
- 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.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform cutting operations using Manual Plasma Arc cutting equipment on carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel and aluminum.
- Demonstrate the knowledge to evaluate welds and cuts to welding codes, standards and specifications.
- Obtain prerequisite amount of knowledge, attitude, skills and habits required to gain meaningful employment in the welding field.
Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of 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. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
|