Welding

Program Description

Moraine Park’s Welding technical diploma program trains individuals in the welding and fabrication skills that are needed in today’s industries. Through hands-on experience in a welding laboratory, students gain skills in all welding positions leading to welder certification. Students learn gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and oxy-fuel cutting. The coursework also provides instruction in print reading, math and communications skills, lean processes and sustainability practices.

Representatives from business and industry have identified skills that are essential to success in manufacturing. Students will be expected to demonstrate the Critical Core Manufacturing Skills (CCMS) throughout all manufacturing classes. These skills include: work cooperatively, work productively, listen effectively, demonstrate a positive attitude, maintain a safe work environment, demonstrate integrity, communicate clearly, follow directions, apply problem-solving strategies, apply mathematical reasoning, think critically and adapt to change.

Tools And Equipment

Welding gloves, helmet, jacket, welper pliers and steel-toed leather workboots are required for this program.

Statewide Salary Range for Recent Graduates

$18,719 $80,074

Approximate Costs

• $122.20 per credit (resident)
• $183.30 per credit (out-of-state resident)
• *Online students are not charged out-of-state fees.

Program Outcomes

• Interpret welding drawings.
• Operate metal fabricating equipment.
• Perform thermal cutting.
• Produce gas metal arc welds (GMAW).
• Produce gas tungsten arc welds (GTAW).
• Produce shielded metal arc welds (SMAW).
• Produce flux core welds.
• Demonstrate industry-recognized safety practices.

Career Opportunities

• Production Welder
• Pre-Apprentice/Apprentice
• Welder/Fitter
• Finish Welder
• Welder/Fabricator

Entrance Scores

Admission Process

• Submit the college admission application.   
• Submit the $30 one-time fee.   
• Submit high school and other official college transcripts.   
• Take the college assessment test (ACCUPLACER, ACT or other). The ACCUPLACER assessment can be taken at MPTC.   
• Meet with Admissions to discuss order of courses and prerequisites (required for this program).   
• Check with Admissions if any additional steps are required.   

Please visit the Admissions page for general information.