Program Details
Associate of Applied Science in Welding
Associate of Applied ScienceMountain Empire Community College
Graduates of the Technical Studies Welding program are trained in the job skills necessary to enter employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. Course work includes a strong emphasis in welding technology with related courses in computer applications, quality control, teamwork, and communication.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Follow industry safety practices.
2. Cut metals using (oxyfuel and plasma arc) cutting processes .
3. Weld in (flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions) using the basic welding processes of SMAW, GMAW, FCAW and GTAW..
4. Apply basic math and measurement.
5. Read and interpret basic blueprints and welding symbols to fabricate components.
6. Know the basic fundamentals of welding processes and applications, metallurgy.
7. Demonstrates professional and ethical work behavior.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | The certificate in Welding is designed to prepare students for employment as apprentice welders immediately upon completion of the curriculum. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program. Up to 15 hours credit may be given for documented previous work experience and certifications. Although the program is designed to educate and train welders entering the industry, the program offers increased skill levels and knowledge for experienced welders as well. Welders seeking a degree or desiring promotion to upper level managerial positions should also take advantage of this excellent opportunity. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Technical courses and shop experience comprise the majority of the program. The remaining courses are in related subjects and general education. |
Doing More With Your Degree | The Certificate in Welding will prepare students for the occupational goal of welder. |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies Industrial Technician - Mechanical | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies Integrated Machining Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies Venture Creation and Management | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies Industrial Technician - Electrical | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate in Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Technical Studies-Industrial Maintenance Technician | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies/HVAC and Refrigeration | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies/Engineering Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Technical Studies | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Technical Studies (Technical Supervision) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
17-3026.00 | Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Apply engineering theory and principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff. May perform time and motion studies on worker operations in a variety of industries for purposes such as establishing standard production rates or improving efficiency. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
17-3026.01 | Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians | Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete

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