Associate of Science
in Welding

Program Overview

The welding degree program at Youngstown State University is designed specifically to provide students with a thorough understanding of the four principal welding techniques:

• SMAW (Stick)
• GMAW (MIG)
• FCAW (Flux Core)
• GTAW (TIG)

Students will have the opportunity to qualify their welds using each technique across various positions on both steel plate and pipe. The program ensures that students not only master welding skills but also acquire fundamental math abilities and other essential academic knowledge to become well-rounded professionals.

Skills Development

Students enrolled in the welding program will be trained to:

• Demonstrate cutting skills required for various welding processes.
• Apply safety techniques in industrial settings relevant to welding and cutting operations.
• Read and interpret blueprints specifically designed for welding professionals.
• Prepare groove welds in multiple positions including horizontal, vertical, and overhead on both plate and pipe steel.

Additional Educational Focus

In addition to technical skills, the program incorporates non-technical courses aimed at enhancing students’ business acumen, communication skills, math proficiency, and social knowledge. This comprehensive educational approach prepares students to successfully navigate and advance in their professional environments.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Graduates are well-prepared to enter entry-level welding positions in various sectors such as pipe or steel fabrication shops, machine shops, and construction-related businesses. Trade unions, including pipefitters, boilermakers, ironworkers, carpenters, and operating engineers, highly value the skill set provided by this program.

Bureau of Labor and Statistics Data and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. About 49,200 openings for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

The job outlook for welding professionals remains positive, with industries such as manufacturing, specialty trade contracting, and merchant wholesales particularly in need of skilled welders. The increasing adoption of new technologies and techniques in welding also suggests a growing demand for technically skilled workers.

Get Started

Are you ready to begin your journey as a skilled welder? Apply to the Welding Degree Program at Youngstown State University today and start your path to a rewarding career in a dynamic and essential trade. For more details on enrollment and program specifics, please contact Youngstown State University’s admissions department.

Youngstown State University is committed to providing high-quality education and training in the field of welding, ensuring that graduates are ready to meet the demands of the workforce and excel in their careers.