Welding Degree, AAS

Why Complete an Associate Degree in Welding?

A Welding AAS can open the doors to careers in various industries. Welders specialize in fusing pieces of metal to create industrial piping systems, cars, buildings, and more. With an associate degree in welding, you'll be ready for a career in this essential industrial field.

Many welding programs offer a certificate or associate degree. While both options provide the training you need to begin working, the Welding AAS gives you a more well-rounded education. This difference will make you a leader and asset in your workplace. You'll be able to find better-paying jobs and look forward to quicker promotions. Employers will recognize that they can trust you with more advanced duties. In your courses, you will:

• Develop speaking, writing, math, and science skills
• Train to meet national codes for safety and quality
• Read blueprints
• Practice using tools and testing in all positions using a variety of processes
• Complete projects using print and welding codes to acceptable national standards. 

There is a great demand for welders, as many workers are expected to retire in the coming years. The American Welding Society predicts 84,000 welding jobs to be filled every year between 2022-2025. Employ your skills locally in your community or across the country.

Why Earn a Welding AAS at San Juan College?

Expert Training

Learn, practice, and perfect your skills in our welding classes. Our experienced faculty will teach you essential tips and techniques to prepare you for your career. Study welding, metal fabrication, and pipe welding under their supervision. You'll meet national welding codes for:

• American Welding Society (D1.1)
• American Petroleum Institute (API 1104)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (B31)

With your training, you'll be able to work on jobs that fall under these codes. 

Partnerships and Connections

We have agreements with local companies and unions to help you get the training and jobs you need. Our students have completed internships with PESCO, a process equipment and service company in Farmington that works with the onshore oil and natural gas industries.

We also have partnerships with unions, which can provide opportunities to earn better wages, access health benefits, and find fulfilling jobs. SJC has an agreement in place with Local 412 Pipe Fitters Union to credit hours during your degree training at San Juan College towards a Journeyman level at Local 412. We also have a partnership with Local Union No. 627, which offers accreditation for hours earned in our welding classes.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our associate degree in welding program is an excellent investment. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for your career. Find out if you can get your degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in Your Welding Classes

SJC's welding courses provides you with the skills and experience you need to become a welder. Our expert faculty will guide you in our classrooms and our weld shop.

For your program courses, you'll study:

• Blueprint reading and drafting
• Oxy-fuel cutting
• Advanced metal fabrication
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
• Pipe welding, fabrication, and layout
• Metallurgy

Your general education courses will help you receive a well-rounded education. Take courses in:

• Public speaking or interpersonal communication
• Writing or technical writing
• Mathematics
• Social/behavioral science, humanities, or fine arts

Welding AAS Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

According to the American Welding Society, the US workforce will need over 375,000 welders by 2023 to keep up with demand. By completing welding classes, you'll be a valuable worker in our economy.

Welding and fabrication needs are found in many fields and facets of modern-day industries. With your degree, you'll be able to work in fields such as:

• Aerospace engineering
• Car manufacturing
• Manufacturing
• Offshore oil rigs
• Refinery and pipe fitting

Our graduates have found employment at:

• Bobcat Company
• Local 412 Pipe Fitters
• Local 627 Boilermakers
• John Deere
• NASA
• PESCO, Inc.
• Schuff Steel

We also have relationships with Local Union No. 412 and Local Union No. 627, which can help you find jobs in the area.

Welding Tool List

As a welding student, you will need to purchase and bring tools to your courses. Refer to the Welding Tool List page to find the list of supplies. Please note that local welding supply stores have discounts for SJC students.