8-16 Months*

To Complete

Online & On-Campus

Flexible Schedules

July 6th

Start Date
Skilled trades workers are consistently in high demand across industries, and welding is no exception. This profession requires a unique combination of precision, strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and a solid understanding of physics and mathematics.

Additionally, good hand-eye coordination is crucial, as welders must manipulate tools and materials with accuracy and control. If you possess these skills and are passionate about pursuing a career in welding, Beal University offers a comprehensive educational pathway to help you achieve your professional goals.

At Beal University, students embark on a rigorous 8-month Welding Technology Diploma program that combines hands-on training with theoretical knowledge. Throughout the program, you will engage in practical welding exercises, learn various welding techniques, and gain proficiency with different materials and equipment.

You'll also be introduced to essential safety protocols, preparing you for real-world challenges in both industrial and construction environments.

Upon successfully completing the diploma, you have the opportunity to further enhance your credentials by enrolling in an additional 8 months of online general education courses. This pathway allows you to earn an Associate Degree in Welding Technology.

By opting for this dual-track program, you will graduate with both a diploma and an associate degree, significantly boosting your employability and skill set.

Welding Technology

On-Campus Diploma Program

On-Campus

Hands-on Training

8-Months*

To Complete

July 6th

Start Date
Welding technology students practicing
At the outset of the Welding Technology Diploma program, you will train in basic welding fundamentals using the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process, commonly called stick welding, and learn about metallurgy and blueprint reading.

Once you have learned the basics of welding and its effects on metals, you will learn wire-fed welding skills such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), commonly called MIG, and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), which are very common in fabrication and structural applications throughout the industry.

You will then learn the fundamentals of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), commonly called TIG, and open-root stick pipe welding. Near the end of your classes, you will learn advanced open root TIG pipe, TIG, and MIG welding of aluminum, as well as pipefitting and fabrication basics.

As a student, you will become proficient with multiple cutting techniques: oxyfuel torches, plasma cutting, and carbon arc gouging for full penetration welding.

Program Courses

During the Welding Technology Diploma program, you’ll take courses such as:
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Fundamentals
  • Metallurgy and Blueprint Reading
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Intermediate
  • Flux-cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Fundamentals
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Fundamentals
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Pipe
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Pipe and Aluminum Welding
  • Fabrication and Pipefitting Fundamentals

Take the Next Step

Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?

Is It Right for You?

Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.

Career Path & Expectations

Upon graduation, you may choose to seek immediate work in the field or continue your training with the Associate program and graduate with both a diploma and a degree.

Who’s this Diploma for?

  • Those who wish to complete a short program to enter the field more quickly and take the first steps to becoming a welding professional.
  • Anyone who is interested in pursuing a rewarding, hands-on career.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
  • Become proficient in methods of welding including shielded metal arc, flux cored arc, gas metal arc, and
    gas tungsten arc welding; oxy acetylene cutting, and plasma arc cutting.
  • Understand how to read a blueprint as it relates to welding.
  • Gain knowledge of pipefitting techniques.
  • Safely and effectively operate welding equipment.
  • Navigate and understand the D1.1 Welding Code Book and aspects of a QAQC department

Take the Next Step

Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?

Is It Right for You?

Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.

Beal Welding Program Experience

Get Started

The best way to see if Beal University is the right fit for you is to contact an admissions representative. Get more information on the Nursing Associate’s Degree program, class schedules, and financial aid options so that you can make an informed decision about your future.

Welding Technology (A.A.S.)

Associate of Applied Science Degree Program

100% Online

Flexible Schedule

8-Months**

To Complete

July 6th

Start Date
Degree Completion Program: A Diploma in Welding Technology is required to enroll in this program.
A welding technology student practicing
This Welding Technology program is an academic associate of applied science degree completion program that provides a pathway for diploma holders in Welding Technology to advance their education. This degree program emphasizes the technical, administrative, and interpersonal skills required of the welding professional with a strong foundation.

In addition to attendance in all courses, students will be required to complete out-of-class assignments. These assignments include, but are not limited to, reading, exercises, problem-solving, projects, research, papers, and presentations. A student can anticipate out-of-class activities that equal about two (2) hours for every one (1) hour of lecture.

Program Courses

During the Welding Technology Degree program, you’ll take courses such as:
  • Introduction to Computer Concepts and Applications
  • Speech
  • English Composition
  • Environmental Geology
  • Technical Mathematics
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Introduction to Sociology

Take the Next Step

Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?

Is It Right for You?

Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.

Career Path & Expectations

Upon graduation, you can seek or obtain employment as a welder or in a welding-related field.

Who is this Degree for?

  • Those who wish to complete a short program to enter the field more quickly and take the first steps to becoming a welding professional.
  • Anyone who is interested in pursuing a rewarding, hands-on career.

Program Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
  • Gain understanding of social responsibility and ethical reasoning through assessment of one’s own
    values within the social context of problems and recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings
  • Develop critical and analytical thinking through a disciplined process of conceptualizing, applying,
    analyzing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience,
    reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.
  • The ability to think constructively, critically, and creatively, including competencies in analytic inquiry,
    quantitative literacy, information literacy, evidential reasoning, and problem solving.

Take the Next Step

Get more details about our online programs.
Not Quite Ready Yet?

Is It Right for You?

Take a short quiz to find out. Our Education Training Readiness Quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete.

Career Opportunities

Welding Jobs & Statistics
Welding is a skill used by many tradespeople, including sheet metal workers, ironworkers, diesel mechanics, boilermakers, carpenters, marine construction workers, steamfitters, glaziers, and repair and maintenance personnel. A Welder may engage in applications ranging from hobbyist home sculpture to heavy fabrication of bridges, ships, and other projects.

As a welder, you may work for shipyards, manufacturers, or contractors; federal, state, county, and city governments; firms requiring maintenance mechanics; repair shops; and more.

Why consider a welding technology degree or diploma? It’s a critically important field that is growing quickly as the demand for welders continues to rise. Here are some of the latest figures from this rewarding field.

Careers to Explore

Upon successful completion of our welding programs, you'll open the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
  • Welder/Fabricator
  • Pipe Welder
  • Structural Welder
  • Sheet Metal Worker

What Makes Beal University Unique?

We have over 130 years of experience in educating career-focused professionals

Accelerated Programs

Our unique accelerated programs allow you to take 8-week classes year-round, enabling you to complete your degree faster.

Transfer Credits

We accept up to 75% of transfer credits earned at other accredited schools into our degree programs.

Flexible Schedules

To meet your lifestyle needs, we offer classes in person, online, or in a hybrid format (online/in-person), with day and evening class schedules, making it flexible for you.
Founded in 1891 as Bangor Business College, Beal University has evolved into a comprehensive institution with diverse academic offerings that serve a wide range of students in Maine and beyond. From the beginning, Beal has remained focused on providing programs that give students real-world skills for careers in high-demand fields. Today, Beal offers programs from diplomas to graduate-level degrees, serving all levels of academic pursuit.

Take The Next Step

A new career is right around the corner
* Diploma program length when completed in normal time.
** Associate Degree program length when completed in normal time.