Welding
Division: Industry & Technology
Welding is an academic discipline concerned with the study of metal fabrication, weld metal transfer and the use of different shielding gases. The skills developed in this discipline will include metallurgy, print reading, design and creation, multi-position welding, weld joint design, use of common welding applications and basic material science.
Career options include positions in construction, manufacturing, metal fabrication, welding related inspection, education, technical sales and artistic welding. A higher degree maybe required to meet minimum job requirements depending on the position.
Transfer requirements in welding are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements.
Contact Information
Welding Instructor Faculty Contact
Chris Huff | (559) 688-3181 | christopherhu@cos.edu
Building C: C101 | Tulare Campus
Industry and Technology Division Chair
Brian Unruh | (559) 688-3053 | brianu@cos.edu
Building F: F109A | Tulare Campus
Dean of Industry & Technology, CTE, & Workforce Development
Vacant
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
WELD 104 Metal Sculpture
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1 Lab
This course in metal sculpture is designed to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills regarding historical and contemporary three dimensional design concepts on a beginning level. The emphasis is on personal expression through a variety of metals and a wide range of possible applications.
WELD 105 Metalcraft Welding & Forging
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1 Lab
Instruction in metalcraft welding and forging techniques, basic tools for welded craft projects and sculpture, theory of abstract shapes and designs, plus principles of using various metal types will introduce the concepts of metal craft welding.
WELD 162 Shielded Metal Arc Welding
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
Introduction to the theory and concepts as applied to shielded metal arc welding. Introduction to modern solid shield technology and ferrous filler metals. Students will learn the theory of ferrous metallurgy and its application to shielded metal arc welding. Once students understand the theory and concepts of shielded metal arc welding, they will move into the application of the principles of position and out of position welding.
WELD 171 Gas Metal Arc Welding
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
Introduction to the theory and concepts of welding as applied to Gas Metal Arc Welding and related processes including FCAW and FCAW-G primarily on carbon steel materials. Students will learn welding safety, equipment setup, joint preparation, and welding in multiple positions. Emphasis is placed on developing skills to meet industry standards, including AWS D1.1 structural welding code requirements.
WELD 172 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
Introduction to the theory and concepts as applied to gas tungsten arc welding. Introduction to modern shielding gas technology, non-ferrous filler metals. Students will learn the theory of ferrous metallurgy and its application to destructive testing of welded materials.
WELD 181 Blueprint Reading/Metallurgy
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course combines the fundamental concepts and theories of blueprint reading relating to the concepts, as well as the application, of welded assemblies. The theory of ferrous metal identification and the concept of preparation of metal samples for identification prepares students entering the fabrication, construction or welding engineering fields.
WELD 200 Welding Fundamentals
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of key welding processes, including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC), and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Emphasis is placed on safety, proper equipment use, and industry-standard practices throughout all hands-on and theoretical instruction. Students will explore essential topics such as construction math, material and tool identification, and basic metallurgy, preparing them for further study or entry-level work in welding and fabrication. No prior welding experience is required—just a willingness to learn and a commitment to safety and craftsmanship.
WELD 273 Stainless Steel Weld / Repair
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
This course is designed to give welding students training in the practice, theory, and skill of welding stainless steel. Both repair and fabrication, as well as concepts to sanitary tube welding and fabrication, will be covered.
Prerequisites: WELD 172 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
WELD 274 Aluminum Welding
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
The course is designed to give welding students training in the practice, theory and skill in the welding of aluminum, both repair and fabrication, as well as application to all structural shapes and levels of alloys.
Prerequisites: WELD 172 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
WELD 275 Welding Codes/Certification
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
This welding course is for students to perform certification weldments. American Welding Society certifications will be awarded to students who successfully complete the course. Industry standards and principles of inspection criteria will be covered. This course training will teach students the benefits of in-process quality control in the fabrication industry.
WELD 276 Metal Fabrication
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
1 Lab
This course is designed for the students to develop the concepts and apply the theories of the skills of a welder fabricator. This is a project-based course that will introduce students to the abstraction of design, layout, pricing and construction of metal projects.
WELD 277 Industrial Piping Systems
4 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
Hours:
3 Lab
The modern welding industry serves a multitude of industrial applications. One of the largest of these is the welding of piping systems. This class will introduce students not only to the welding of pipes, but also to pipe fitting and all entry-level piping system maintenance skills.