Welding
The Program
Welders join metal pieces by use of electric arc equipment. Because of its strength, welding is used to construct and repair parts of buildings, machinery, tools, ships, automobiles, spacecraft and thousands of other products. Welders are highly skilled technicians who must be familiar with the properties of metal, blueprint reading, safety procedures, various welding procedures, and processes as well as the operation of hand-held equipment, and a variety of welding machines. Before being assigned to work on buildings, bridges, pipelines or other jobs where the strength of the weld is highly critical, welders may be required to pass a certification examination of their welding skills.
Aptitudes and Interests: Welders should have an interest in the construction trades and be willing to wear protective clothing, safety shoes, goggles, helmets and other devices to prevent burns and eye injuries. Welders must have very good manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination as well as good form and spatial perception.
Helpful High School Courses
Practical mathematics, Blueprint Reading, Mechanical Drawing
Graduation Diploma
Technical Welder General Certificate Advanced Technical Certificate Welder Fitter Associate of Applied Science degree Welder Fitter
Program Information (.pdf)
Program begins in August and January
Program length is 2 to 4 1/2 semesters
Admits 30 students each year
Typical classroom hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 5 days per week
Summer Session - optional (general education courses only)
Books, Tools, Supplies
Estimate (entire program) - $900
Registration Fees
Fees apply to the current Idaho State University fee schedule which includes mandatory student health insurance.
Paying for College
You may apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans to help finance your college education. When you pay registration fees, you are a student of Idaho State University with the privileges and responsibilities of a college student.
Entrance Information
Admission requirements:
Application for Admission
Application fee
High school transcript or GED
COMPASS Placement Test or ACT scores
Register early—admission is based on space availability.
Job Opportunities
96% of students reporting are employed or continuing their education.
All AAS degrees will articulate into the Bachelor of Applied Technology.