College of DuPage introduces welding technology degree program

College of DuPage (COD), Glen Ellyn, Ill., has launched a new welding technology degree program to prepare students to earn credentials from the American Welding Society (AWS).

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the program trains graduates for occupations in production, structural, aerospace, renewable energy, pipeline, and prototype welding. David Ellis, COD instructor of welding technology, said the degree is a natural extension of the existing program, in which students just starting out earn the welding technology certificate and learn basic welding techniques. Students then progress to the AWS SENSE 1 certificate, demonstrating the techniques they have learned.

“The program is now stackable as the degree builds on these two certificates and goes into more advanced topics such as robotic welding, which isn’t taught at most schools,” Ellis said. “Students who earn the associate degree are prepared to pursue highly sought-after industry credentials that greatly expand the types of jobs they can find, regardless of whether they are just starting out or have some experience.”

For information about the welding program, visit www.cod.edu/programs/welding.