Welding & Fabrication Engineering Technology
About this program
With job opportunities across industries and around the globe, a degree in welding and fabrication will take you where you want to go. At Penn College, you’ll get hands-on training in specialized learning labs. Work alongside passionate and experienced instructors to hone in-demand technical skills in this ABET-accredited program. And learn everything from techniques and methods to problem solving skills.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
95%
Overall Placement
55,000+
Square Foot Facility
45%
Hired BEFORE Graduation
Careers
- Welding engineer
- Designer engineer
- Automation engineer
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (WEL119)
- Flux Cored Arc Welding (WEL133)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (WEL142)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (WEL146)
- Welding Blueprint & Layout (WEL102)
- Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes (WEL209)
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding (WEL216)
- Basic CNC Programming (WEL240)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Pipe Welding (WEL244)
- Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding (WEL264)
- Welding Blueprint & Layout II (WEL252)
- Non-Destructive Testing I (QAL241)
- Introduction to Metallurgy (MSC106)
- Robotic Welding (WEL249)
- Parametric Modeling & FEA Applications for Welders (DSG328)
- Industrial Project Support Systems (WEL401)
- Design Statics & Strength of Materials (DSG323)
- Advanced High Energy Density Processes (WEL302)
- NDT Quality Assurance (QAL301)
- Industrial Weld Design (WEL410)
- Fabrication of Alloys (WEL400)
- Engineering Ethics & Legal Issues (MET321)
- Welding Codes & Procedures (WEL420)
- Welding Internship (WEL495)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Maker Profiles
Alumni
Erin Beaver
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Penn College Dual Enrollment courses gave Erin a head start on her welding career.
Alumni
Nate Lyon
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Everyone said Nate was a rising star in his field. They were right.
Faculty
Ryan Good
Welding & Metal Fabrication
Ryan will bring out the best in you. He’ll challenge you to solve complex problems. Inspire you to strive for perfection. And groom you to become the leader that others are proud to follow.
Leadership
Dr. Kathy Chesmel
Automated Manufacturing & Machining
Civil Engineering
Polymer Engineering
Welding & Metal Fabrication
She understands the value of positive role models and is determined to inspire the next generation of tomorrow makers.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.
Mar 1
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, March 19 AM - 3 PM
Apr 6
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 69 AM - 3 PM
ABET-Accredited Program
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET (www.abet.org), under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.
Facilities
Lab Tour
In this virtual tour, you'll walk through our newly upgraded 55,000+-square-foot facility, meet a few instructors, and check out some of the latest technology and tools of the trade.
Facilities
Welding Lab Expanded
Get hands-on experience in one of the largest facilities in higher education, using industry-standard equipment just like you’ll see in the real world.
Facilities
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Faculty recently trained on an electron beam welder to prepare for the arrival of such a unit. Penn College will be the first U.S.educational institution to feature an electron beam welder.
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your knowledge to the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
American Welding Society (AWS)
Being a part of the AWS allows students to network and learn and sharpen the skills needed for a successful career in the welding industry.
SkillsUSA
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
Penn College News
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
High Steel employees donate to Penn College welding program
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
'Inside Jobs Tour' attracts Central PA Chamber
Sunday, October 20, 2024
October's recruitment harvest continues
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
Penn College welding students cap unique remodeling project
Members of the college’s American Welding Society student chapter and faculty advisor recently volunteered their time and expertise to craft and install a 6-by-9-foot “tree of life” metallic sculpture at a former church.
More Information
Accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable Program Criteria.
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/Transferring-Credits). Exceptions must be approved the school dean.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
Tools
Students should review the Welding Tools & Supplies to determine what tools and supplies they will need to purchase. The Welding department realizes that some students may not need to purchase the entire list of supplies. These students may contact the School Office for guidance in purchasing their supplies. The College Store can provide the complete kit.
Personal Protection Equipment
- Leather work shoes (safety toes optional)
- Safety glasses
- Welding helmet with #10 lens
- Cutting goggles with #5 lens
- Welding jacket
- Welding gloves (SMAW & GTAW)
Personal Protection Equipment and tools are available for purchase through The College Store .
- Mr. Robert Blauser, '96, '00, Vice President of Operations, GSM Industrial
- Mr. Richard A Conrad, Jr., '02, Field Application Engineer, Hobart/Miller Electric
- Mr. Jacob D Fisher, '10, Plant Manager, High Steel Structures LLC.
- Mr. Eric F Geier, '17, Operations Leadership Rotation Future Leader, Aerojet Rocketdyne
- Mr. Matthew Hillyer, Welding Engineer, Johnson Controls Navy Systems
- Mr. Wayne A Leone, Welder Training & Testing for Susq. Nuclear Power Plant, PP&L
- Mr. Michael Sebergandio, '01, '03, Quality Engineer - Welding, Case New Holland
- Mr. Brian A Thompson, Owner, Jasper Steel Works, LLC
- Mr. Richard Wagoner, Principal Construction Training Leader, UGI Utilities
- Mr. Dave Watson, Sales Engineer, Lincoln Electric
