Welding Technology

Earn your diploma or degree in Welding Technology at NDSCS.

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Academic Options

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Welding Technology (A.A.S. degree or diploma)
welding

The Welding Technology program provides education and training in advanced welding and cutting processes, robotics, computer numerical control operations, inspection, print reading, fabrication, pipe and plate welding, math, communications and other aspects of general education.

  • Type: A.A.S. degree, Diploma
  • Locations: Fargo, Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

Welding Technology (Certificate)
welding certificate

The Welding Technology certificate option provides students experience in welding as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy and construction.

  • Type: Certificate
  • Locations: Fargo, Wahpeton
  • Cluster: Manufacturing


» View Program Information & Admission Requirements

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​The Welding Technology program at NDSCS is designed to provide you experiences in welding as it pertains to assembly, manufacturing, energy and construction. 

The program provides education and training in common welding processes, robotics, CNC plasma cutting, CNC press break operations, inspection, print reading, fabrications, pipe and plate welding, automated manufacturing, human relations, communications and other aspects of general education. 

Career opportunities offer a wide range of employment possibilities in: 

  • Manufacturing 
  • Steel Construction 
  • Mining 
  • Energy 
  • Petroleum 
  • Other Production Areas 

NDSCS is an American Welding Society S.E.N.S.E. certified facility. AWS Level I and Level II certification is available. The NDSCS Welding program is an educational partner with Weld-Ed the National Center for Welding Education and Training. 

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Welding Technology Graduates from 2022-23 Academic Year
Graduates Registered Avg. Beginning Annual Salary Reported High Annual Salary Placement Rate
29 $57651 $96924 93%

NDSCS hosts the Annual American Welding Society Behind The Mask Competition

Student welding during contest
04-25-2023

North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) partnered with the American Welding Society (AWS) to host the annual Behind The Mask competition for high school and college students. The competition, which took place at the NDSCS Wahpeton campus on April 20th, saw ninety high school and college students from North Dakota and Minnesota compete for the top prize.

The competition is designed to challenge each student’s welding skills and to provide them with a platform to present their skills to the welding industry. Behind The Mask is judged by industry professionals who evaluate participants on safety, quality of welds, and the ability to follow AWS welding standards. Students from high schools in Wahpeton, Mandan, Minot, Grafton, Valley City and Fargo, as well as college students from NDSCS, Alexandria Technical College, and Lynnes Welding Training, Inc. all competed in the event.

The competition’s generous sponsors donated all the prizes for the event, which consisted of awards for the top welders in the separate high school and college divisions. All the proceeds from this event go back into AWS scholarships ranging from $500-$2,500 that are available to high school and college students pursuing a welding career. These scholarships help up-and-coming welders pursue their craft and continue to build upon the skills they already have.

The results of the top welders in the high school division include:

  • GMAW (wire)
    • 1st – Ben Klemen (NDSCS-Fargo)
    • 2nd – Colton Prellwitz (Minot)
    • 3rd – Daniel Kryvenia (Minot)
  • SMAW (stick)
    • 1st – Chantz Delzer (Mandan)
    • 2nd – Caeiton Eslinger (Minot)
    • 3rd – Braeden Olavson (Sheyenne Valley Area CTE)

The results of the top welders in the college division include:

  • GMAW (wire)
    • 1st – Jarred Maleska (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
    • 2nd – Shadera Burian (NDSCS)
    • 3rd – Tyler Heida (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
  • SMAW (stick)
    • 1st – Dexter Seese (NDSCS)
    • 2nd – Parker Meyer (Alexandria Technical & Community College)
    • 3rd – Colin Lenieux (NDSCS)

“We are excited to have partnered with AWS to provide this unique opportunity for welding students,” said Lee Larson, Associate Professor of NDSCS Welding and AWS Northwest Chairman. “The competition was a great opportunity for students to get feedback from industry experts and gain valuable welding experience.”

The AWS Behind The Mask Competition is a great way to showcase the talents of welders, while also providing an opportunity for students to gain recognition and financial assistance. NDSCS is proud to be a part of this exciting competition and looks forward to hosting an amazing competition at NDSCS-Fargo next year.

Article written by NDSCS and submitted to external news outlets. 

Career and technical education continue offering coed chances

Female students in CTE programs
02-01-2023

For the longest time, Aleigha Lyons thought she would not go to college.

Lyons is from Lisbon, North Dakota, where her family owns an auto body shop. She began working in the shop as a high school sophomore. A year later, during a day off from school, Lyons toured North Dakota State College of Science’s campus in Wahpeton. The tour started Lyons on her current path as a first year auto body repair and refinishing technology student.

Lyons is one of the 2,942 females making up more than 43% of NDSCS’ total enrollment. The career and technical education program includes 1,334 females representing nearly 35% of the enrollment. Career and technical education is recognized each February, calling attention to high demand fields like the auto industry, construction, electrical technology, HVAC/R technology, plumbing, welding and more.

“If you’re even thinking about it, look into it,” Lyons said. “Don’t be scared. I was terrified. I know it sounds stupid. Yes, people are going to look at you. They might not think you’re doing to do a good job because you’re a woman. And that’s when you prove them wrong.”

Lianna Jepson is a second year electrical technology student. A fateful experience at Kennedy Secondary School, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, redirected her priorities.

“I was peer pressured into joining a robotics club meeting after school,” Jepson said, smiling at the memory. “It really inspired a new aspect of me. Before, I was very book smart, intent on being a math teacher. Now, I was working with my hands, critically thinking, looking at designs. I looked into NDSCS to (pursue being) an electrician. It felt like a natural path to there.”

The most enjoyable, and constant, experience for Jepson has been retraining her brain.

“I’ve taken so many different classes. When I started this, I was so certain, ‘I’m going to be an electrician.’ Now, I see that there’s really so many opportunities, as an electrician, or a programmer, or an estimator,” she said.

Ivan Maas is chair of NDSCS’ building systems technology department, including electrical, HVAC/R and plumbing. A student may arrive without real world experience, but he or she won’t leave without it.

“Most of our programs, or at least the three I work with, heavily involve lab work,” Maas said. “The bulk of the equipment they work on is literally the same equipment they will work on and service when they get out in the industry. It’s not trainers, it’s not just virtual kinds of stuff. This is the same equipment.”

Peer-to-peer interaction is greatly important for career and technical students, Maas said. Sexism would be a hindrance, especially when capability is the driving criteria.

“Don’t worry about what other people think,” said Carissa Gozdal, a first year Komatsu diesel student from Fargo, North Dakota. “In diesel, no one cares if you’re a woman or not. I haven’t had a teacher or guy treat me differently. If you’re doing your work right, good, on time and efficiently, no one cares.”

Gozdal is a sponsored student, whose education will be followed by time with the company that helped pay for it. Students continue to look for and pursue opportunities to either assist with or redefine education choices.

Brooke Glynn is a third year construction management student from Fullerton, North Dakota. She has already graduated from architectural drafting and estimating, as well as being a member of the North Dakota National Guard. It was through the latter organization that Glynn began her work as a carpentry specialist.

“I really loved it. It was hands-on work that I decided to ultimately pursue,” Glynn said. “After experiencing construction through the military, I went to look for a college that would provide me more opportunities.”

Glynn will graduate this year with a degree in construction management. She seeks to find a full-time job as an architectural drafter or assistant construction manager, working her way up to being a construction manager.

“Don’t care about what other people think of you,” Glynn said to young women. “Focus on your trade and doing what you can.”

Terry Marohl is head of NDSCS’ transportation department. He is also impressed at the amount of camaraderie and interest in shared success among career and technical education students.

“We’re all about getting individuals ready for the workforce, with hands-on career experience. When we recruit, we’re recruiting students for our programs. There’s so much demand from the industries. The opportunities are there, but the demand is greater than the supply,” Marohl said.

Lily Reed, a first year welding technology student from Willmar, Minnesota, is another student whose mind was broadened when she got to try something new. It was thanks to a high school all-girl’s welding class.

“I wanted to pursue my passion and do what I enjoy. I love what I do. If I didn’t go to a bigger (high school), I would never have gone to the program I’m in right now,” Reed said.

Like her peers, Reed sees making a career from a career and technical education program as of matter of doing what she enjoys and can see herself continuing to do.

“It doesn’t matter what field it’s in or if it’s men-dominated. Go and prove yourself to them,” Reed said.

“Sometimes you’re put on a pedestal and sometimes you’re put down,” Jepson said. “In either case, you have to stay true to what you believe. You have to know what you want to do, know your job and do it right. And at the end of the day, you’ll make a lot of money.”

Article written by Frank Stanko for Wahpeton Daily News on February 1, 2023. 

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American Welding Society certifies NDSCS as an Accredited Test Facility

12-13-2019
The American Welding Society (AWS) has certified the North Dakota State College of Science as an Accredited Test Facility. This enables designated NDSCS Welding Technology faculty to test and certify qualified welders to the nationally recognized AWS standards.

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NDSCS students place first in Behind the Mask Welding Contest

Welding Student
05-15-2019

Two students from the NDSCS Welding Technology program took top honors in the American Welding Society Northern Plains Section’s 2019 Behind the Mask Welding Competition.

The students, both from Fargo, are:
Tyler Mehrer – first place, wire feed welding competition
Dillon Cardwell – first place, stick welding competition

Nearly 100 contestants from five post-secondary institutions and five high schools competed in welding tests throughout the day. Prizes were awarded to the top welders in each category.

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NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

05-09-2019
Students from NDSCS received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.

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NDSCS students earn awards at National SkillsUSA Championships

09-07-2018
Three students from the North Dakota State College of Science earned medals at the national SkillsUSA Championships this summer.

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NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

04-17-2018
Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.

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Old Main

NDSCS Students Excel at North Dakota SkillsUSA Contest

06-01-2017
Students from the North Dakota State College of Science received a number of awards at the North Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference.

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