Welding Technology CAS
What is Welding Technology?
Do you enjoy working with your hands and creating things from metal? Welding Technology is a specialized field that teaches you the skills to join, cut, and fabricate metals—essential for industries like construction, manufacturing, and transportation. This high-demand career requires precision, technical expertise, and hands-on experience, all of which you’ll develop in MSU-Northern’s Welding Technology program.
In just nine months, you’ll learn industry-standard welding techniques, from arc welding to CNC plasma cutting, giving you the training needed for a successful career in welding.
Why Choose the Welding Technology Program?
MSU-Northern’s Welding Technology program offers a fast-track, hands-on education that prepares you for immediate employment. The curriculum covers essential welding techniques, including oxy-acetylene welding, brazing, and gas metal arc welding, ensuring you graduate with a strong technical foundation.
Graduates earn a Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) and have the opportunity to become American Welding Society (AWS) certified, boosting their employability in a field that is always in demand. Many students also choose to pair their welding certificate with another technical degree, expanding their career opportunities.
Here is some of what you will learn:
- Perform oxy-acetylene welding and cutting
- Master shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding
- Operate gas tungsten arc welding and CNC plasma arc cutting equipment
- Follow industry safety standards and best practices
- Prepare for AWS Structural Welding Code certification
- Different welding processes: FCAW - Flux Core Arc Welding, GMAW – Gas Metal Arc Welding, SMAW – Shield Metal Arc Welding, TIG – Tungsten inert gas welding, PAC – Plasma Arc Cutting, OAC – Oxy Acetylene Cutting
As a Welding Technology student, you’ll train in state-of-the-art facilities with small class sizes and personalized instruction from experienced faculty. Our hands-on approach ensures you build the skills needed for a successful career. You’ll also benefit from faculty support, job placement assistance, and strong industry connections, making it easier to transition into a welding job after graduation.
MSU-Northern is Montana’s premier welding program, offering a streamlined path to a rewarding career. Our curriculum emphasizes practical skills, modern welding technology, and industry certification, helping you stand out in the job market. With a nine-month program, you’ll quickly gain specialized training and access to job opportunities through MSU-Northern’s industry partnerships.
A Welding Technology certificate from MSU-Northern prepares you for high-demand roles in construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, shipbuilding, and more. With AWS certification and hands-on training, you’ll be ready for precise, technical roles in metalwork.
| Career | Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
|
Welder |
Joins metal parts using hand-held or remotely controlled equipment, interpreting blueprints and ensuring the strength and durability of the final product. | $48,940 |
| Cutter | Uses specialized equipment to cut or trim metal objects to specific dimensions, often working from blueprints or specifications. | $48,940 |
| Fabricator | Assembles metal structures and products by cutting, bending, and welding components according to specifications. | $45,633 |
| Plant Maintenance Technician | Maintains and repairs industrial equipment and machinery within manufacturing plants, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance. | $49,000 |
| Welding Inspector | Evaluates welded materials and structures to ensure they meet specified standards and codes, identifying defects and recommending corrective actions. | $57,766 |
| Sales and Service Representative | Sells welding equipment and supplies, provides technical support to clients, and assists with product selection and troubleshooting. | $57,000 |
| Supervisor | Oversees welding operations and personnel, ensuring safety protocols are followed, quality standards are met, and production schedules are maintained. | $72,457 per year |
*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.
Seeking a more hands-on learning experience, Sophia made the decision to transfer to MSU-Northern, drawn by its renowned welding program.
Read about Sophia Fliegel's experience coming to MSU-Northern
"It’s something fun to learn, and women should explore these fields even though they’ve been mostly male-dominated."
Read about how Madyson Warburton selected MSU-Northern’s welding program
Emma appreciates the structure and rigor of the program, particularly the instruction from her professors
Read about Emma Stanford's journey to MSU-Northern’s welding program
I was really impressed with the welding program at MSU Northern. Even though I was also majoring in the four-year diesel program, the teachers and staff were willing to work with me and my schedule to make sure that I graduated on time and with both degrees. The Northern welding program is hands down one of the best programs a student can find, and a big shoutout to Chuck and Jason for being great lab instructors. I learned so much from them in such a short period of time and I look forward to using the skills they taught me as I start my career after college.
- Connor Loose
The MSUN welding program has been a excellent experience. I am from Canada and am a C level welder in British Columbia. Taking the welding program, I have been able to learn the different standards and specifications that they teach in the United States. Instructors Chuck and Jason are excellent and are very knowledgeable on what they teach and the information they give out. I am excited to continue the year and to get my certification from the MSUN welding program. And highly recommend the program to new students.
- Kellan Statham
The Academic Map provides a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of courses required to complete the program.
Sample Courses:
- Welding Theory
- Mig/Tig Welding
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities. Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.
For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
Additional Program Costs
Welding Personal Protective Equipment $300
Chuck Terry,CWI, CWE
Office: Metals Building 101-A
Phone: (406) 265-3742
Jason Tanner
Office: Metal Building 101-A / Brockmann Center 107
Phone: (406) 265-3742 / (406) 265-3523