Welding and Fabrication AAS

Prepare for a successful career in the field of welding and metalworking. In MCC’s Welding program, you’ll gain extensive experience in welding safety and the major welding processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). You’ll also develop print reading, metal forming, machining, and fabrication skills by working on various industry-level projects.

McHenry County has one of the fastest-growing manufacturing sectors in the region, and many of these manufacturers seek those with skills in heavy-duty metal fabrication and forging. Graduates leave well-prepared for careers in production welding, equipment manufacturing, general fabrication, construction, or custom fabrication. The AAS degree also allows students to become eligible for specialized welding certifications through the American Welding Society.

Stackable MCC certificates include:
Manufacturing Essentials Certificate > Pre-Apprenticeship Welding Technician Certificate > Production Welding Technician Certificate > Basic Welding Technician Certificate > Advanced Welding Technician Certificate building up to the Welding and Fabrication AAS

Career advancement certificates include:
Pre-Apprenticeship Welding Technician Certificate

Contact (815) 479-7521 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $9,312.25

Credit Hours to Complete: 61

Weeks to Complete: 80


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Career Outlook

Related Programs

What you need to know about getting your Welding and Fabrication AAS (CIP 48.0511)

Total Welding and Fabrication AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $7,411.5 $20,078.15 $28,226.53 $28,226.53
Additional Costs $1,900.75 $1,900.75 $1,900.75 $1,900.75
Program Total $9,312.25 $21,978.9 $30,127.28 $30,127.28

What makes MCC's Welding and Fabrication AAS program better than, or distinct from, similar programs at other institutions?

  • MCC has worked closely with local manufacturers and welding-related employers in the district to develop a curriculum to address the type of skill sets that they need to develop to fill vacant positions.
  • MCC’s curriculum includes a course on GMAW Pulse Spray Transfer, a course requested by many local employers seeking entry-level welders.
  • There are no pre-requisite courses for the Welding Technician Certificate introductory courses so students in high school, adult education, or other workforce training programs can easily transition to the college to take these courses. Those who have had prior welding coursework may transfer it to the college for advanced placement in welding courses.
  • Our welding certificates complement the credit-based skills in MCC’s manufacturing and industrial maintenance programs.

How will MCC's Welding and Fabrication AAS program prepare me for my career or connect me to opportunities?

The Welding and Fabrication AAS program uses a predominantly hands-on approach to train you in the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. The program is project-based, incorporating several team-based projects. You get the opportunity to work as a team, simulating the work conditions you'll encounter on the job. The joint capstone course has you working with students from other areas of study in a collaborative project requiring expertise from machinists, welders, and automation technicians. You'll be creating complex machine assemblies utilizing teamwork, skills learned throughout the program, and input from industry professionals.

  • Welding and Fabrication Program Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College's Welding and Fabrication Program is to prepare you for a successful career in the field of welding and fabrication. You will gain extensive experience in welding safety and the major welding processes: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). You will develop print reading, metal forming, machining, and fabrication skills through various industry-level projects produced in the program.

  • Welding and Fabrication Program Learning Objectives

    MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery of the Program Learning Outcomes.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.