Students can receive pipe welding instruction through certificate and associate's degree programs. These are commonly found at community colleges and technical institutes through the schools' welding, career and manufacturing departments.
10 Schools with Pipe Welding Programs
These institutions offer pipe welding programs.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Undergraduate Tuition (2018-2019) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-district $4,662; In-state $5,742; Out-of-state $9,342 |
| Front Range Community College | Westminster, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $3,986; Out-of-state $15,074 |
| Macomb Community College | Warren, MI | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-district $3,375; In-state $5,952; Out-of-state $7,649 |
| Coastal Carolina Community College | Conway, SC | 2-year, Public | Diploma, Certificate | In-state $11,716; Out-of-state $26,828 |
| Metropolitan Community College | Omaha, NE | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $3,105; Out-of-state $4,545 |
| Richland Community College | Decatur, IL | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-district $4,410; In-state $6,060; Out-of-state $14,490 |
| Central Virginia Community College | Lynchburg, Va | 2-year, Public | Diploma, Certificate | In-state $4,838; Out-of-state $10,766 |
| Moraine Valley Community College | Palos Hills, IL | 2-year, Public | Certificate | In-district $4,356; In-state $9,636; Out-of-state $11,196 |
| Austin Community College | Austin, TX | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-district $2,550; In-state $10,830; Out-of-state $13,020 |
| Pikes Peak Community College | Colorado Springs, CO | 2-year, Public | Certificate, Associate's | In-state $3,840; Out-of-state $14,924 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES); School websites
School Selection Criteria
There are some key factors to consider when selecting a pipe welding school.
- Degree options are certificate programs which can be completed in a year or less or an associate's degree that can take two years.
- Students should ensure a school accredited by the American Welding Society (AWS).
- Research admission requirements including any prerequisite coursework prior to enrollment.
- Practical opportunities and the amount of hands-on experience a program provides should be an important factor for aspiring welding students.
Certificate Programs
Pipe welding certificate programs typically provide students with general pipe welding instruction, though some programs may focus on maritime welding. Instruction covers welding materials in all positions using a variety of equipment. Graduates are eligible for the AWS certification exam and, upon successful passage of the exam, entry-level employment as a welder.
Associate's Degree Programs
An associate's degree program in pipe welding covers safety and inspection techniques. Graduates are eligible to sit for the AWS certification exam.
Pipe welding can be studied at the certificate or associate's degree level. Many community and technical colleges offer one- to two-year programs in pipe welding for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.