Welding
Our mission is to provide comprehensive welding education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for successful careers in the welding industry. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, promoting industry best practices, and ensuring our graduates have the expertise and credentials necessary to excel in a dynamic, evolving field.
Welding
Our mission is to provide comprehensive welding education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for successful careers in the welding industry. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, promoting industry best practices, and ensuring our graduates have the expertise and credentials necessary to excel in a dynamic, evolving field.
Welding
Our mission is to provide comprehensive welding education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for successful careers in the welding industry. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, promoting industry best practices, and ensuring our graduates have the expertise and credentials necessary to excel in a dynamic, evolving field.
Welding
Our mission is to provide comprehensive welding education that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for successful careers in the welding industry. We are committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, promoting industry best practices, and ensuring our graduates have the expertise and credentials necessary to excel in a dynamic, evolving field.
What It's All About
Welding is not just a career - it's an art form that shapes the world around us. From towering skyscrapers to intricate sculptures, skilled welders bring visions to life, combining creativity with precision. With growing demand across various industries, welding offers not only a stable and rewarding career but also the chance to leave a lasting mark on our society. Embrace the spark and join the NMU Welding community that builds the future, one weld at a time.
Job Outlook
Approximately 330,000 new welding professionals will be needed by 2028 (AWS)
Approximately 82,500 welding jobs will need to be filled annually from 2024 to 2028 (AWS)
Programs
Welding Technology
Associate of Applied Science
The Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology at Northern Michigan University is designed for those looking to enhance their welding and fabrication skills. This two-year program combines advanced welding techniques and metal fabrication coursework with general education courses that develop business and leadership skills. Students learn general and piping fabrication, industry techniques, and essential courses in industrial safety and blueprint reading.
In the first year, students establish a foundation in welding processes, including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, plasma cutting, and oxyfuel cutting. Students will also receive OSHA training to promote industrial workplace safety.
In the second year, students focus on advanced topics such as metal fabrication, piping fabrication, and project management, preparing them for careers in the construction and manufacturing industries. The University also offers courses in entrepreneurship, business management, and leadership, which are ideal for those seeking leadership roles or aiming to start a business in welding.
Through hands-on learning in modern welding labs, students develop technical, collaborative, and leadership skills, preparing them for specialized welding roles, management positions, or business ownership in the growing welding industry.
Students completing this degree must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each required technical core course to meet graduation requirements.
Program Outline
Welding
Certificate
The Welding Certificate Program at Northern Michigan University provides a fast and hands-on path to a rewarding career in welding and fabrication. In just eight months (two semesters), you’ll gain high-level skills in common welding processes—including SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, and FCAW—along with plasma and oxy-fuel cutting. You’ll also develop essential skills in industrial safety, blueprint reading, and metal fabrication.
Our state-of-the-art welding and fabrication labs offer immersive, real-world training, ensuring you graduate with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills necessary for success. This program prepares students for AWS welding qualifications, enhancing job prospects and demonstrating professional excellence. Our program prepares you for a diverse range of careers in construction and manufacturing. Plus, graduates can seamlessly continue into the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Welding Technology for advanced training.
Fast-track your future with Northern Michigan University’s Welding Certificate Program and enter the workforce with confidence in under a year.
Program Outline
Welding
Minor
The Minor in Welding at Northern Michigan University offers students a unique opportunity to acquire hands-on, practical welding skills that can enhance their primary field of study. This minor is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework to align with their career goals and interests. Whether students wish to specialize in advanced welding techniques, earn AWS welding qualifications, or focus on specific areas such as fabrication or pipe welding, NMU provides the flexibility to tailor the program to their needs.
The curriculum includes foundational courses in welding processes, blueprint reading, and safety. It also offers elective courses that enable students to deepen their expertise in areas that are most relevant to their career path. This customizability ensures that the welding minor can be integrated into various academic disciplines, including engineering and construction, business, art, and design, among others.
NMU's Minor in Welding is an ideal way to develop valuable skills for various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and the automotive sectors. It enhances a student's academic experience by providing core knowledge and the flexibility to focus on specific welding and fabrication applications.
Program Outline
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What degrees or certificates are available? How long does each program take to complete?
NMU offers the following options:
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Welding Technology
- Typically completed in 2 years (4 semesters) of full-time study.
- Certificate in Welding
- Typically completed in approximately 1 year (2 semesters).
- Welding Minor
Part-time options may be available—speak with an advisor for planning assistance.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. NMU students may be eligible for:
- Federal financial aid (FAFSA)
- Michigan-specific grants (e.g., TIP, Michigan Achievement Scholarship)
- NMU scholarships for technical and occupational programs
Visit nmu.edu/financialaid for assistance.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?
Can I transfer welding credits to a four-year program?
The A.A.S. in Welding is primarily designed for direct-to-career pathways. However, some technical and general education credits may transfer to related bachelor’s degree programs. NMU also offers a welding minor that can be applied to bachelor’s degrees. Speak with an NMU academic advisor for more information.
What tools and equipment are required for the welding program?
Students in the NMU Welding Program are required to have their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and basic hand tools. A typical required tool list includes:
🔹 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Welding helmet (auto-darkening recommended, with shade 10–13)
- Welding jacket (flame-resistant cotton or leather)
- Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1 compliant)
- Welding gloves (STICK/MIG and TIG style)
- Steel-toe work boots (leather, above the ankle preferred)
- Welding cap or bandana
- Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs)
- Respirator with P100 filters (if required for specific processes)
🔹 Basic Hand Tools:
- Chipping hammer
- Wire brush (carbon steel and stainless steel)
- Soapstone holder and soapstone
- Center punch
- Combination square
- Tape measure (25 ft)
- Adjustable pliers (e.g., Vise-Grip)
- MIG pliers
- Carbide Scribe
- File (half-round and flat, with handle)
- Tool bag or toolbox
Note: An official, up-to-date list will be provided at orientation or during the first week of class.
How do I learn more or schedule a tour?
We welcome prospective students to visit! You can:
- Schedule a campus tour at nmu.edu/admissions/visit
- Contact the College of Technology and Occupational Sciences at (906) 227-2190
- Email us at tech@nmu.edu
Program Links
- Check if you already have college credit here!
- Student Application for Articulated CTE Credit
The Technology and Occupational Sciences office is at Northern Michigan University's Jacobetti Complex, Room 105.
Phone: 906-227-2190
Email: tos@nmu.edu
Contact Information
Welding Faculty & Staff
Kirk Guckenberg | Associate Professor
Phone: 906-227-1532
Email: kguckenb@nmu.edu
Yvonne LeMire | Instructor
Phone: 906-227-1536
Email: ylemire@nmu.edu
Jesse Ossenheimer | Instructor
Phone: 906-227-2187
Email: jossenhe@nmu.edu
Alex Sherbinow | Instructor
Email: asherbin@nmu.edu