An NMC welding program student in a welder's mask welding at a table

Welding Technology Degrees and Certificates

An NMC welding program student in a welder's mask

An NMC welding program student practices welding skills

An NMC welding program student welds a pipe

Welding is one of the foundations upon which our industrial world is built. The ability to form and join metals has been a critical need in our society for thousands of years and, with the rapid pace of technological advancement, is as in demand now as it ever was.

Northwestern Michigan College is proud to offer three paths by which students will gain the competence and skill necessary to embark on a rewarding career in the welding world. Students will develop their skills through lecture and laboratory experiences in Gas Metal Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding, Oxy-Fuel Processes, and Plasma Arc Cutting as well as additional skills that are in high demand for welding professionals. All programs incorporate industry recognized AWS Qualification testing. No prior experience needed.

Not sure where to start, or just want to gain a hobby? Explore non-credit welding and other skilled trades courses.

Job outlook

Demand for welders is increasing in the construction, manufacturing and utilities industries. Despite overall employment declines in manufacturing, the outlook for welders is far stronger than for other occupations within that industry. The basic skills of welding are the same across industries, so welders can easily shift from one industry to another depending on where they are needed most. For example, welders laid off in the auto industry have been able to find work in the booming oil and gas industry, although the shift may require relocating.

Explore careers related to this program

Articulation Agreements

Course Descriptions

Course Sequence Guides

Program Requirements

View the Welding Technology Program flyer

Contact Us

Tuition and Fees

General Academic Programs

Residency Status

Tuition Rate

In-District ( Grand Traverse County residents) Tuition

$122.00 per contact hour

In-State ( other Michigan counties) Tuition

$261.00 per contact hour

Out-of-state Tuition

$340.00 per contact hour

International Tuition

$383.00 per contact hour

General Fee for all residencies:

Other fee of $33.00 per contact hour is a general fee covering a portion of costs for technology, orientation, placement, career testing, Student Government Association, and other student service activities.

$33.00 per contact hour

Cost of Attendance

General Academic Programs Annual (Fall/Spring) Cost

Costs

In-District

In-State

Out-of-State

International

Tuition and Fees

$5,350

$10,076

$12,762

$14,224

Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment

$835

$835

$835

$835

Living Expenses: On-Campus Housing and Food

$10,200

$10,200

$10,200

$10,200

Transportation

$1,000

$1,900

$3,000

$3,000

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

$500

$500

$500

$500

Federal Student Loan Fees

$120

$120

$120

$120

$18,005

$23,631

$27,417

$28,879

Note: For more information on how COA component estimates are calculated, see the bottom of the Tuition and Fees page.

Enrolled students can find their own calculated Cost of Attendance in NMC Self-Service under Financial Aid. Others can use the Net Price Calculator to estimate the total annual cost of attending NMC based on their program and enrollment plans, along with financial aid eligibility.

Ready. (Re)Set. Go!

A series of NMC-hosted job panels featuring a local employer highlighting an in-demand job, an NMC program representative outlining the training available, and a financial services specialist with advice on getting funding. View all of the job panels here.


Welding Interns