Established in 1972, the Welding Technology program produces welding technicians and prepares students for admission into the bachelor of science program in Welding Engineering Technology. Students receive hands-on laboratory experience in welding processes, metallurgy, mechanical testing, inspection and fabrication of weldments. Graduates become technicians involved in testing and improving welding processes, procedures and equipment. Welding Technology graduates hold job titles as welding technicians, welding supervisors, inspectors and sales representatives. Ferris provides several welding instructional areas including laboratories dedicated to inspection, mechanical testing, robotics, laser processing, digital radiography testing, resistance welding and material preparation/fabrication. In addition to core welding classes, courses in material science, computer aided design, electronics and machine tool disciplines are required and are taught by faculty specialists in those departments.