Lone Star College provides a dynamic welding education, combining real-world practice with industry-focused training from day one. With accessible campuses throughout the Houston area and flexible options ranging from short-term certifications to comprehensive associate degrees, students can easily find a program that fits their career goals and schedule.
Pathway Options
The school offers three main pathways:
- Welding Technology AAS Degree: Designed for those seeking deep expertise in welding, this program covers everything from advanced welding techniques and metallurgy to fabrication and inspection methods. Small class sizes and modern equipment ensure personalized instruction, and credits earned can transfer to other Texas institutions.
- AWS Welding Core Skills Award: Ideal for students wanting to quickly enter the workforce, this short-term training provides essential skills in key welding techniques, preparing students directly for AWS certification exams. It’s especially beneficial for students needing immediate job entry or skills refinement.
- Welder (SMAW & GMAW) Certificate: Offering a structured, certificate-based approach, this program clearly guides students from foundational to advanced skills. Graduates can seamlessly continue toward the associate degree if they wish.
1. Welding Technology Specialization AAS Degree
The Welding Technology Specialization AAS Degree is a two-year program that prepares students for a career as a professional welder. It is offered at various Lone Star campuses, including LSC-Cypress Center, LSC-Houston North, and LSC-Montgomery. This degree is designed for students who want to gain extensive knowledge in welding technology and go beyond basic certifications.
This program focuses on a broad range of welding techniques, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). Students receive in-depth training in these processes through hands-on application in all four welding positions. The curriculum also covers related topics such as layout and fabrication, metallurgy, and inspection procedures, providing students with a well-rounded education. Welding on plate, structural shapes, and pipe are core elements of this program, preparing students for a variety of jobs in industrial construction, pipeline work, and other fields requiring precision welding.
One of the significant benefits of this program is its transferability. While the AAS degree is primarily aimed at preparing students for immediate employment, credits earned can be transferred to further educational opportunities, including Lone Star’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Energy, Manufacturing, and Trades Management. Additionally, the general education credits obtained in this program, such as English, Math, and Government courses, are transferable to other Texas public institutions.
Students in this program also benefit from small class sizes and the latest welding equipment, which allows for personalized instruction and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art tools. The program also includes a capstone course, which provides students with real-world welding scenarios to apply their skills in preparation for entering the workforce.
2. AWS Welding Core Skills Occupational Skills Award
For those looking for a more focused, fast-track option, the AWS Welding Core Skills Occupational Skills Award (OSA) offers a non-credit program that prepares students for the American Welding Society (AWS) certification. This is a great option for students who want to develop essential welding skills quickly and efficiently without the need for a two-year degree.
The AWS Welding Core Skills program is designed to prepare students for immediate entry-level jobs in welding. It covers the basics of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding. Students gain 320 contact hours of practical, hands-on training through this program, which is divided into four key courses, each focusing on a specific welding process.
This program is offered at the LSC-Conroe Center and LSC-North Harris campuses, giving students options based on their location. Because this is a non-credit program, it’s particularly appealing to students who need to enter the workforce quickly or already have some experience and are looking to refine their skills. Graduates of this program will be prepared to take the AWS certification exam, which is a highly regarded credential in the welding industry.
This program provides students with skills that are in demand across various industries, such as commercial construction, industrial fabrication, and even offshore or underwater welding jobs. It is ideal for those who want a focused, practical education with immediate employment prospects upon completion.
3. Welder (SMAW & GMAW) Certificate
For students looking for a structured, certificate-based education, the Welder (SMAW & GMAW) Certificate offers a comprehensive training program that can be completed in a relatively short period. This program is offered at LSC-Montgomery and LSC-North Harris campuses, and it focuses on the essential skills needed for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
The certificate program is divided into two levels, with Level 1 covering the fundamentals of both SMAW and GMAW welding processes. Courses include Introduction to Layout and Fabrication, Welding Fundamentals, and Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding, providing students with the foundational skills needed for a career in welding. After completing the Level 1 certificate, students can continue their education by pursuing the Level 2 certificate, which dives deeper into advanced welding techniques.
In Level 2, students learn more about Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), pipe welding, and advanced pipe welding techniques. By the time they complete this program, students will be well-prepared to work in a wide range of industries, including natural gas, oil, construction, and offshore work.
One of the major advantages of this program is its clear progression path. Students can begin with Level 1 to gain entry-level skills and then advance to Level 2 for more specialized training. The credits earned in the Welder (SMAW & GMAW) Certificate can also be applied to Lone Star College’s Welding Technology AAS degree, allowing students to continue their education and expand their career options. The program also offers hybrid learning options, combining online and face-to-face instruction, which provides flexibility for working students or those with other commitments.
Why Choose Lone Star College?
Lone Star College stands out for its affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and a range of program options designed to meet the diverse needs of students. Whether you’re looking for a fast-track, certificate-based education or a more in-depth associate degree, Lone Star provides programs that cater to both. One of the major strengths of the school is its focus on hands-on, practical training using the latest welding technology.
However, for students looking for purely online programs, options are limited, as Lone Star’s welding programs require significant in-person lab work. Nonetheless, for those who are serious about entering the welding field and gaining skills that are in high demand, Lone Star College offers excellent value and career preparation.
This flexibility, combined with the school’s small class sizes and personalized instruction, makes Lone Star College an ideal choice for students who want to pursue a career in welding while balancing other life commitments.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuition | ASS Program: Reach Out To School Welding Core Skills (AWS) Program: $6,220 Welder (SMAW & GMAW) Certificate: Reach Out To School |
| Program Duration | Varies by program, typically 1-2 years |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening classes available |
| Welding Classes Offered | SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, Pipe Welding, Welding Tech AAS |
| Certifications | AWS Welding Core Skills, SMAW & GMAW Certificates |
| Program Focus | Welding technology, practical skills, AWS certifications |
| Online Classes? | Limited hybrid options available |
| Financial Aid Options | Available, including grants and loans |
| Location | 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381 |
| Phone | (832) 813-6500 |
| Website | lonestar.edu |
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