Welding Engineering Doctor of Philosophy

About us

The Welding Engineering graduate program is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and studies the science behind efficiently joining conventional and advanced materials. ,The program is recognized world-wide and our graduates are highly valued by industry. While many think of welding in terms of a process ("arcs and sparks"), Welding Engineers explore the complex intersection of plasma and solid state physics, materials science, mechanical engineering and design, materials processing, robotics, and real-world application.

With the manufacture of more than half of the products in the United States involving some form of welding engineering, nearly every segment of our economy depends on materials joining. Our students gain expertise in materials science, including steels, nonferrous alloys, and polymeric materials, and in process technology, including arc welding, lasers, resistance welding, brazing and soldering, and additive manufacturing. This depth and breadth of knowledge opens to our students many rewarding career opportunities.

Our graduates pursue careers in a wide range of fields such as resistance welding of advanced high strength steels for transportation and marine applications, adhesive bonding for advanced aerospace applications, micrometric wire bonding within electronics, medical device applications, additive manufacturing, and much more. From aircraft carriers and rockets to micro-joining for medical devices and electronics, the fact that nearly every segment of our economy depends on materials joining and welding means that our graduates can pursue exciting careers.

Welding Engineering is a unique program for students who enjoy the hands-on, problem-solving, get-it-done aspects of engineering.

Degrees offered: MS and PhD 

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International graduates of this major are approved by the Department of Homeland Security for three (3) years of work permission in the United States after graduation. Visit the Office of International Affairs website for more information.