Welding Technology is a Diploma program offered by Universal Technical Institute in Long Beach, CA. The program takes 36 weeks to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $27,555.
Program Overview
UTI's Welding Technology program provides hands-on training in multiple welding processes to prepare you for careers in manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and more. The curriculum was developed with Lincoln Electric and emphasizes practical skill-building, including practice on VRTEX virtual welders before live welding. At UTI’s Long Beach, CA campus this program runs about 36 weeks and awards a diploma.
What sets this Program apart
- Graduate in as little as 9–10 months
- Multi-process training in GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW
- Curriculum co-developed with Lincoln Electric
- Practice on VRTEX virtual welders before live welding
- Support teams for financial aid, housing, and employment
- Combination-welder focus — versatile across positions and materials
Admission Requirements and Process
Getting started at UTI may be simpler than you think. Most students need to meet UTI's age and education requirements below. UTI does not require entrance exams, essays or ACT/SAT scores to apply and start, and you do not need previous trade training or industry experience. Not sure if you qualify? UTI's Admissions team can help: call 800-834-7308.
General Requirements
- Age requirementBe 18 or older, or at least 16 with guardian consent. Students enrolling under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the Enrollment Agreement.
- Proof of educationA high school diploma, GED certificate or equivalent. UTI accepts a standards-based high school diploma recognized by your state (a copy of the diploma, a transcript from the high…
- English language proficiencyAll instruction at UTI is in English. You can show proficiency by graduating from a U.S. high school, graduating from a high school in a country where English is the primary…
- No entrance exams or minimum GPAUTI does not require entrance exams, essays or ACT/SAT scores, or a minimum GPA, to apply and start.
Application Process
- 1Apply onlineIt just takes a few minutes to fill out UTI's online application form, and UTI can begin processing your application right away.
- 2Talk with your Admissions RepresentativeAn Admissions Representative will typically contact you within 24 hours to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
- 3Submit your education documentsProvide proof of education. In most cases your high school can send your transcripts directly to UTI, and your Admissions Representative will guide you step by step. UTI recommends allowing at least 30 days for document evaluation.
- 4Sign your Enrollment AgreementYour enrollment is official once all requirements are met and verified and your Enrollment Agreement is signed, reviewed and approved. You may receive conditional acceptance, which saves your spot while your documents are reviewed.
- 5Apply for financial aidComplete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using the school code below. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, educational loans and possible work-study programs, and UTI's Financial Aid team can help you through it.FAFSA Code for Long Beach Campus: E40549Fill Out the FAFSA
- 6Start your trainingClasses are scheduled approximately every six weeks, and some start dates may be limited. Check with the Admissions Office at your campus or your Admissions Representative regarding availability.
Program Schedule
This program is completed in about 36 weeks at the Long Beach, CA campus, using UTI’s hands-on, lab-based training model. UTI offers multiple program start dates throughout the year.
- December 07th, 2026
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
The total cost for the Welding Technology program at UTI’s Long Beach, CA campus is $27,555 (tuition and fees), per UTI’s catalog Tuition Chart for enrollments on or after August 1, 2026. Cost can vary by campus and enrollment date, so use the Net Price Calculator above (select the Long Beach, CA campus) for a personalized estimate after aid. UTI participates in federal financial aid — file the FAFSA using the Long Beach campus Federal School Code E40549, and connect with UTI’s Financial Aid team about scholarships and grants (UTI awarded more than $27 million in scholarships and grants in 2025), loans, tuition reimbursement, and VA education benefits.
Curriculum
The required courses below are from UTI's course catalog. Program number: 560; 36 weeks; 36 semester credit hours; 501 classroom, 399 lab; Delivery: Traditional. Credits shown are semester credit hours.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| WELD-101 | Introduction to Welding, Safety and Careers | 3 |
| WELD-102 | Principles of Welding | 3 |
| WELD-103 | Gas Metal Arc Welding I | 3 |
| WELD-104 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding I | 3 |
| WELD-105 | Engineering and Fabrication | 3 |
| WELD-123 | Gas Metal Arc Welding II | 3 |
| WELD-124 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding II | 3 |
| WELD-125 | Flux-Cored Arc Welding | 3 |
| WELD-126 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding | 3 |
| WELD-130 | Pipe Welding | 3 |
| WELD-131 | Welding Applications I | 3 |
| WELD-132 | Welding Applications II | 3 |
| Totals | 36 |
Career Outcomes
Welding graduates pursue roles across manufacturing, construction, railway transportation, agriculture, and aerospace. UTI cites an estimated 45,000+ annual welding job openings in the U.S. and a median welding salary of about $53,750 (not entry-level; varies by experience, location, and employer).
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Why Accreditation Is Important
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Accreditations
Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)