An agreement between West Virginia University Parkersburg and the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology will be a great benefit to graduates of HIWT who wish to continue their education.  Upon completion of fifteen credit hours at WVU-P, the student may transfer up to thirty credit hours from Hobart Institute in the welding program with the approval of the Division Chair.

Basic, intermediate, and advanced courses in oxyacetylene, shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, and flux cored arc welding, along with blueprint reading, welding safety, and inspection courses are transferable because WVU-P utilizes the Hobart Institute curriculum materials.  The purpose of the agreement is to affect a spirit of mutual cooperation between HIWT and WVU-P and to provide for the easy transfer of students from HIWT to WVU-P for the continuation of vocational, technical, or career-training programs.  Each institution remains solely responsible for the development and design of its own curricula.

Carl Smith, Welding Instructor at WVU-P has long been an advocate of the Hobart Institute.  He indicated, “This agreement is beneficial to both our program and the Hobart Institute because it enables students to continue their education to receive a one-year certificate, a 2-year Associate Degree in Applied Science in Welding Technology or a 2-year Associate Degree in Applied Science in Welding Management/Technician.  All the degrees have been approved by North Central accreditation.  Upon completion of these courses, if the student is interested, they may go on for a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Applied Technology.”

“It is definitely a win – win situation for our students,” agrees Ron Scott, Vice President and General Manager of the Hobart Institute.  “Many of them come to Troy from West Virginia for the Hobart Institute training.  This will give them the opportunity to return to their home area and meet their goals more easily.” 

If you are interested in pursuing a degree program at WVU-P through this agreement, please contact the Hobart Institute or WVU-P for further details.