Web Design

I earned two degrees at DCTC, an A.A.S. in Multimedia & Web Design and an A.A.S. in Graphic Design Technology. I am now a Web designer for the State of Minnesota. I chose DCTC because I wanted to change careers and go into Web design. After doing some comparisons, I thought DCTC had a strong program that offered the education I needed to get started.

Everyone at DCTC is friendly and helpful, and the teachers in the Visual Communications department are fantastic. They are knowledgeable and hands-on—and they encourage you to push beyond what you think you can do. I enjoyed the camaraderie and support among the students and teachers as well as the sense of accomplishment as I learned each new skill.

VCOM at DCTC offers an exceptionally well-rounded education. You don't just learn how to click the right button to make something happen; you gain a good basic foundation in the principles of design and the creative process.

My education at DCTC has given me the confidence and skills to pursue my new career in design. I was doing freelance work, but I soon found the right opportunity to complete the transition to full-time designer.

As a student in the program you should work hard. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. And don't be intimidated by what you don't know—you will learn. That's why you're here.

I chose DCTC following the recommendation of a friend who attended and spoke highly of the IT and Visual Communication departments. Also, DCTC is affordable and I needed somewhere that had flexible class schedules because I was working full-time during the day.

I really think the teachers are great. If you need any extra help or have questions, they always have time for you. I also love the smaller class sizes. It gives you time to get to know the students in your class and the teachers.

I most enjoy the atmosphere here at DCTC. There is such a variety of people attending whether they just graduated high school, are still in high school, or going back to school after a long hiatus. There is no “normal” here and there’s always someone you can relate with.

I think the one thing I never expected to get out of the Graphic Design Technology program is growth in self-confidence. It's easy to compare your work with others and feel like you might not measure up. The teachers here motivate you to give your best and it often pays off. I've become much more confident in the projects I produce because of the encouragement I’m given by teachers and classmates alike. You grow at DCTC in your education and as a person.

The Visual Communications department is excellent and relevant. The teachers have personal experience in the programs and classes they teach.

I attended DCTC with only a vague idea of where I wanted my career to go. The instructors and staff really helped me define that idea into the career I have today. The instructors are really great, always staying on top of industry trends and always willing to offer help if you've fallen behind or wanted to jump ahead. They really want to see you succeed. I believe that without the education I received at DCTC I wouldn't have the knowledge to succeed in the industry today.

I just finished my 2nd day [on my new job] so i am too tired to go on and on about it. I could not have gotten such a good job without my DCTC web design certificate. Hiring me was like getting a sturdy basic car loaded with ALL the options. My employer may not need all my computer skills, but they love knowing that they're there.

I graduated from Dakota County Technical College with a Graphic Design A.A.S degree, a Multimedia & Web Design A.A.S degree and an an Interactive Media Design Certificate.

During 3 years of studies in DCTC, I learned the up-to-date technology such as the latest version of Adobe products, mobile app design, responsive Web design, Web content management systems like Wordpress, Drupal and Joomla. Meanwhile, I established strong design basic on typography, layout, perspective drawing and design principles. I was trained to have eyes for details, and hands on production work.

The instructors in DCTC are helpful, patient, and friendly. They not only helped me with any technical problems but also helped me with emotional difficulties. Even after graduation, the instructors are still happy to help me with any issue. The instructors and employment advisors informs us immediately whenever there is a job lead. Thanks to the job lead sent from DCTC, I got my current internship with the Minnesota Historical Society. The strong knowledge foundation from DCTC makes my internship in MNHS efficient and meaningful.

DCTC provides us a good start on the design field and always informs us new design trends and technologies through Facebook and VCOM blog. We benifits from DCTC even after graduation. The money I spent on studies in DCTC are more than worthy. We can also work-study while we are at school. Through the 10 months work-study experience in the marketing department of DCTC, I not only learned practical workplace skills, made friends, but also got paid.

Words can never express my thankfulness to DCTC. Thank you very much, DCTC.