Dakota County Technical College - Academics - Notable Programs

Notable Programs

Wood Finishing Technology

• Located on the Rosemount campus, the National Institute of Wood Finishing features the only nine-month, certified wood finishing technology program in the United States. Instructor Mitch Kohanek, a member of the American Institute of Conservation, interned at the Smithsonian Conservation and Analytical Laboratory in Washington, D.C., today called the Museum Conservation Institute.

Nanoscience Technology

• This program prepares students for careers in the nanobiotech, nanomaterials and nanoelectronics industries. Offered through a partnership with the University of Minnesota, the program gives graduates the skills and knowledge to land jobs in companies and corporations applying nanotechnology to product development, testing, research and development, and manufacturing design.

• The National Science Foundation awarded Dakota County Technical College a $3 million grant to develop the Midwest Regional Center for Nanotechnology Education, or Nano-Link. Situated on DCTC's Rosemount campus, Nano-Link will work to create a skilled workforce of nanotechnologists to enhance economic growth in nanoscale science and technology. The center builds on the success of DCTC's pioneering Nanoscience Technology program, which was established in partnership with the University of Minnesota to prepare graduates for employment in the abundant array of industries where nanoscience applications are rapidly emerging.

• DCTC Nanoscience Technology students, working to promote nano and their program, founded a Web site called Nanostudents.com

Railroad Conductor Technology

• Featuring a quarter-mile track on campus, the Railroad Conductor Technology program offers a 15-week certificate that includes an eight-week off-campus internship with a railroad. Industry partners include:
  • Twin Cities and Western Railroad
  • Union Pacific
  • Red River Valley and Western Railroad
  • Canadian Pacific Railway
  • Canadian National
  • Progressive Rail
  • Minnesota Commercial Railway
  • Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad
  • Northern Plains Railroad
  • Northern Lines Railway

Business Entrepreneur

• Instructor Bob Voss received the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Faculty Member of the Year award in 2008. Associate Dean Christine Pigsley was awarded a $3,600 grant from the Coleman Foundation and Business Entrepreneur student Mary Glock won the New York Times/NACCE Student Essay Contest that same year. The program is housed at the Institute for Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, which serves as a resource for business education, small-business support, continuing education and customized training for the southern Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Interior Design

• Connected to professional organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), National Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Interior Design program is taught by instructors with recognized industry experience.

Landscape Horticulture

• Landscape Horticulture is the only program of its kind in Minnesota nationally accredited by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). The program also works with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA), allowing students more opportunities to become MNLA Certified Professionals. The program recently constructed a modern, glass-paned greenhouse with solar heating and computerized controls.