business marketing, CIS, digital marketing, web design

Fast Track Your Dreams with a Short-Term Certificate from DVC

Jun 26, 2023

Miguel Luna knew he needed to solidify a career direction. He had work experience in tax preparation and computer repair and a bachelor’s degree in psychology but felt he hadn’t yet landed on the right career choice. 

“I wanted to find a career that I’m truly passionate about, one where I’ll look forward to going to work every day,” said Luna. 

Luna decided to enroll at DVC to find a career that brought his skills and interests together, while also ensuring that he would be marketable when beginning his job search. 

“I wanted a career where I could enjoy technology, explore my creativity, utilize my background in psychology, and experiment with video and photography. I knew that a career in digital marketing would be a great fit,” said Luna.  

Luna is now pursuing two certificates of achievement – one in digital marketing, and the other in business marketing. He is also applying his new-found skills on the job as a social media intern at DVC, gaining relevant experience he will leverage after he graduates.

“If you are looking for a faster route to employment, and especially if you are wanting a career change, earning a certificate can help pave the way to your new career,” said Luna. 

Certificate programs create flexible, accessible options 

“When I was three years old, I was in a near-drowning accident that resulted in me having a traumatic brain injury. This affected my motor skills and speech. And due to my disability, I cannot drive,” said Samantha Muir. 

Muir decided to enroll in the computer information systems (CIS) program at DVC. The CIS program offers numerous short classes that are all fully online. She also accessed support and resources through DVC Disability Support Services (DSS). 

“The aid I’ve received from DSS has been really helpful. I’ve received assistance with notetaking, mobility, and extra time on exams,” said Muir.  

Muir sees the DVC CIS program as a stepping-stone to her first job, which will lead to a long-term career.  

“I find the CIS program to be exciting. So far, I have earned the CORE certificate of achievement, but I plan to earn more CIS certificates. I also am looking forward to receiving my associate in science,” said Muir.  

Career-defining skills in less time

Grey Bratt completed a bachelor of arts in history, but soon realized that a life dedicated to research and writing wasn’t satisfying. 

“Even though I had earned a degree, it didn’t prepare me for jobs that interested me. I enrolled in a certificate program at DVC to find a career I could love,” said Bratt. 

Bratt had a bit of experience in web design from middle school, so it felt natural to pursue a certificate in web design. 

“I knew some basic coding already, but the program really challenged my design skills. The classes really push you to discover how to overcome challenges in a way that works for you. If you get stuck, the professors are there to support you,” said Bratt. 

Bratt highly recommends that students consider a certificate program. While a degree requires many general education classes, a certificate is designed to quickly prepare you for employment. 

“All my classes were directly relevant to my career, no need for extra core classes or electives just to fill requirements. I’m now finishing my portfolio and have started looking for jobs,” said Bratt.  

Short-term certificates at DVC

DVC business student presents to the class

DVC offers both certificates of achievement and certificates of accomplishment in numerous areas. Certificates of accomplishment are typically 9-14 units, while certificates of achievement require between 15-50 units, compared to 60 units for an associate degree. Units earned for a shorter credential can be used to meet the requirements of a longer credential in the same field. Earning a certificate can often serve as a launchpad to careers in business, healthcare, finance, technology, and more. Below are just some of the many certificate program options available at DVC.  

Art digital media (ARTDM)  

Students develop skills leading to careers in graphic design, interaction design, animation, or game design. 

Certificate of accomplishment 

• Art digital media – foundations 

Certificate of achievement 

• Animation 
• Digital media 
• Game design 
• Graphic design 
• Interaction design for web and mobile platforms 
• Motion graphics 
• Web design 

Job outlook 

• Animator – $43.89/hour 
• Graphic designer – $27.23/hour 
• Web designer – $47.37/hour 

Business (BUS)  

Prepares students for careers in business operations, purchasing, budgeting, record keeping, administrative services, human resources, and more. 

Certificate of accomplishment 

• Cannabis entrepreneurship 

Certificate of achievement 

• Advanced general business 
• Business – transfer 
• General business 
• Office professional 
• Professional and technical workplace skills 

Job Outlook

• Business manager – $35.43/hour 
• Marketing representative – $35.26/hour 

Business accounting (BUSAC)

Students develop the skills needed for careers in bookkeeping, taxation, consulting, and other accounting functions.  

Certificate of achievement 

• Advanced accounting 
• Bookkeeping 
• General accounting 

Job Outlook

• Bookkeeping/accounting clerk – $28.21/hour 
• Tax Preparer – $32.08/hour 

Business marketing (BUSMK)

Prepares students for careers in digital marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, advertising, public relations, and more.  

Certificate of achievement 

• Business marketing 
• Digital marketing 

Job Outlook 

• Marketing specialist – $51.82/hour 
• Public relations specialist – $49.37 

Computer information systems (CIS) 

Prepares students for careers in desktop publishing, web development, software quality assurance, and information technology project management.  

Certificate of accomplishment 

• CORE 
• Database management 
• Project management 
• Web graphics 
• Web technology 

Certificate of achievement 

• CORE 
• Database management 
• Project management 
• Web graphics 
• Web technology 

Job outlook 

• Database administrator – $39.03/hour 
• Help desk representative – $27.27/hour 
• Programmer – $47.91/hour 
• Project manager – $43.28/hour 
• Web developer – $37.38/hour 

Computer science (COMSC)

Prepares students for careers in programming, computer operations, computer systems analysis, web development, artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, and more.  

Certificate of accomplishment

• Python programming 

Certificate of achievement  

• Advanced C++ programming 
• Advanced Java programming 
• Computer architecture 
• Mobile and enterprise Java programming 
• Program design 
• Python programming 

Job outlook 

• Software developer – $76.12/hour 
• Programmer – $47.91/hour 
• Quality assurance analyst – $60.89 /hour
• Web developer – $37.38/hour 

Construction (CONST) 

The construction program prepares students for an exciting career in the building trades. The training received is also ideal for entering a variety of apprenticeship programs. 

Certificate of accomplishment 

• Pre-Apprenticeship 

Certificate of achievement 

• Construction and building inspection 
• Construction management 
• Construction supervision and superintendency 
• Pre-Apprenticeship 

Job outlook

• Carpenters – $37.64/hour 
• Construction laborers – $28.76/hour 
• Construction and building inspectors – $51.05/hour 

Film, television, and electronic media (FTVE)

Students develop the skills needed for careers in broadcasting, cable, online media, and more. 

Certificate of accomplishment 

• Television arts: Basic writing for digital medium 
• Television arts: Film production 
• Television arts: Studio production 

Certificate of achievement 

• Film post-production 
• Film production 
• Television arts 

Job outlook

• Audio and video technician – $30.35/hour 
• Broadcast technician – $25.18/hour 
• Camera operator – $33.64/hour 
• Film and video editor – $42.75/hour 

Public health (PH)

Prepares students for entry-level careers in public health departments, community clinics, hospitals, and schools. Additional education can lead to a career as a public health nurse, school health coordinator, environmental health specialist, and more. 

Certificate of achievement  

• Community healthcare worker (coming Fall 2023) 

Job outlook 

• Community healthcare worker – $22.95/hour 

View full list of certificate programs available at DVC. 

Source: Job outlook data provided by Bureau of Labor Statistics – May 2021 

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