Interior Design program creates pathway agreement with U of M
The Dakota County Technical College Interior Design program is pleased to announce a new pathway for students wishing to complete a bachelor’s degree through a partnership with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Interior Design program.
The agreement allows DCTC students who complete their first year of interior design courses at DCTC to have the opportunity to transfer to the University of Minnesota Interior Design program, which is currently the only CIDA-accredited institution in the state.
“DCTC students who choose to take advantage of the agreement will need to apply and be accepted for admission to the University of Minnesota Interior Design program,” said DCTC Interior Design Instructor Anne Farniok. “From there, they will join other University of Minnesota Interior Design students who have completed their freshman year to sit for a portfolio review, which is the process used to assess students who desire to be granted major status.”
DCTC has offered other agreements for students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree, but the partnership with the University of Minnesota Interior Design program is a more specialized option.
“Like the University of Minnesota, DCTC has high standards, a comprehensive curriculum and a great reputation in the industry,” said DCTC Interior Design Instructor and Program Director Kathy Huus. “The agreement is a great fit for those students wishing to continue their education.”
DCTC Interior Design grad, Heather Neurer
One of the students who has taken advantage of this opportunity is Heather Neurer, who is now in her second year at the University of Minnesota. Neurer is completing her bachelor’s degree with the hope of becoming a commercial interior designer after graduation. She has relished the opportunity she was given to transferto the University of Minnesota program, but credits DCTC for her success.
“I left DCTC feeling very confident in my skills and experience. Anne and Kathy, our instructors, have great experience and connections in the industry, and the curriculum offered at DCTC is very comprehensive. A two-year program allows you to get a more in-depth experience earlier on, so I was well prepared for the rigor of the University of Minnesota program,” said Neurer.
Kelly Link is a current DCTC Interior Design student who plans to continue her education at the University of Minnesota as well. She, too, commends the DCTC Interior Design program for thoroughly preparing students for whatever pathway they might choose after DCTC.
“DCTC has taught me a lot about designing, preparing presentations and interacting with clients,” said Link. “My time at DCTC has really given me the confidence and skills I need to start working now. However, I am young and I enjoy going to school, so taking advantage of the opportunity to go to the University of Minnesota is right for me at this point.”
In addition to the agreement with the University of Minnesota, Huus and Farniok are also working on creating and renewing articulation agreements with institutions such as Metropolitan State University, St. Catherine’s University and Concordia University St. Paul.
For more information about the DCTC Interior Design program, contact:
- Anne Farniok
Interior Design Instructor
651-423-8414 - Katharine Huus
Interior Design Instructor and Program Director
651-423-8456
