Register with care as refunds and transfers are not accepted. The NC Secretary of State requires all candidates to speak, read, and write in English and present a valid government photo ID to be admitted to the course. See www.sosnc.com for additional requirements. Textbook included. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 7 hours. $95 Register and pay online for this course. If you prefer pay with cash, you may register using an alternative method.
The course focuses on the functions and duties of the escort driver for overweight/oversized vehicles in NC, as well as highway operations and breakdown operations. Cost includes handbook and materials. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 8 hours. $69
Have you ever taken a picture of a beautiful scene, but it didn’t turn out as pretty as you remembered? Have you ever gotten a new camera but didn’t understand how it worked or the manual wasn’t helpful? Enabling you to pick up a camera and use it easily, this course helps you improve the quality of the photos you take by focusing on basic techniques and then moves well past amateur photographic knowledge. Students may need to purchase additional materials. 24 hours. $74
This course guides students deeper into the controls of a digital camera by answering such questions as: Do you shoot in jpeg, raw, or tiff? How do you control your own white balance? How should you save your work? What can you do to improve or alter the picture after you have the shot? How can you get a better exposure? Students should have completed Photography: The Basics or have basic camera knowledge. 24 hours. $74
Students learn what makes a good black and white photograph by exploring creative tools and techniques in Photoshop. 24 hours. $74
This course examines the great outdoors. The nature photographer needs to have the right equipment, the right light, and know what to look for in the right moment. This course will instruct the student on various techniques to capture landscape, wildlife, and close-up subjects. Every other class we will experience the beauty of photographing the magic of nature. Full-day special outing is possible. Recommended Text: John Shaw’s Nature Photography Field Guide, ISBN13: 978-0817440596. Prerequisite: Photography: Beyond the Basics. 24 hours $74.
Photojournalism is about telling a story or describing/documenting an event with photographs in a way that others can understand. Learn how to make a good photojournalistic photograph, how to record events as they happen, and how to capture all of the necessary elements. Once the course has begun, off-site locations will be determined to give students a hands-on opportunity to create great photographs. This course is suitable for all levels of photographers. 24 hours. $74
This course takes the learning outside — the best place to develop your photography skills. A basic understanding of photography is recommended but not necessary. This course concentrates on developing your “photographic eye” to take better pictures. Every other class meeting is held at a different location. Learn to take better nature, portrait, action, close-up, architecture, and travel shots on location. After every location shoot, the photos taken are reviewed to help you improve your ability and understanding of good photography. 24 hours. $74
Sports photography takes knowledge, skill, and quick reflexes to get the right shot. Learn about equipment, lighting, and shooting techniques to capture the action. Practice artistic techniques such as slow-shutter in the field. Prerequisites are Photography: The Basics and Digital Photography: Beyond the Basics or equivalent knowledge. 24 hours. $74.
This course covers basic keyboarding skills. Emphasis is on the touch system, correct techniques, and developing speed and accuracy. Basic word processing concepts and applications are introduced. No previous computer experience required. 24 hours. $79
Plan, design, and create a working website. Topics include interface design, HTML, CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), graphics, and site management. Skills are introduced through structured exercises and applied through individual creative projects. Keyboarding and word processing experience recommended. HTML and CSS Design and Build Websites by John Duckett, ISBN 978-1118-00818-8, is the required textbook. 36 hours. $134
Make a fashion statement with wearable art that is fun to make. This introductory class helps you turn small, pliable blocks of clay into unique handmade jewelry. Participants make beads, pendants, necklaces, and earrings. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 18 hours. $89
This introductory course covers the basic principles of interior design and decorating. Topics include design flow, organization, and space planning, as well as selecting color and paint techniques, furniture, fabric, lighting, and accessories. (Self-supporting course; no tuition waivers or exemptions allowed.) 24 hours. $88
Save money and dress in style by sewing your own clothes. Students learn how to select patterns; choose an appropriate fabric, pattern layout, and construction; and develop skills to create a flattering garment. No sewing skills required. Students must bring their own sewing machine to the second class. Additional expenses may be incurred in purchasing materials for class projects. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $89
This course covers sewing for the home: window valances, Roman shades, throw pillows, and cushions. Students must have some basic sewing skills and a sewing machine. Cost of supplies depends on the project chosen. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $79
This course covers the basics of furniture upholstery for students with basic sewing skills. Students learn about fabrics and how to cover chairs, cushions, footstools, and small sofas. Cost of materials depends on the project chosen. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $74
This course covers furniture upholstery for more complicated sofas and chairs, and is for students who have already completed the Basic Upholstery course. Students learn how to repair and upholster using channel backs and button tufting. Cost of materials depends on the projects chosen. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 24 hours. $79
Targeted to beginners, this course focuses on a different topic each week, including alignment of the body in postures, positive thinking, breathing exercises, philosophy, basic anatomy, deep relaxation, and asana (practice of postures). The course emphasizes the principles of yoga as well as stress management, breathing techniques, and postures. Students need a yoga mat, pillow, and comfortable clothes. (Because this course is self-supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 16 hours. $74
Qigong (chi gung) is the time-honored system of cultivating health through breath, movement, and intention. This introductory course provides you with some simple forms and principles to help you increase body awareness, support healing, and create a meditative, mindful state. Some of the many benefits of practicing qigong, include greatly reducing physical and mental stress, strengthening your body internally and externally, and improving your physical balance. No particular abilities are needed for you to attend this course and practice qigong. (Because this course is self- supporting, no tuition waivers or exemptions are allowed.) 6 hours. $49
Human Resources Development (HRD) courses provide skills assessment, employment skills training, and career development and enhancement. The courses are offered in short sessions to equip you with the knowledge, values, and practical skills essential to applying for, keeping, and advancing in your job.
HRD courses are FREE for qualified participants. To qualify for free courses, participants must be unemployed, have been notified of a lay-off, or are underemployed (underemployed persons are defined as working part-time and/or are eligible for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit).
Durham Tech offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) to non-native speakers at several locations in Durham and Orange counties. Courses are free, and students must be at least 18 years old to enroll. Course offerings, times, and locations sometimes change without prior notice. Courses fill up quickly, and space is limited.
All new ESL students must first take a placement exam. Please take the placement exam at the time and location where you will study. Seating for the scheduled testing dates is on a first-come, first-served basis. The testing process takes more than two hours. Please do not bring children. (Students who bring children to the testing sessions will be asked to leave.) Students should bring a photo ID, pen, and pencil; students must also provide a date of birth and a current local mailing address.
More information is available on the Frequently Asked Questions page or contact the Center for the Global Learner at cgl@durhamtech.edu or 919-536-7264.
The GED® Test Battery is based on high school curriculum standards and certifies mastery in four subject areas: language arts, social studies, science and math. The GED® diploma is the certified equivalent of a traditional high school diploma. Students may take courses to prepare for the battery of official GED® tests. Courses are offered in traditional classroom and lab settings as well as online. In some settings, students are able to work at their own pace. For further information about these courses and a complete schedule, please visit the website or call 919-536-7218.