Courses offered through VC's Workforce & Continuing Education Department are intended for students who want to learn a new skill for career training, upgrade or recertify existing skills, gain general knowledge, or develop personal interests. Upon completion, students receive a Victoria College Certificate of Completion. Students are not required to apply for admission to the college or take entrance exams for these noncredit courses.

For more information about any of the courses listed below, including specific course dates, times and admission requirements, please view the current Workforce and Continuing Education Schedule.  To register, fill out the registration form and submit with payment.

Online courses

VC also offers Workforce & Continuing Education courses online. See the schedule here.

Conversational Sign Language

This course teaches the basic skills needed to communicate with members of the deaf community. Students will learn over 3500 different signs and how to sign complete sentences. Students will have real interaction with the deaf. Course topics include:

• Fingerspell basic personal information 
• Communicate basic personal information
• Demonstrate conversational courtesies
• Learn basic expressive and receptive vocabulary skills
• Learn grammatical patterns

Conversational Spanish

Community Spanish: A Survival Guide for English Speakers is designed for persons who want an easy and quick way to learn limited amounts of everyday Spanish. It assumes no prior knowledge of Spanish. Course topics include:

• How to say practical, common phrases and questions in Spanish
• How to comprehend many basic and common expressions and phrases 
• The Latino culture

Digital Photography

Explore the world of digital photography! This course provides an introduction to the fascinating technology that has revolutionized the way we capture memories. You will learn what you need, what you can do, and what fun you can have! This class will provide an introduction to new opportunities that will change your opinion on the art of digital photography. Course topics include:

• Basics of digital photography
• Equipment
• Software
• Personal applications

Jewelry Making

Students will create their own unique set of jewelry using supplies purchased from the instructor.

Beginning Genealogy

This course will take participants through the first steps in genealogical research and recording of family history. Working backward one generation at a time, participants will learn of vital resources, where to locate needed records and documents, and how to record them in proper systematic genealogical form. The final class session will be a trip to the Houston Clayton Public Library in Houston, Texas for a day of intense genealogical research as a finale to the learning experience and as a guide for continued family history discovery.

Knitting and Crocheting for Beginners

In this course, you will learn the basics of knitting and crocheting, as well as the skills to go well beyond the basics. Homework is required and by the end of the course you will have completed a fun knit dishcloth and crochet scarf. A list of required materials will be given at the time of registration.

MCB Introduction to Archeology

This course will introduce basic procedures, techniques for recovery of data, and methods for preserving valuable archeological resources. Instruction will include identifying archeological sites, mapping visible remains, analyzing evidence, reporting finds, and protecting our heritage. Participants will receive an introduction to the field of archeology – the importance of archeological sites; recognizing an archeological site; recognizing traces of prehistoric sites; identifying prehistoric and historic artifacts; survey and site recording; testing a site; basic field methods and recording; artifact classifications; typing specimens; data recording; writing reports. Materials will be presented in PowerPoint lectures, hands-on activities, museum displays and site visits. Dr. Harry Shafer (TAMU emeritus) will teach the academy and Pam Wheat-Stranahan will facilitate. Class limit: 20 students.

Certification Level: Students will receive a Certificate of Completion – Introduction to Archeology. Volunteer opportunities: Museum docent or supervised laboratory worker.

MCB Archeological Field Crew Certification Program Course II: Archeology in the Field and Lab, Lithics Concentration Course concentrates on lithics, with information on mapping techniques, a field survey, gathering and processing of diagnostic artifacts, and a laboratory on lithics by Dr. Harry Shafer. Participants will learn about types of rocks, stone technology, and sources of materials. Mapping and field visit will be facilitated by Pam Wheat-Stranahan. Classroom activities will take place at the Museum of the Coastal Bend.

MCB Archeological Field Crew Certification Program Course III: Archeological Interpretation, Ceramics Concentration participants will receive training in laboratory and field methods with ceramics. Dr. Harry Shafer will lead a ceramics seminar in which participants will discover the technologies behind ceramic production and decoration, analyze pottery sherds, and learn what potsherds tell us about people. Students will receive an introduction to ceramics in a laboratory setting, and will participate in a full-day controlled excavation and analyze finds in the museum lab. Pam Wheat-Stranahan will facilitate the excavation and laboratory.

Quilting for Beginners

If you ever wanted to learn how to quilt - here's your chance! In this class students will be introduced to the art of quilting.  Students will learn: The basic tools required to make a quilt; How to choose of fabrics; How to piece simple blocks and assemble the blocks into simple patterns; How to apply accent strips and borders; How to assemble an entire quilt (top, batting and backing); Techniques for quilting and binding.  The first class meeting will include an introduction to quilting.  At the end of the class you will leave with your first quilted table topper.

Wine Tasting Tour of Texas

Wine Making 

Learn the process of wine making from creation to bottling. Experience the chemistry, creativity, and art of making wine. Each student will prepare, bottle, and create labels for their finished product. Course fee includes two bottles of the completed project. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age to register.