Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Human Career Development

Human Career Development

American River College’s Human Career Development courses are designed to help students achieve success in college through a variety of classes, which include study skills, career exploration, college success, transferring to four year institutions, life skills, peer mentoring, and academic learning strategies for students with specific learning disabilities.

Dean Nisha Beckhorn
Department Chair Reyna Moore
Phone (916) 484-8572

Human/Career Development (HCD) Courses

HCD 111 College Discovery Program

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
General Education:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2026)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course explores options and resources relevant to student success at American River College. It covers academic and personal goal-setting, college resources, academic requirements, basic study skills development, and strategies compatible with academic success.

HCD 114 Human Potential Seminar

Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an in-depth examination of techniques and strategies to be used in enhancing a student’s chance for academic success in college. It is designed for students who need assistance to achieve their goals in higher education. Topics include motivation, goal setting, communication skills, time management, exam preparation, note taking, reading college textbooks, and the use of technology as it relates to being a student.

HCD 115 Orientation to College

Units:0.5
Hours:9 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an introduction to programs and services at American River College. Topics include procedures and college requirements, steps to success, and college resources.

HCD 122 Study Skills

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers specific study skills strategies. It provides the opportunity to analyze attitudes toward studying and current study skills or habits. Topics include specific learning styles, strategies for time management, goal setting, note-taking, memory improvement, reading skills, and how to prepare for and take exams.

HCD 299 Experimental Offering in Human Career Development

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

HCD 310 College Success

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: HCD 310, HCD 318 and HCD 382 combined: maximum credit, 3 units)
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the skills and knowledge necessary for college success, as well as personal issues that are commonly encountered by many college students. Topics include motivation, self-discipline, learning styles, memory development, time management, communication skills, goal-setting, career planning, study skills and techniques, and critical thinking skills. Campus resources, college regulations, and information competency are also addressed. This course is highly recommended for first time college students and/or continuing college students who would benefit. Field trips may be required.

HCD 318 Transfer: Making It Happen

Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 116 AND ENGWR 101; OR ESLR 320 AND ESLW 320
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: HCD 310, HCD 318 and HCD 382 combined: maximum credit, 3 units)
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a comprehensive study of the university transfer process as it relates to community college students. Topics include an overview of American higher education, student support services, major selection, college research, transfer admissions requirements, the college application process, transfer resources, transitional issues, and preparation for graduate and professional education. Field trips may be required.

HCD 330 Life and Career Planning

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a comprehensive approach to life and career planning based on extensive interests, personality type, values, and skills assessments. Personal and career goals are formulated using career research and decision-making strategies.

HCD 331 Career and Job Search Strategies

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:HCD 330
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course assists students preparing for the current job market. Topics include researching career fields, developing specific career/educational goals, informational interviewing, internships, professional networking, resume writing, interviewing skills, and current job search strategies.

HCD 336 Exploring Health Careers

Units:1
Hours:18 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces a wide variety of healthcare and healthcare-related occupations, emphasizing educational programs and career opportunities. In this course, students explore a wide range of healthcare and related professions, discover educational pathways, and learn how to match their interests, skills, and values to potential careers. Students also gain hands-on experience with career research and develop a personalized education and career plan to help guide their next steps.

HCD 364 Introduction to Peer Mentoring

Units:1.5 - 4
Hours:18 hours LEC; 27 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:HCD 111, 114, 115, 310, or 318 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course offers instruction on the role of the peer mentor at the community college level. Topics include skills and strategies associated with interpersonal communication, peer leadership, collaborative learning, problem solving, and assisting students in how to effectively and efficiently assist their peers in managing college and life experiences. This course is only open to students who have been selected to serve as peer mentors in a program such as the First Year Experience, Journey program, Extended Opportunity Programs & Services, and learning communities.

HCD 382 Learning Strategies for College and Life

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: HCD 310, HCD 318 and HCD 382 combined: maximum credit, 3 units)
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an inclusive environment for learning to support students in developing skills for academic, personal, and career success. Using principles of metacognition and growth mindset, students examine how learning differences, including disabilities, and other barriers influence learning and performance. Students apply evidence-based strategies related to organization, time management, motivation, memory, note-taking, study skills, testing techniques, stress management, personal wellness, communication, and critical thinking. The course also emphasizes assistive and educational technologies, self-advocacy and transition skills, disability awareness, and the effective use of college and community resources to support college success and lifelong learning.

HCD 390 Identity and Psychosocial Well-Being

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an examination of psychosocial issues and the development of individual identities as they relate to daily life and higher education. Using race, culture, and education as a frame of reference, issues of inequality and social justice are explored to discover their influence on personal development, learning, and socioeconomic status. Students will foster an understanding of their personal development using the course's concepts. Topics include the history and culture of higher education, socialization theories, motivation, self-esteem, identity development, learning theories, memory development, critical thinking skills, and goal setting.

HCD 495 Independent Studies in Human Career Development

Units:1 - 3
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

HCD 499 Experimental Offering in Human Career Development

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026