Counseling
8 courses · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
COUN 011 Introduction to Scholarships
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 9, Lab Hours: 27
- Advisory
- Basic knowledge of the Internet; basic word processing.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Introduces students to scholarship and financial aid opportunities at the local, state, and national levels. Learn research techniques and utilize publications, software, Internet sites, and community resources. Emphasis is on development of a personal organizational system to mange the process of the scholarship search. Identify scholarships that meet personal criteria. Personal statements, interview techniques, resumes, organization and time management skills are also covered.
COUN 060 College Success Skills
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course helps college students learn the information and develop the skills necessary for success in college. Course topics include an overview of higher education, student support services (including financial aid), study skills (including time management, note taking and test preparation), and an introduction to transfer and career development. Students are helped to develop realistic educational plans consistent with their educational goals.
COUN 061 College Success/International Students
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 9
This course is required for all first-semester F-1 Visa students. This course is designed to introduce International Students to various college services and programs. It includes enrollment procedures, interpretation of the College of the Desert Assessment, information on educational programs and assistance in developing a personalized Student Educational Plan in order to assist in accomplishing their future goals. Students are introduced to the requirements for Certificates,the Associate in Arts/Science (A.A. or A.S.) degree, and for transferring to a four-year institution. Campus policies and resources are reviewed as well as an overview of American culture, cultural adaptation issues, career planning, and F-1 Visa issues. This course helps F-1 Visa students gain an understanding of the critical elements involved in living and studying successfully in the United States of America. In addition to becoming acquainted with regulations affecting International Students, the class reviews graduation and transfer requirements along with other policies and procedures at College of the Desert.
COUN 101 Career/Life Planning & Personal Exploration
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 54
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed to teach strategies for success to promote academic and lifelong learning through the integration of career and academic planning. Topics include: intensive career investigation; assessment of interests, personality, skills, values, and other personal qualities that coincide with educational and career success; application of career and lifespan development theory; psychological and social issues that impact career and life choices; decision-making; time management; goal setting; learning and life management strategies; job search and career building techniques. The course emphasizes on empowering students to take charge of their academic, career, and personal decisions through the integration of career exploration and individual educational planning. (Letter Grade, or Pass/No Pass option.)
COUN 102 Strategies for College Transfer
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 18
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an introduction to the transfer process. Includes an in-depth exploration of transfer requirements, admission procedures, requirements for majors, and financial aid opportunities. The information learned will enable students to make informed choices on majors, four-year institutions and in academic planning. 18 hours lecture. (Letter Grade, or Pass/No Pass option.)
COUN 300 Student Development Edge
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 12
This course provides an introduction to College of the Desert for all incoming college students. Through this course, students will gain an understanding of our college structure, academic programs offered, student planning, financial aid, college expectations and support services.
COUN 301 Career Exploration
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 9
This course is designed for students who are undecided about or validating their educational or career goals. Using a career planning process, students assess interests, skills, personality, values, and life/work style choices. Students research potential educational and careers goals, and relate their self-assessment information to occupational possibilities and college majors.
COUN 302 Career Readiness
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- Noncredit Hours: 9
Students will learn strategies for successfully entering and transitioning in the workplace. Students will learn how to maximize their strengths, skills, and college learning for gainful and satisfying employment. Students will create a personal brand and professional in-person and online presence to optimize their career opportunities. Resumes, interviewing, professional etiquette, job search, networking, are discussed, developed, and practiced.