Professional Development (PROW)
51 courses · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
PROW NC002 Persuasive Business Writing
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Develop effective and professional business writing skills using business tone, organization and formatting, word choice and persuasion. Matching the delivery channel (email, letter, memo, text, etc.) to the message type and situation will be covered, as well as the best methods to deliver bad news. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC003 Time Management
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 44 (8 lecture)
Explore time management strategies and tools for effectively managing expanding workloads, shifting priorities, and increasing demands. Practice prioritizing "Important" versus "Urgent" activities. Emphasis on analyzing current use of time, identifying organizational goals, roles and priorities, discovering gaps to achieving goals and apply time management tools to the gaps to complete important priorities first. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC004 Workplace Communication Strategies
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Assess and optimize current workplace communication skills. Differentiate content, emotions, perceptions and intentions in a communication exchange. Build an advanced communication toolkit to forward your career. Illustrate clear and congruent verbal and nonverbal messages tailored to the personalities involved, the desired outcomes, and the context. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC005 Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 44 (8 lecture)
In todays' workplace it is everyone’s job to a solve problems and make decisions. Analytical thinking, decision making and problem solving involve breaking things down into their component parts, applying deductive reasoning and then applying judgment and insight. Learn hands-on techniques to generate breakthrough ideas, make decisions, and solve your most pressing problems. All by asking the right questions, challenging assumptions, and seeing others’ viewpoints with clarity. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC006 Leadership Skills
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Take your leadership from good to great by exploring and applying the top ten skills that every leader must have. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC010 Project Management for Non Project Managers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
This course is for anyone who wants to know how to manage tasks or small projects with a structured approach to ensure success. Apply the basic principles of project management to your work and create action plans for on-the-job application. Utilize strategies for communicating with team members and stakeholders with confidence. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC011 Process Improvement
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Process improvement assessment methods and techniques to increase efficiency, improve quality and increase employee satisfaction and motivation. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC012 Supervisory Skills
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn the key tools for effective management and supervision. Course covers delegation, feedback, communicating with employees, motivation and management styles. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC013 Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is vital to being an effective and high-performing employee, supervisor and leader. Explore the EI competencies: self awareness, social awareness, self management and relationship management. Learn and apply the tools and techniques for mastering each domain. Create strategies using the EI framework which can optimize your professional performance and working relationships. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC014 Motivating Yourself and Others
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Individuals and leaders who want to explore the key ingredients for strengthening workplace commitment, engagement, and career satisfaction. Apply alternative reward and recognition strategies to increase engagement in the workplace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC015 Building High Performance Teams
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
For anyone who wants to know how to manage tasks or small projects with a structured approach to ensure success. Apply the basic principles of project management to your work and create action plans for on-the-job application. Utilize strategies for communicating with team members and stakeholders with confidence. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC017 Successfully Navigating Change
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
The rate of change in the workplace continues to escalate. Learn how to manage change that is imposed on you or your team; as well as to identify opportunities for change, initiate change and support your staff during the change process. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC019 Personality Styles and Challenging Relationships
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 44 (8 lecture)
Exploration of participants' own behaviors and personality styles, while learning to adapt one’s behavior to be effective with other personality styles in a variety of work situations. Emphasis is placed on dealing with challenging relationships and communicating in a way that matches the needs of all involved to achieve relationship satisfaction and organizational objectives. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC021 Coaching for Success
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Coaching employees improves performance outcomes, helps turn around problem situations, and increases an employee's overall enthusiasm and motivation. Learn coaching techniques to solve workplace problems and energize employees and how to best apply these techniques to close the gap between actual and desired performance. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC025 Resolving Differences in the Workplace
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn collaboration skills to build high-trust relationships. Practice communication techniques at each stage of the conflict cycle to get to win-win. Discover your interpersonal communication strengths. Assess your conflict style and understand others. Practice problem-solving with multiple parties and decision makers to create long-term peace. Skills include nonverbal communication, empathy, listening and paraphrasing. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC028 Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in the Workplace
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Explore diversity within organizations and increase one’s awareness of different attitudes, beliefs, lifestyles, sexual orientations, and values that we all bring to work. Understand how these affect our behavior and perceptions. Focus on self awareness and the impact these have on our co-workers. Develop strategies for equity in the workplace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC032 Navigating Courageous Conversations
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Unfortunately, the default tendency for millions remains to try to avoid difficult conversations because they don't know how to structure a discussion. Learn to prepare for a difficult conversation by clarifying your intentions and assumptions and applying a simple model to help you stay centered while you constructively shape what you say. Scripts and tips will be provided and applied to prepare for your next difficult conversation. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC033 Successfully Leading and Developing People
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 16 (16 lecture)
Learn and apply the communication, delegation and motivational skills needed to be an effective manager or supervisory. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC035 Navigating Workplace Dynamics
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn constructive workplace behavior that creates win-win situations, unblocks barriers to change, creates greater "buy-in" on key projects, develops cohesion and improves decision making. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC036 The Art of Negotiating and Collaborating
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Participants apply collaboration tools for building high-trust synergistic relationships Analyze the conflict cycle and practice skills to diffuse conflict at each stage for mutual benefit. Assess one's strengths and utilize tools to facilitate and adapt to others styles. Skills include re-framing, neutralizing language, discovering of interests, and leveraging innovative solutions through a collaborative negotiation process. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC038 Increasing Productivity
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Personal productivity results from a combination of factors which all impact each other. Explore, dissect and analyze these factors to develop an individualized plan optimizing your effectiveness in both your professional and personal lives. Focus on personal empowerment and growth while weaving neuroscience theory to help you anchor the learning and understand brain function better. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC039 Innovation and Creativity
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn techniques to promote creativity and innovation in the workplace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC044 Communicating with Confidence & Clarity
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Discover techniques on how to be an assertive communicator, acquire ways to handle receiving and giving feedback and address business etiquette when professionalism and assertiveness are required. You'll assess your areas of strength and growth in this critical skill and understand how social styles affect assertive behaviors.. Enhance your assertiveness skills for immediate on-the-job use! Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC050 Best Practices in Customer Service
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 44 (8 lecture)
Apply practical strategies to retain a valuable customer base, diffuse difficult situations and earn repeat business. Topics include, the anatomy of a complaint, regulating verbal and nonverbal responses, active listening skills, creative problem-solving, customer perceptions and expectations, adapting to different conflict styles, and steps to defuse angry customers. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC051 Secrets of a Great Employee
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Discover the secrets that make you an irreplaceable employee. Build your advanced employee toolkit, challenge old habits and foster new strategies. Based on success stories from others and their insight on where they went wrong, let's fuel your spirit and recession proof yourself with a renewed appreciation for professional effectiveness, satisfaction and success. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC056 Closing Techniques That Win the Sale
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
In any selling situation obstacles have to be overcome before a buying decision is reached. Learn to resolve objection effectively through a process that involves careful listening along with positive factual responses to buyer concerns. Learn techniques to address customers' emotional needs, get past the obstacles preventing them from buying, and build long-term customer relationships. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC057 Winning Sales Scripts
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Identify the key roles in the sales process and develop a script based sales strategy. Write and deliver face-to-face, voicemail and email sales messages to open and close sales transactions. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC064 The Accountability Advantage
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Transform your success in the professional world. Learn the skills needed to become proactive and accountable. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC067 High Impact Presentations and Proposals for the Workplace
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn how to craft a presentation focused on the message you need to convey to your audience. You will learn to consider your audience's expectations, biases, emotions, needs and wants to plan an effective slideshow. By finding what’s the benefit for them in watching your presentation, you will manage to engage their attention from start to finish, and you will know what to avoid and what to strive for in the design of your deck. You will explore what is the logical order to convey your information, what makes for successful slide design, how to maintain consistency, edit for simplicity using the "less is more" principle and how to use powerful imagery and meaningful data. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC068 Professional Etiquette
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn the behavior, communication and appearance needed for the professionalism to thrive and survive in the workplace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC070 Teaching with Humanizing Technology I
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 65 (16 lecture)
A two-week course taught in Canvas that examines why and how to “humanize" online learning as well as the electronic components of our on-campus classes. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones in a supportive, experimental learning environment, to create content with tools that infuse learning with their individual “presence." When students relate to an online instructor as something more than a subject matter expert and begin to conceive of themselves as part of a larger community, they are more likely to be motivated, satisfied with their learning and achieve course objectives. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC071 Teaching with Humanizing Technology II
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 65.5 (16 lecture)
A two-week course taught in Canvas that examines strategies to integrate learners' voices, engage them in the active construction of knowledge, foster emotional connection and provide students with a choice of authentic assessments. Provides students hands-on experience with emerging technologies. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC080 Creating a Life of Purpose for Workplace Success
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 28 (8 lecture)
Focuses on the integral role that purpose plays in our lives - both professionally and personally - and how to discover, optimize, and align life purpose with employment for optimal health, happiness and success in the emerging "Purpose Economy." Combining concepts from brain science, several seminal books on purpose and leadership and the Japanese Ikigai model, we examine, define, and tie our life purpose to our day-to-day operations and interactions. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC081 Navigating Work and Life Transitions
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 28 (8 lecture)
Reconnected community living and working is the result of a multitude of factors that all work in tandem. Explore, identify, analyze and develop critical thinking regarding the factors involved in personally engaged community living. Knowledge into the creation of an individualized transitions strategy, or "plan," is applied. Learn to develop your social emotional intelligence and reconnect to yourself and your communities in ways that are personally and professionally meaningful. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC082 Creating Successful Life and Work Transition Plans
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 28 (8 lecture)
Explore, identify, analyze, and develop critical thinking skills to learn to adapt to a new environment while bringing your experience and strengths with you. Curriculum also includes strategizing and developing a life, housing & employment blueprint. Develop complex problem-solving skills for managing your personal and professional relationships and challenges in order to thrive during transitions and prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC083 Effectively Managing Workplace Stress
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Address one of the biggest individual and societal problems today: the high costs of stress. Define stress and the many ways it negatively affects our personal health and effectiveness as employees and leaders. Understand how stress cripples companies, organizations and communities. Take a stress assessment, and learn to proactively build resilience and lessen exposure to stress. Learn and practice techniques to help you more effectively handle the inevitable stresses you will encounter. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC084 Maximize Trust, Minimize Conflict
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Proactively build trust and relationships at work and in your personal life as a means to minimize conflict and better mitigate it once it occurs. Learn how to handle yourself in a conflict and how to restore trust and relationships after conflict has occurred. Conflict is inevitable and natural, and by understanding and practicing the skills that contribute to positive relationship building, we're in a better position to succeed in all aspects of our lives. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC085 Building Resilience in the Workplace
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Because of our global economy and our 24/7 access to the internet and technology, work is a constant presence in our lives. With more hours put in, and more stress related to work and work life balance, workers need to have and develop skills, techniques and mindsets that not only help them better cope, but thrive in the work environment. Course focuses on why resilience is key to success and on examining the foundational components of resilience and how to incorporate them into your daily life. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC086 Thriving in a Multigenerational Workforce
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
With up to five different generations in the U.S. workforce, we must better understand how this impacts workplace dynamics and effectiveness. This course explores the differences among the generations and develops the tools needed to capitalize on the strengths that each generation brings to better collaborate across generations for greater gains. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC087 Planning for Your Future Success in the Workplace
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lab)
Workplace changes as a result of cultural and global pandemic related shifts, client needs, new technology, and retirement of baby boomers require students to evaluate their current work skills to better position themselves as qualified candidates for future positions. Students use self evaluation to discover gaps in work experience and skills. They compare the differences between their current abilities and what a particular job requires and then develop a plan to bridge that gap and better prepare themselves to meet the requirements of the evolving workplace. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC088 The Art and Science of Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Feedback is critical to improving individual performance and organizational effectiveness. Sharing information on what can and needs to be improved helps optimize work processes and gets things done more efficiently. This class clearly outlines why the most successful organizations only exist in an atmosphere of open feedback and provides techniques and practical applications of best practices in giving and receiving feedback. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC100 Introduction to Nonprofits
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture, 0 lab)
Participants are introduced to the nonprofit sector and learn the differences between nonprofit and for-profit organizations. This course offers an opportunity to explore the operations of nonprofit organizations including governance, board development, strategic planning, fiscal management, legal obligations, evaluation, fundraising, advocacy strategies and collective impact. Practical application for employees at every level of an organization is emphasized. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC101 Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Explore and apply key strategic planning tools and processes for nonprofit organizations. Learn the foundations of strategic planning and how to implement a strategic planning process in a nonprofit organization. This course will demonstrate how to use strategic planning to develop organizational priorities, allocate resources to support priorities and create a strategic plan to strengthen impact. Practical application for organizations of every size is emphasized. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC102 Principles Fundraising
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Explore and apply key fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations. Learn the foundations of fundraising and how to develop a fundraising plan for a nonprofit organization. This course will discuss the art of the ask, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, donor stewardship and fundraising events. Practical application for organizations of every size is emphasized. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC103 Grantwriting
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn the fundamentals of grantwriting for nonprofit organizations and how to develop an effective grant proposal. This course will consider the complete grant cycle from identifying funders to writing effective proposals to reporting and grant management. Practical application for organizations of every size is emphasized. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC104 Marketing for Social Change
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Learn the essentials of marketing for nonprofit organizations and how to develop an effective marketing plan. This course will cover internal and external communication strategies, developing a marketing plan, branding, social media strategy and public relations. Practical application for organizations of every size is emphasized. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC200 Introduction to Generative AI
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Generative AI and its transformative potential for business operations. Students will explore popular AI tools and their applications, from automating content creation to streamlining workflows and enhancing customer engagement. The course will also cover the ethical implications and privacy considerations of using AI, ensuring responsible and informed implementation. By the end of the course, participants will have a foundational understanding of how AI can improve efficiency, drive innovation, and support professional and small business growth in a competitive landscape. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC210 Generating Content with AI Tools for Increased Efficiency
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Explore the fundamentals of leveraging AI tools to create high-quality, brand-aligned content. They will learn to define and apply voice, tone, and messaging consistency to ensure AI-generated content reflects their unique brand identity so that the copy does not sound robotic. Through hands-on exercises, students will refine AI outputs for clarity, engagement, and customization, transforming raw AI-generated text into polished, professional human sounding content. The course also addresses critical privacy considerations, equipping students with best practices for using AI ethically and securely. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to integrate AI-powered content creation into their workflows effectively and responsibly. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC220 Creating Graphic Designs with AI Tools
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- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
Introduces students to the power of AI-driven design tools for creating professional-quality graphics with ease. Participants will learn how to generate banners, brochures, social media graphics, business cards, and website visuals while understanding the principles of effective design. The course will also cover the legal and copyright considerations of AI-generated content, ensuring ethical and compliant usage. Additionally, students will explore how AI can assist in crafting basic website layouts, streamlining the design process for entrepreneurs and small businesses. By the end of the course, students will have the skills to leverage AI for visually compelling, brand-aligned designs. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC230 Validating Your Business Idea: From Concept to Clarity with Generative AI
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to assess the viability of a business idea through an AI-enhanced validation framework. Students will construct a business concept using the problem–solution model, evaluate market demand, and develop a Unique Value Proposition supported by customer segmentation, competitive analysis, and lean validation strategies. By the end of the course, students will be able to determine whether to advance, pivot, or discontinue their business idea, thereby conserving resources and maximizing potential impact. Course restricted to 98 repetitions
PROW NC240 AI to Grow Your Side Hustle
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 8 (8 lecture)
This course enables students to apply generative AI in the development of a comprehensive personal or professional brand. Students will learn to expand their audience, design and distribute digital content, and utilize AI-driven tools to support endeavors such as publishing, podcasting, and automated marketing. Upon completion, students will possess a brand-building toolkit and the competencies necessary to scale a side hustle into a sustainable and credible enterprise. Course restricted to 98 repetitions