RCC Spring Classes
2026 Winter & Spring Tuition-Free Certificates & Classes
Here are the Tuition-Free certificates and classes offered at Riverside City College!
Applied Digital Media & Printing
The GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PROMOTIONAL PRINTING ENTREPRENEUR certificate provides students with an understanding of the design process, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
Illustrator, and promotional printing processes. The knowledge and competencies covered
in this program will enable the prospective students to function as entrepreneurs
in the graphic design and promotional printing industries. This certificate also serves
as a gateway into the Applied Digital Media and Printing department’s more comprehensive
credit programs.
Required Courses to earn certificate: ADM-801, ADM-802, ADM-803, ADM-804. (Note: Certificates can be completed in a single term or over the course of several
terms, subject to availability.)
ADM-802 Adobe Illustrator (In-Person)
Section #42295 • March 18 - April 8, 2026
A short course that focuses on the introductory vector-based illustration using Adobe
Illustrator for graphic design and printing entrepreneurs. 8.00 hours lecture and
8.00 hours laboratory.
ADM-803 Adobe Photoshop (In-Person)
Section #42296 • April 22 - May 13, 2026
A short course that focuses on the introductory image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop
for graphic design and printing entrepreneurs. 8.00 hours lecture and 8.00 hours laboratory.
ADM-804 Promotional Printing (In-Person)
Section #42297 • May 20 - June 10, 2026
A short course that focuses on the introductory promotional printing techniques and
press operations for graphic design and printing entrepreneurs. 8.00 hours lecture
and 8.00 hours laboratory.
Baking
The PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OF BAKING & PASTRY ARTS - Certificate of Completion.
Required courses to earn certificate: CUL-850, BAK-865, BAK-866, BAK-867, BAK-868,
BAK-869, BAK-870, BAK-871, BAK-872, BAK-873, BAK-874, BAK-880, BAK-881, BAK-882, BAK-883,
BAK-884
The INTERMEDIATE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN BAKING & PASTRY ARTS – Certificate of Completion.
Required courses to earn certificate: CUL-850, BAK-870, BAK-871, BAK-872, BAK-873,
BAK-874 .
BAK-868 Cookies and Brownies Basics (In-Person)
Section #45161 • February 23 - April 6, 2026
Lecture: Mondays, 3 - 5:20 pm • Lab: Mondays, 5:20 - 8:55 pm
Advisory: CUL-50 or CUL-850 or Food Handler Certification from Riverside County or
similar National Agency (ServSafe).
An introduction to cookies and brownies, including the various mixing methods, and
a deeper look into the different classifications of cookies. Students will produce
a variety of cookies and brownies using different mixing methods and make-up techniques.
Focus will be aimed at the use of various types of ingredients, and their effect on
the finished product. Discussion of the baking processes will provide a better visual
on why these processes are important to baked goods. Madeleines will also be discussed
in this course.
BAK-869 Custards and Creams (In-Person)
Section #42356 • February 21 - June 6, 2026
Lecture: Saturdays, 9 - 10:20 am • Lab: Saturdays, 10:20 am - 12:30 pm
Advisory: CUL-50 or CUL-850 or Food Handler Certification from Riverside County or
similar National Agency (ServSafe).
An introduction to the various custards and creams used in baking and baked goods,
including stovetop custards, baked custards, sauces, and chocolate creams. Emphasis
will be placed on the quality of finished product. Additional focus will include how
these items are used in the bakeshop, whether it be as a filling, garnish, or prepared
as a sauce. Items may include pastry cream, ganache, dessert sauces, dessert soufflés,
ice cream, and a variety of baked custards, such as crème brûlée, pot de crème, and
flan. The essentials of making meringues will also be discussed.
BAK-871 Pies, Tarts, & Filings (In-Person)
Section #45163 • April 21 - June 9, 2026
Lecture: Tuesdays, 3 - 5:05 pm • Lab: Tuesdays, 5:05 - 8:15 pm
Advisory: CUL-50 or CUL-850 or Food Handler Certification from Riverside County or
similar National Agency (ServSafe).
An intermediate course on pies, tarts, and fillings, including the crust, assembly
techniques, and baking. Students will be making and baking pies and tarts from scratch,
including all of the components necessary for them. A good pie starts with a good
pie crust, and the different types of doughs used for both pies and tarts will be
discussed in greater detail. Emphasis will be directed to the various types of fillings,
assembly, and finishing techniques.
BAK-873 Buttercreams & Cake Assembly Techniques (In-Person)
Section #45165 • February 19 - April 9, 2026
Lecture: Thursday; 3 - 5:05 pm • Lab: Thursday; 5:05 - 8:15 pm
Advisory: CUL-50 or CUL-850 or Food Handler Certification from Riverside County or
similar National Agency (ServSafe).
An intermediate course on making buttercreams from scratch, and various techniques
and skills involved with cake assembly techniques. Students will prepare and make
fresh buttercreams, including Swiss, Italian, and French, and assemble cakes for various
occasions. The classic European cakes will also be assembled in this class, and may
include gâteau l’Opéra, Dobostorte, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, Sachertorte, and Princess
Torte. Marzipan will also be highlighted in this course.
Computer Information Systems
The INFORMATION SYSTEMS: CYBER SKILLS Certificate will focus on cybersecurity areas of knowledge needed to enhance current IT skills
for those already employed in the IT field or assist with developing cyber-skills
for those exploring this as a career path. The courses will explore the tools that
are used regularly within the field. Topics covered will include exploration of the
field of cybersecurity, data confidentiality, integrity and availability and best
practices for Internet use and social media safety. The student will be exposed to
the use of virtualization software which is used extensively throughout cybersecurity
and IT careers in general. Protocol analysis will be covered using tools such as Wireshark
to demonstrate how to capture and analyze network traffic for cybersecurity incident
response and for network troubleshooting.
Required courses to earn certificate: CIS-825, CIS-826, CIS-827
CIS-830 Introduction to Python Programming, Part 1
Section #42497 (Hybrid) • March 7 - April 4, 2026 • Lecture: Saturday, 8 - 9:30 am,
and Online
Section #42498 (Online Asynchronous) • March 7 - April 4, 2026
Advisory: Know the fundamental computer concepts and terminology used for input, processing,
output, and storage. Know the basic features of software such as operating systems,
and basic applications programs.
Description: Introduction to the Python programming language by covering the basics
of programming in Python to develop business, gaming, scientific and mathematical
applications. 18.00 hours lecture.
CIS-831 Introduction to Python Programming, Part 2
Section #42499 (Hybrid) • April 25 - May 23, 2026 • Lecture: Saturday, 8 - 9:30 am & Online
Section #42500 (Online Asynchronous) • April 25 - May 23, 2026
Advisory: CIS 830
Description: Introduction to decision and iteration statements used in the Python
programming language to further advance the student in developing business, gaming,
scientific and mathematical applications. 18.00 hours lecture.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
ESL-846 Beginning American College English
Section #42020 • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Tuesday & Thursday; 8:10 - 10:40 am
Section #42021 • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Tuesday & Thursday; 6 - 8:30 pm
Section #45190 • March 16 – June 12, 2026 • Monday & Wednesday; 8:10 - 10:40 am
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at beginning level to prepare students
to enter ESL-847. Students will produce a minimum of 1,000 words or more of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on academic paragraph writing in response to reading. 90
hours lecture. (Letter grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
ESL-847 Lower-Intermediate American College English
Section #42022 • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Monday & Wednesday; 10:50 am - 1:20
pm
Section #42023 • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Monday & Wednesday; 6 - 8:30 pm
Advisory: ESL-846 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at a low-intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 848. Students will produce a minimum of 1,750 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on academic paragraph writing in response to reading. 90
hours lecture. (Letter grade or Pass/No Pass Option)
ESL-848 Intermediate American College English
Section #42024 (In-Person) • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Tuesday & Thursday; 10:50
am- 1:20 pm
Section #42025 (In-Person) • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Monday & Wednesday; 6 -
8:30 pm
Advisory: ESL-847 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 49. Students will produce a minimum of 3,000 instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on basic essay writing in response to reading. Classroom
instruction integrates writing lab activities. 90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory.
(TBA option) Letter Grade.
ESL-849 High-Intermediate American College English
Section #42026 (In-Person) • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Monday & Wednesday; 10:50
am - 1:20 pm
Section #42027 (In-Person) • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Tuesday & Thursday; 6 -
8:30 pm
Advisory: ESL-848 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an intermediate level to prepare
students to enter ESL 50. Students will produce a minimum of 4,500 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on essay writing in response to reading. Classroom instruction
integrates writing lab activities. 90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory. (TBA
option) Letter Grade.
ESL-850 Advanced American College English
Section #42028 (In-Person) • February 17 – June 12, 2026 • Tuesday & Thursday; 10:50
am - 1:20 pm
Advisory: ESL-849 or qualifying placement.
Designed for non-native speakers of English. Develops writing, reading, and oral language
expression in academic American English language at an advanced level to prepare students
to enter English 1A. Students will produce a minimum of 6,000 words of instructor-evaluated
writing with an emphasis on expository essay writing in response to advanced readings
from various sources and a novel. Classroom instruction integrates writing lab activities.
90 hours lecture and 18 hours laboratory. (TBA option) (Letter grade only)
Professional Development Studies
Professional Development Studies (PDS) provides quick, flexible courses designed to help you build the skills employers value most. These short, tuition-free classes can be taken on their own or combined into certificates that support career growth, job preparation, and workplace confidence. All courses are between 9 and 18 hours each.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS CERTIFICATE
- PDS-806 The Art of Negotiating and Collaborating
- PDS-807 Personality Styles and Difficult Relationships
- PDS-813 Best Practices in Customer Services
ENTERPRISE COMMUNICATION CERTIFICATE
- PDS-809 Business Writing in the Technological World (Required)
- PDS-812 Workplace Communication Strategies (Required)
- Choose Two Electives:
- PDS-806 The Art of Negotiating and Collaborating
- PDS-807 Personality Styles and Difficult Relationships
- PDS-813 Best Practices in Customer Services
FINANCIAL LITERACY CERTIFICATE
- PDS-816 Personal Finance
- PDS-817 Financial Future
SALES TECHNIQUES CERTIFICATE
- PDS-814 Closing Techniques that Win the Sale
- PDS-815 Winning Sales Scripts
SUCCESSFUL CAREER TRANSITIONS CERTIFICATE
- PDS-809 Business Writing in the Technological World
- PDS-812 Workplace Communication Strategies
- PDS-818 The Successful Job Search
PDS-807 Personality Styles and Difficult Relationships (Online Asynchronous)
Section #42651 • March 16 - 28, 2026
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 difficult relationships and
communicating in a way that matches the needs of all involved to achieve relationship
satisfaction and organizational objectives.
PDS-813 Best Practices in Customer Service (Online Asynchronous)
Section #42652 • March 30 - April 11, 2026
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.
PDS-814 Closing Techniques That Win the Sale (Online Asynchronous)
Section #42653 • April 27 - May 9, 2026
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.
PDS-815 Winning Sales Scripts (Online Asynchronous)
Section #42654 • May 11 - 23, 2026
More and more sales are now being done “inside” with sales persons contacting perspective
buyers using the phone and email. Learn how to maximize this revenue source and increase
the effectiveness of “inside” sale using scripts.
PDS-818 The Successful Job Search (Online Asynchronous)
Section #42655 • May 26 - June 5, 2026
Students interested in getting a job or progressing in their current career will learn
essential skills for successful transitions in the workplace. Topics covered include
identifying job markets and industries, conducting a comprehensive job search, networking,
creating a resume and cover letter, and effective interview techniques.