NCABE 11: Mentorship for Student Success

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 1.25 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course pairs students with a faculty mentor who will provide encouragement and personalized support throughout their educational career in an identified Continuing Education program. This course is designed to provide continuity of mentorship for students, enhance a student's sense of self, develop social and cultural capital within an academic setting, encourage educational engagement, and increase a sense of belonging at MiraCosta College.

NCABE 92: High School Equivalency Preparation

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 6 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course prepares students to pass a high school diploma equivalency exam. It provides both online and in-person instruction as well as individualized coaching. The course introduces students to each of the high school equivalency subject tests, determines their present readiness, and provides an individualized course of study for each subject area. The course also provides students with information on exam costs, testing options, the scheduling process, information on further academic and/or career pathways, and more. Students may enroll in this course as many times as needed to support their success and completion of the diploma equivalency exams.

NCENG 15: Everyday Grammar (Career Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.72)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review grammar with a focus on the skills and tools that can be used to enhance real-world and workplace writing. Grammar principles focus on revision opportunities in personal and professional writing and the grammar mechanics of emails, letters, and other real-world documents. This course is ideal for students who want to review or practice personal and professional writing skills that can be used in everyday life. (May be repeated one time.)

NCENG 16: Academic Grammar (College Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1501.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review grammar with a focus on the skills and tools that can be used to enhance formal academic writing. Grammar principles focus on opportunities for essay revision and grammar mechanics for MLA and APA citation as well as common essay writing and revision tools. This course is ideal for students who want to review or practice the academic writing skills that will prepare them for college.

NCENG 17: Basic Skills: Reading and Study Strategies

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1520.00)
Course Typically Offered: ALTERNATING TERMS

This course helps students improve their reading comprehension and vocabulary in various academic and career-related subjects. It emphasizes fundamental reading comprehension skills, real-world, workplace, and academic vocabulary enhancement, and effective study habits.

NCENG 21: Everyday Writing: The Single Paragraph (Career Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.72)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review different types of simple real-world and workplace documents. Reading assignments include texts such as manuals, directions, short letters, and emails. Writing assignments focus on short written responses, such as personal and professional emails and workplace documents like cover letters. This course is ideal for students who want to review or practice personal and professional writing skills that will prepare them for everyday life as well as current and future jobs.

NCENG 22: Academic Writing: The Five Paragraph Essay (College Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1501.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review standard paragraphs and essays and the tools that can be used to enhance formal academic writing. Reading assignments include fiction and non-fiction texts from diverse authors. Writing assignments focus on writing and revision opportunities in crafting a standard five-paragraph essay. This course is ideal for students who want to review or practice the academic writing skills that will prepare them for college.

NCENG 23: Everyday Writing: Reports and Projects (Career Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (4930.72)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review different types of advanced real-world and workplace documents. Reading assignments include texts such as Pew research, home repair estimates, and academic or medical reports and evaluations. Writing assignments focus on longer written responses, such as personal and professional project proposals and career/vocation-specific writing. This course is ideal for students who already have some personal and professional writing experience or knowledge, but who desire more review and practice to enhance those skills for everyday life as well as for current and future jobs.

NCENG 25: Academic Writing: The Research Paper (College Preparation)

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1501.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students review different academic essay formats and the tools that can be used to enhance formal academic writing. Reading assignments include college-level texts from diverse authors. Writing assignments focus on writing and revising opportunities in crafting an academic research essay. This course is ideal for students who want to review or practice the academic writing skills that will prepare them for college.

NCENG 30: Sentence Crafting

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (1501.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course emphasizes sentence craft and effective communication in prose by reviewing basic grammar conventions while considering different audience expectations and circumstances. Topics include audience awareness, editing strategies, prescriptive versus descriptive conventions, voice, and sentence types. This course is intended for students who want to improve the efficacy and complexity of their prose at the sentence level.

NCENG 52: College Composition Skills and Support

Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: ENGL C1000.
Lecture 2 hours. (1501.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course offers intensive practice in the skills needed to read college-level texts and compose college-level essays. It provides support in developing skills and strategies for success in transfer-level writing classes. Students enrolling in this course must also enroll in ENGL C1000.

NCMTH 11: Number Sense & Arithmetic

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1701.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Number Sense & Arithmetic supports adult learners in developing essential mathematical skills and confidence. This course is intended for students seeking to strengthen foundational math skills or prepare for exams such as the GED. Topics include whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, with an emphasis on understanding, application, and numeracy.

NCMTH 12: Data & Probability

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1701.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Develops skills in data literacy, probability, and quantitative reasoning for real-world contexts. Students interpret and construct graphs, calculate percents, analyze measures of central tendency, apply basic counting principles, and solve simple probability problems. Supports readiness for higher education, workplace applications, and preparation for the GED exam.

NCMTH 13: Geometry & Measurement

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1701.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Develops skills in geometric measurement and problem solving for real-world contexts. Students calculate perimeter, area, surface area, volume, and apply the Pythagorean Theorem while working with polygons, circles, and three-dimensional solids. Supports readiness for higher education, workplace applications, and preparation for the GED exam.

NCMTH 20: Algebra 1A

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1701.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

An introduction to foundational algebra concepts, designed for adult learners with little or no prior experience. Topics include the real number system, algebraic expressions, linear equations and inequalities, graphing in the coordinate plane (including slope, intercepts, and parallel/perpendicular lines), functions, and systems of linear equations. This course supports learners from diverse educational backgrounds, promotes equitable access to college and career pathways, and is aligned with GED algebra standards and ICAS college-prep competencies.

NCMTH 21: Algebra 1B

Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to credit students.
Lecture 3 hours. (1701.00)
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

A continuation of introductory algebra concepts, designed for adult learners preparing for GED success, diploma enrichment, or transition to college and career pathways. Topics include exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring, and quadratic functions. Students will graph parabolas, interpret vertices and intercepts, and solve quadratic equations by factoring and using the quadratic formula. Instruction emphasizes inclusive and accessible approaches that support learners from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, and the course is aligned with GED algebra standards and ICAS college-prep competencies.

NCHLT 11: Spinal Fitness for Lifelong Learners

Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed to optimize strength and flexibility of the back and body. Students learn a variety of exercises and rhythmic movements, including low-impact weight-bearing exercise, resistance work with light weights, static stretches, and relaxation routines.

NCHLT 75: Balance and Mobility

Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 3 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for individuals at moderate risk for fall (e.g., self-identified balance problems, existing fall history, including the ability to stand and ambulate independently). Students must be able to stand and ambulate independently. The course adopts a multidimensional approach to balance-related problems. Activities target specific balance problems in a challenging training environment.

NCART 11: Intermediate Techniques in Painting

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for students with prior experience in drawing and painting who are ready to further develop their artistic skills. The course emphasizes advanced techniques in drawing, color theory, and composition. Students explore a variety of painting subjects, including still life, florals, landscapes, and abstract works, using media such as acrylics, oils, watercolor, pastels, and mixed media.

NCART 12: Advanced Techniques in Painting

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for students who know how to paint and draw and who feel confident about their abilities. The course covers advanced composition, color use, landscapes, and portraits. Students create a suite of paintings on a theme of their choice or follow a class syllabus designed to challenge the more experienced artist. Students are encouraged to use all media, including acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pencil, pen, and ink.

NCART 13: Acrylic Painting

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of acrylic painting, with an emphasis on color theory and essential techniques. Through a combination of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice, students plan and create a variety of paintings, including still life, abstract compositions, seascapes, and works emphasizing perspective. Students are responsible for providing their own materials.

NCART 15: Portrait and Figure Drawing and Painting

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers the fundamentals of drawing and painting portraits and the human figure, with an emphasis on accurate anatomy, proportion, and effective use of materials. Students work from clothed or nude models, photographs, and masterworks, and are expected to provide their own supplies.

NCART 17: Painting and Drawing

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course uses drawing as a foundation to inform and enhance students painting practice. Working primarily with graphite and charcoal, students explore color through water-based media, such as gouache, watercolor, and acrylic. The course encourages creative experimentation with mixed media, including ink, pastel chalk, and oil pastels. Students are responsible for providing their own supplies.

NCART 20: Basic Drawing and Sketching

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course covers the basic principles and techniques in drawing and sketching. Topics include the use of line to define form, cross-hatching, shading, rubbing, blending, values, and color. Students practice thumbnail sketches and use a variety of materials, such as graphite, colored pencils, markers, pen and ink, charcoal and pastel chalks, and oil pastels. Students are expected to furnish their own supplies.

NCART 31: Watercolor Painting, Beginning

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This class is designed to acquaint beginners with the techniques, properties, and materials of transparent watercolors. It exposes students to basic art elements, such as value, composition, color, textures, and drawing principles. Students plan and create several watercolor pieces that are critiqued by the instructor, and students must provide their own materials.

NCART 32: Watercolor Painting, Intermediate

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course in transparent watercolor painting is designed to improve the watercolor skills of an intermediate watercolor student. Assignments stress more advanced composition elements and originality. Students practice planning and executing watercolor pieces after faculty lecture and demonstration, and their work is evaluated during group critique sessions. Students are expected to provide their own supplies.

NCART 35: Watercolor Painting on Location

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this watercolor painting course, students apply previously learned skills in real-world settings through required, free weekly field trips to various outdoor locations across North County San Diego. Each class session takes place on location at a different site, where students practice watercolor techniques, explore principles of design and composition, and refine their drawing skills. The course encourages creative ways of seeing color and light while deepening awareness of the surrounding environment. Students provide their own materials and arrange their own transportation to each site. A list of locations will be provided on the first day of class.

NCART 70: Multimedia Sculpture

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Students learn sculpture techniques through a variety of media, including paper, plaster, clay, and assembly as well as from a variety of artists working in various media. The class offers creative ideas for the novice as well as new techniques for practicing artists. Students are expected to provide the materials needed to complete class projects.

NCHAS 12: Nutrition and Fitness for Better Health

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for seniors who desire to lose between five and forty pounds. The course emphasizes the development of nutritionally sound eating habits to reduce by one to two pounds per week. It also examines a variety of issues involved with successful weight management, including exercise, stress management, strategies for eating out, evaluation of fad diets, building confidence, and changing habits.

NCHAS 70: Body Conditioning Over Easy

Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 4 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for older adults with physical limitations in their feet, knees, and hips who still want to exercise. Class begins with a seated segment to warm-up and range-of-motion exercises and is followed by standing/seated low impact cardio and balance exercises. The next segment includes seated strength exercises using light hand weights and resistance bands, exercises to improve brain fitness, and range of motion exercises using small balls. The class concludes with standing and seated cool-down and relaxation exercises.

NCHAS 71: Body Conditioning for Older Adults

Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course teaches exercise techniques that meet the needs of older adults at all levels of fitness (beginning through advanced). Exercises include warm-ups, semi-cardio and cardiovascular workouts, mat routines, repetitious exercise for muscular toning, strength and endurance, balance, stretching, flexibility, and cool-downs. Students work at their own pace and levels of fitness. Pulse rates may be taken before, during, and after various exercises to gauge appropriateness of exercise level. As with any exercise program, a physician's approval is recommended.

NCHAS 85: Chair Yoga for Lifelong Learners

Prerequisites: None
Laboratory 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course is designed for older adults who desire to improve muscular endurance, flexibility, and balance and reduce stress. Students learn about the benefits of yoga as related to various age-related health issues. Using a chair for seated or standing support, students practice various yoga poses and breathing techniques to achieve range of motion, muscular endurance, and balance.

NCHAS 86: Beginning Tai Chi for Lifelong Learners

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This beginning-level tai chi course introduces older adults to the gentle, flowing movements of tai chi to improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and mental focus. The course emphasizes breath work, mindful movement, meditation, and relaxation. All exercises are taught in a safe, supportive environment and can be done standing or seated. No prior experience is necessary.

NCPSY 11: Self-Awareness Through Improvisation

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.25 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Especially for older adults, this course uses improvisation as a means of developing self-awareness, imagination, and creativity, thus enhancing the ability to interact socially. Classroom improvisation emphasizes thinking, listening, and reacting to others.

NCPSY 13: The Impact of Radio on Our Lives

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Designed for lifelong learners, this course invites you to revisit the golden age of radio. Explore how classic shows from the 1930s1950s shaped values and entertainment, then collaborate with classmates to read and perform original radio scripts.

NCWRT 10: Creative Writing

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This creative writing workshop accommodates all levels of writers and/or poets, from beginning to experienced, as well as all styles and forms of writing, including prose (fiction and nonfiction/memoir) and poetry. Students are encouraged to write on a regular basis, to write different kinds of materials, to develop a personal style, and to develop writing goals.

NCWRT 16: Genre Writing

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This creative writing workshop focuses on an in-depth examination of one genre of writing. It includes workshops for students to practice writing in the specified genre and provides ongoing feedback from both instructors and peers. This course accommodates all levels of writers and/or poets, from beginning to experienced. Students are encouraged to write on a regular basis, to write different kinds of materials, and to develop a personal style. Professional writers may serve as guest speakers, and students are encouraged to submit works for publication or production.

NCWRT 20: Life Story Writing

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.75 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This introductory workshop on life story writing and personal narrative guides students in sharing their life experiences through the art of essay and poetry. Readings and frequent writing assignments provide background and practice in writing memoir/personal narratives that are informed by one's experiences. Class sessions consist of writing exercises and improvisations designed to focus memory and strengthen perception. This course incorporates workshops to allow students to present works in progress to the group and to receive useful feedback and advice in order to engage more deeply and with greater insight during the revision process.

NCSPC 25: Effective Life Skills

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 10 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This course provides students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the skills to increase their independence in daily life. The course supports students' personal growth skills (identifying interests, aptitudes, values, needs, and personality characteristics; increasing self-esteem and self-advocacy; and setting goals), social development (improving conversational and social networking skills), and practical living skills (using community resources, managing money and time, solving problems, and making decisions).

NCSPC 26: Basic Academic Skills

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

This course focuses on increasing basic academic skills for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students work in areas of reading, writing, mathematics, use of basic computer applications, health and safety, communication skills, and overall problem solving. Class time includes individual and/or small group work with an emphasis on understanding the application of basic skills to real life with increased independence.

NCSPC 28: Basic Computer Skills 2 for Learners with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 5 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, and Summer

In this course, students with varying abilities build confidence using technology tools like Canvas, email, word processing programs, and web browsers. Students practice simple Internet searches and learn how to share and organize information through email.

NCSPC 30: Communication and Healthy Relationships

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This noncredit course is designed to help students with varying abilities develop practical communication skills and build healthy relationships. Students learn strategies for expressing themselves, active listening, conflict resolution, and fostering positive connections with others.

NCSPC 31: Healthy Habits and Practices

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This noncredit course introduces students with varying abilities to essential concepts and practices for maintaining physical health and wellness. Topics include physical fitness, nutrition, disease prevention, fall prevention, basic first aid, and accessing health care services. Students learn to identify internal cues for wellness and illness, make healthy lifestyle choices, and develop self-advocacy skills related to their physical health needs.

NCSPC 32: Arts for Wellness

Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2.50 hours.
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

This noncredit course introduces adults with varying abilities to the wellness arts, promoting holistic well-being through creative expression and mindfulness practices. Students explore various art modalities and techniques to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance overall quality of life.