Each quarter, the counseling faculty teach Human Development (HD) courses. These courses range from 2-3 units (units) and are offered in a variety of formats: online, hybrid, or in-person weekend.
Human Development (HD) courses are designed to introduce students to mental health-related topics that enhance self-awareness and equip them with skills they can apply to their academic, personal, and professional lives. Key topics include self-esteem, self-compassion, stress management, goal setting, motivation, academic success strategies, relationship understanding, assertiveness, and exploring academic and career pathways.
These courses provide students with opportunities to engage with the material both individually and in groups. Students can learn from their peers’ experiences while also having time for personal reflection.
Grounded in psychoeducation, HD courses serve as an adjunct or alternative to traditional one-on-one or group counseling. They offer students who may not yet be ready or comfortable seeking counseling services the chance to explore important mental health topics. This approach promotes overall wellbeing, reduces mental health stigma, and encourages help-seeking behavior.
HD 101: Healthy Self-Esteem variable cr.
This course explores the theory and practice of positive self-image through readings, group discussions, self-assessments, and digital content. Students focus on understanding their behaviors as a reflection of their self-concept.
HD 110: Stress Management variable cr.
Presents methods and benefits of managing stress. Students learn to identify stress, become aware of stress sources, and understand the results of stress in terms of thoughts, feelings, and actions. Students discuss and practice various methods for reducing unwanted stresses.
HD 120: Learning Strategies for Student Success variable cr.
Develops skills that support successful college work. Students practice effective study techniques and learning strategies, and explore resources available on campus. Recommended: placement in ENGL 89 or above.
HD 125: Motivation and Empowerment variable cr.
Students identify and analyze unique sources of motivation to improve attainment of goals in academic and personal realms of life. Students critically examine their strengths, values, and goals. Students develop tools for taking personal responsibility, and accessing intrinsic sources of motivation to reach their highest potential in school and life.
HD 131: Understanding Personal Relationships 2 cr.
Explores personal growth through the development of interpersonal skills. Facilitates learning and growth in areas of cultural awareness and appreciation of differences, respectful communication resolution of interpersonal conflict.
HD 140: U.S. Race Relations 3 cr.
Students have the opportunity to critically examine the impact of racism and white privilege in the U.S. Students learn about themselves as racial beings and are taught how to engage in cross-racial dialogues about race and become active change agents in a multicultural society.
HD 157: Assertive Communication variable cr.
Develops awareness of personal communication styles and choices. Students practice skills that enable them to communicate directly and to get their needs met without denying the rights of others. Students will increase their self-awareness by exploring their communication patterns, irrational beliefs, and thoughts, as well as their culture, gender, race, and other diverse factors.
HD 173: Career Exploration variable cr.
Presents concepts and skills relating to determining an educational pathway and career. Topics include self-assessment of interests, values, skills, and personality; relating careers to educational and training options; researching jobs and careers; and decision-making and goal setting. This course aims to help students explore what it might take to experience personal satisfaction and fulfillment within and outside of their careers. Fee: $40.50 MBTI and the Strong Interest Inventory assessments.
Independent Study
HD 199 Individual Studies in Human Development (HD) covers directed readings, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. Prior to pursuing a HD Independent Study, check the Bellevue College Class Schedule for a full listing of HD courses. Most HD classes are 2-3 units (credits) and are offered in a variety of formats: […]
Last Updated December 15, 2025
