Adult Basic Education
Free online classes to help you build skills, finish high school, or prepare for the GED
College of the Desert offers free noncredit classes to help adults build important skills and reach their educational goals. The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program includes basic skills classes in reading, writing, and math, as well as programs to earn a High School Diploma or prepare for the GED test.
Basic Skills
Build your reading, writing, and math skills.
Basic Skills classes help adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Students who complete these courses are better prepared to continue their education, including GED preparation, the Adult High School Diploma program, or college, and to look for better job opportunities. As you complete basic skill courses on the way towards earning your High School Diploma or GED, you can also earn ABE Certificates in English, Math, or Reading.
High School Diploma
Complete the classes you need to finish high school.
High School Completion classes cover the subjects needed to earn a high school diploma. Students who complete the required coursework and pass the Proficiency Exams will receive an Adult High School Diploma from College of the Desert. Read more about the ABE High School Diploma, including how to get started and how to get credit for courses you've completed at other institutions.
GED Preparation
Get ready for the GED test.
GED preparation includes subjects such as social studies, math, reading, language arts, and science. This program helps students get ready for the official GED test. The GED (General Educational Development) is an accepted alternative to a high school diploma and is recognized by employers, colleges, training programs, and government agencies. Read how the GED Preparation course can help you prepare to take and pass the GED.
Flexible Learning
Start when you are ready and learn at your own pace.
ABE classes are open entry, which means you can begin taking classes when you are ready. Students can enroll throughout the term, and no prior education is required. Classes are self-paced and student-centered, so you can learn at a speed that works for you.
Free Online Classes
Study from anywhere at no cost.
All ABE noncredit classes are tuition free. Because classes are offered online, students can study from anywhere.
Enrollment Steps
- Start your application.
- Complete the online Noncredit Admission Application (available in English and Spanish).
- Need step-by-step help? See Completing a Noncredit Program Online Application.
- We can help you get started.
- Have questions or need help with the process?
- Go to the Noncredit Program Registration webpage for more information and resources.
- Visit the Admissions and Records Non-Credit Office (Palm Desert campus, South Annex, Room 15)
- Phone: (760) 776-7348
- Email: abepd@collegeofthedesert.edu
- A counselor can help you plan your next steps. Would you like to talk with one?
- ABE Counselor: Juan Jose Moreno Ibarra
- Phone: (760) 862-1336
- Email: jumoreno@collegeofthedesert.edu
Advisors
Alison Airhart
aairhart@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.568.7509
Elena Cruz Santoyo
ecruzsantoyo@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.776.7293
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
ABE 300 Adult Basic Education Units: 0
This course is designed to provide basic skills instruction in reading, writing, math, and survival skills in everyday living.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 320A Fundamentals of English Units: 0
This course provides basic grammar skills which prepare students for high school completion and GED testing. Students prepare to pass the adult high school proficiency essay examination, the GED essay examination, or the college assessment test.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 320B Fundamentals of English Units: 0
This course provides a secondary level in English grammar and further experience in essay writing. Students learn to write coherent descriptive, definition, expository and current event essays.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ABE-320A and/or transcript evaluation.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 320C Fundamentals of English Units: 0
This course provides students the opportunity to refine their skills in writing the narrative and persuasive argumentative writing. Students learn to write coherent expository, narrative, persuasive and current event essays. They also type a job application letter and resume.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 320D Fundamentals of English Units: 0
This course prepares students to use critical thinking and dictionary skills.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 323A American Literature Units: 0
This course provides a study of representative American writers. Students evaluate two novels written by a selected author according to point of view, plot, style, emotional appeal, and character development. Students critique the author, comparing their opinion of the work to that of a published opinion.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 323B World Literature Units: 0
This course provides an opportunity to explore the works of a few of the world's greatest authors. Students research the life of one or two authors from a provided list. Students address point of view, plot, style, emotional appeal, characters and how the book has affected the history of society.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 324A Reading Control Lab I Units: 0
This course is designed to assess vocabulary and comprehension levels in students.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 324B Reading Control Lab II Units: 0
This course is designed to teach reading to adults. Credit is applicable towards a high school diploma.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 326A U.S. History I Units: 0
This course provides the history of the United States from exploration through the Civil War.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 326B U.S. History II Units: 0
This course provides the history of the United States from Reconstruction of 1865 to the present.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 328A American Government Units: 0
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the principles and structure of government.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 328B Economics Units: 0
This course is designed to help students recognize the role and importance of the individual consumer in the world economy.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 332A World History I Units: 0
This course covers major elements in Western Civilization related to the Modern World. Emphasis is placed upon prehistory to the 18th century cultures.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 332B World History II Units: 0
This course covers major elements in Western Civilization related to the Modern World from the 18th century to today's world.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 334 U.S. Citizenship Units: 0
This course provides instruction of American History and United States Government in preparation for becoming a citizen of the United States.
Noncredit Hours: 40 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 335A World Geography I Units: 0
This course provides basic information on regions of the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Russia, emphasizing their geographical features.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 335B World Geography II Units: 0
This course provides basic information on regions of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, emphasizing their geographical features.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 342A Practical Basic Math I Units: 0
This course provides practical math skills from basic computation to simple equations. Self-instructional materials allow self-paced study.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 342B Practical Basic Math II Units: 0
This course provides practical math skills from basic computation to simple equations. Self-instructional materials allow self-paced study.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 344A Math for Living I Units: 0
The course helps students understand the concepts of basic math and how they apply to consumer skills necessary for life situations.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 344B Math for Living II Units: 0
The course helps students to apply the concepts of basic math skills to everyday life situations.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 346A Algebra I Units: 0
This course provides basic algebra skills including simple equations, use of formulas, exponents and factoring. Self-instructional material allows self-paced study.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 346B Algebra II Units: 0
This course provides basic algebra skills including simple equations, use of formulas, exponents and factoring. Self-instructional material allows self-paced study.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 348A Life Science Units: 0
This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge of science as related to all living things. Students study animals, plants, the human body, ecology, heredity and evolution.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 348B Physical Science Units: 0
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the forms of matter and energy that make up the physical universe. Students study the things around them. Two areas covered are chemistry and physics.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 348C Earth Science Units: 0
This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge of science as related to themselves and their range of experiences. Students study the earth's land, water and air. Fields of focus are geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 351A Marine Science Units: 0
This high school level course provides the study and understanding of the ocean. Students will investigate the scientific world of ocean organisms and its physical characteristics. Science concepts such as plate tectonics, food and energy transfer and the properties of water will be comprehensively explained.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 361A Fine Arts: Art Units: 0
This course teaches the student the history of art through the perspective of artists from around the world. The course focuses not only on the artists' work, but also on various biographical facts of the artist.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 361B Fine Arts: Music Units: 0
This course familiarizes the student with the different forms of music and provides a survey of the history of music.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 361C Fine Arts: Theater Units: 0
This course introduces and familiarizes the student with the various forms of theatrical performances.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 364 GED Test Preparation Units: 0
This course is designed to prepare students for the GED examination.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 368A Beginning Typing - Keyboarding I Units: 0
This course focuses on basic keyboarding skills using a computer. Students learn all keys on the keyboard by using a computerized exercise program.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 391A Health Issues I Units: 0
This course provides information on health issues with emphasis on methods for coping and guidelines for planning good health.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None
ABE 391B Health Issues II Units: 0
This course provides information on health issues with emphasis on substance abuse, prevention of diseases, and recognition of warning signs.
Noncredit Hours: 80 Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None CalGETC: None

