At UCR, we believe that learning isn’t just about what you know. It’s also about how you learn, how you work with others, and how you engage with the world around you. That is where the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) trajectory comes in.

You will begin your PPD journey in your first year with a required 100-level course designed to support both your academic and personal growth. This course helps you build essential skills like critical thinking, academic writing, and effective communication, while also encouraging you to reflect on your own goals, values, and role in society.

During the PPD course, you will also take part in a civic engagement project. This hands-on experience connects classroom learning to real-world challenges and introduces you to the wider social impact you can make. You work with peers, instructors, and community partners to explore complex issues, while also getting an early look at the academic clusters you can study throughout your degree.

Throughout the course, you:

• Learn to find and critically analyze academic sources
• Formulate clear research questions, thesis statements, and arguments
• Strengthen your writing and presentation skills
• Set academic and personal learning goals
• Reflect on your progress and learning style
• Practice working effectively with others—both inside and outside the classroom
• Engage with diverse perspectives and understand the value of community knowledge.

PPD is more than a course. It’s a foundation for your entire UCR experience. The skills you develop here will help you succeed in future courses, make meaningful connections across disciplines, and prepare for life after graduation. Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s program, an international career, or something entirely your own, PPD gives you the tools to get there with confidence.