Four-Year Program

• Year one of the program is designed as a foundation with courses covering disability issues, personal development, health and wellness, and preparing for a rigorous college experience. 
• Year two allows students to extend their knowledge and skills in participating in college-level courses and other campus environments. 
• Years three and four focus on career-field specialization with courses in independent living, life-long learning competencies, and career development and employment, as well as internships in the community where students apply their learning in jobs of choice.

Career and Community Studies Curriculum

The curriculum in the four-year Career and Community Studies program ranges from independent living skills, social skills, healthy living, career exploration, disability awareness, and self-determination. Courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed to improve the quality of their life and adult outcomes. 

Kent State Primary Courses

Students also take what we call KSU primary courses. KSU primary courses are Kent State elective courses that are taught by other professors and instructors at the university. Students can take up to two Kent State courses a semester along with their CCS curriculum courses. 

Career Courses

Students take Career and Community Studies Career Courses to help them narrow career possibilities and learn to work in different types of environments in order to help them find a realistic career path. CCS faculty will work with each student to find a career path of their choice. Jobs are available for students to work in a field of interest and to develop occupational skills to increase their employment success upon graduation.

Internships and Practicum

Students work in jobs on- and off-campus to fulfill requirements for practicums and internships. These placements prepare students for an entry-level, competitively paid job after graduation. 

Learn more about our students' internships in our Student Stories!