School of Lifespan Development and Educational Sciences
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes
About This Program
The Career and Community Studies program provides you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of career paths, from social work to community development. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience, you'll gain practical skills that can be applied in your daily life and career. Read more...
Contact Information
- Program Director: Vonnie Michali | yhale@kent.edu | 330-672-0725
- Speak with an Advisor
- Chat with an Admissions Counselor
Program Delivery
- Delivery:
- In person
- Location:
- Kent Campus
Admission Requirements
The program is limited to 10-12 students each fall. Students participating in the program experience intellectual and developmental disabilities that may affect some intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Other qualifications include documentation of past successful work, academic, leadership, and community participation. Also required for admission are a completed application, reference letters, and an in-person interview with the CCS admission committee.
Program Requirements
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) | ||
CCS 00005 | 1 | 1 |
CCS 00010 | INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS I | 3 |
CCS 00015 | SELF-ADVOCACY: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND THE LAWS | 3 |
CCS 00020 | APPLYING TECHNOLOGY | 1 |
CCS 00025 | MANAGING MONEY IN COLLEGE | 1 |
CCS 00030 | 1 | |
CCS 00035 | SELF-ADVOCACY: COMMUNICATION SKILLS | 3 |
CCS 00040 | 3 | |
CCS 00105 | INTRODUCTION TO JOB EXPLORATION | 1 |
CCS 00110 | INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS II | 3 |
CCS 00115 | SELF-ADVOCACY AND SELF-DETERMINATION | 3 |
CCS 00120 | PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: FRESHMAN | 1 |
CCS 00125 | 1 | |
CCS 00130 | 2 | 1 |
CCS 00135 | SELF-ADVOCACY: HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS | 3 |
CCS 00140 | 3 | |
CCS 00205 | JOB EXPLORATION I | 3 |
CCS 00210 | ||
CCS 00235 | SELF-ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INJURY PREVENTION | 3 |
CCS 00292 | WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE | 3 |
CCS 00305 | ||
CCS 00310 | ||
CCS 00335 | SELF-ADVOCACY: HEALTHY LIVING | 3 |
CCS 00392 | WORK EXPERIENCE: JUNIOR | 3 |
CCS 00405 | 3 | |
CCS 00420 | 3 | |
CCS 00492 | WORK EXPERIENCE: SENIOR | 4 |
CCS 00505 | 3 | |
CCS 00520 | 3 | |
CCS 00592 | 4 | |
CCS 00605 | 1 | |
CCS 00606 | 3 | |
CCS 00692 | 1-12 | |
CCS 00705 | 1 | |
CCS 00706 | 3 | |
CCS 00792 | 1-12 | |
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA) | ||
CCS 00196 | 3 | 1-3 |
CCS 00296 | 3 | 1-3 |
CCS 00395 | 4 | 1-4 |
CCS 00396 | 3 | 1-3 |
CCS 00495 | 4 | 1-4 |
CCS 00496 | 3 | 1-3 |
CCS 00595 | 4 | 1-4 |
CCS 00695 | 4 | 1-4 |
CCS 00795 | 4 | 1-4 |
Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 111 |
- 1
Students enrolled in CCS 00005 also will attend sessions of UC 10001.
- 2
Students enrolled in CCS 00030 and CCS 00130 also will attend sessions of different Physical Activity, Wellness and Sport (PWS) courses.
- 3
Students enrolled in CCS 00196 will need prior approval from their CCS academic advisor and the topic must pertain to a career field of interest.
- 4
Students enrolled in special topics courses also will attend sessions of Kent State courses selected in consultation with an advisor.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA | Minimum Overall GPA |
---|---|
2.000 | 2.000 |
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Become more self-determined persons who are better prepared for independent living and the achievement of career goals.
- Gain confidence in critical and independent thinking, and use their own voice and vision in order to be active and informed citizens.
- Understand basic concepts of the academic disciplines, and apply imagination and creativity as they begin a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical implications of their own actions, and be positive role models who contribute to societal views concerning inclusion, community, and tolerance for diversity.
Full Description
Career and Community Studies is a college-based, transition, non-degree program to prepare students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and autism (ages 18 and older) for adult life through academic pursuits, peer socialization, and career discovery and preparation. The program integrates inclusive classes, a typical college experience, and a transition curriculum to assist students in achieving adult roles and a quality of life in a community of their choice.
The first year of the program is designed as a foundation with courses covering disability issues, personal development, health and wellness, and literacies. Year two allows students to extend their knowledge and skills in participating in college-level courses and other campus environments. The last two years 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.
The Career and Community Studies Program (CCS) is excited to offer two new two-year programs (Career and Community Studies-College Preparation and Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness)for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism in addition to the four-year plan of study. The programs are non-degree and require 60 credits to graduate.