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Career and Community Studies student cutting berries in the KSU greenhouse.

Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness - Non-Degree

Two-Year Program

The Career and Community Studies Employment Readiness program provides you with the tools and resources needed to develop essential employment skills, such as job search strategies, communication skills, workplace behavior and more. With experienced faculty and a supportive community, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to succeed in your career.

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Career and Community Studies - Employment Readiness - Non-Degree Program

Career and Community Studies offers a two-year, non-degree program that provides targeted education to prepare students to develop essential employment skills. Graduates of this program are job-ready and have become confident decision-makers in life and work.

Program Information for Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness - Non-Degree

Program Description

Full Description

Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness non-degree program offers a college experience meticulously designed to prepare individuals aged 18 and older, with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as autism, for the transition into adult life and the workforce. Students will learn and practice social skills, independent living skills and employment skills tailored for entry-level jobs. Participants emerge as self-determined individuals who can figure out what they want to do with their lives.

In the first year, the program helps individuals figure out their strengths, likes and what's challenging for them. It covers self-advocacy, understanding rights, personal development, health, and being aware of job skills. The second year builds on this, with more job opportunities and experiences on campus to boost awareness and success in both work and social skills. The goal is not just job readiness but also helping individuals become confident decision-makers in life and work.

Admissions for Career and Community Studies-Employment Readiness - Non-Degree

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.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Become more self-determined persons who are better prepared for independent living and the achievement of employment goals.
  2. Become critical and independent thinkers and use their own voice and vision in order to be active and informed citizens.
  3. Identify basic concepts of the employment and life disciplines and apply concepts to preparing for employment post graduation.
  4. Speak to 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.
Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CCS 00015SELF-ADVOCACY: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND THE LAWS 3
CCS 00020APPLYING TECHNOLOGY 1
CCS 00035SELF-ADVOCACY: COMMUNICATION SKILLS 3
CCS 00105INTRODUCTION TO JOB EXPLORATION 1
CCS 00115SELF-ADVOCACY AND SELF-DETERMINATION 3
CCS 00120PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: FRESHMAN 1
CCS 00135SELF-ADVOCACY: HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS 3
CCS 00145DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN 6
CCS 00010INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS I 3
CCS 00205JOB EXPLORATION I 3
CCS 00206JOB EXPLORATION II 3
CCS 00220PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: SOPHOMORE 1
CCS 00235SELF-ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INJURY PREVENTION 3
CCS 00245DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE 6
CCS 00292WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE 12
CCS 00335SELF-ADVOCACY: HEALTHY LIVING 3
CCS 00410EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATIONS 3
CCS 00425MANAGING MONEY AFTER COLLEGE 1
CCS 01095SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LECTURE 1
or CCS 01195 SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LABORATORY
or CCS 01295 SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN COMBINED LECTURE AND LABORATORY
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
CCS 00020 APPLYING TECHNOLOGY 1
CCS 00035 SELF-ADVOCACY: COMMUNICATION SKILLS 3
CCS 00115 SELF-ADVOCACY AND SELF-DETERMINATION 3
CCS 00145 DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN 3
CCS 00292 WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE 3
CCS 01095
or CCS 01195
or CCS 01295
SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LECTURE
or SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN LABORATORY
or SPECIAL TOPICS: FRESHMAN COMBINED LECTURE AND LABORATORY
1
 Credit Hours14
Semester Two
CCS 00015 SELF-ADVOCACY: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND THE LAWS 3
CCS 00105 INTRODUCTION TO JOB EXPLORATION 1
CCS 00120 PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: FRESHMAN 1
CCS 00135 SELF-ADVOCACY: HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS 3
CCS 00145 DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: FRESHMAN 3
CCS 00292 WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE 3
 Credit Hours14
Semester Three
CCS 00010 INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS I 3
CCS 00205 JOB EXPLORATION I 3
CCS 00235 SELF-ADVOCACY: INDEPENDENT LIVING AND INJURY PREVENTION 3
CCS 00245 DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE 3
CCS 00292 WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE 3
CCS 00410 EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATIONS 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Four
CCS 00206 JOB EXPLORATION II 3
CCS 00220 PERSON-CENTERED PLANNING: SOPHOMORE 1
CCS 00245 DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: SOPHOMORE 3
CCS 00292 WORK EXPERIENCE: SOPHOMORE 3
CCS 00335 SELF-ADVOCACY: HEALTHY LIVING 3
CCS 00425 MANAGING MONEY AFTER COLLEGE 1
 Credit Hours14
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Kent Campus