Career and Community Studies (Non-Degree)

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 & 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.

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 career goals.
2. Gain confidence in critical and independent thinking, and use their own voice and vision in order to be active and informed citizens.
3. Understand basic concepts of the academic disciplines, and apply imagination and creativity as they begin a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
4. 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.

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 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 career goals.
2. Gain confidence in critical and independent thinking, and use their own voice and vision in order to be active and informed citizens.
3. Understand basic concepts of the academic disciplines, and apply imagination and creativity as they begin a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.
4. 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.

Submitting your English test score

When applying as an undergraduate or graduate student to Kent State, there are a variety of ways to submit your score depending on which type of test you took.

• Students should request that ETS send official TOEFL scores directly to Kent (institution code: 1367).
• An IELTS or PTE report needs to be uploaded as a scanned PDF into our online application system..

All English scores will be verified for authenticity. Students with fraudulent documents will result in denial of admission or immediate dismissal.

Proficiency Waivers

Depending on your educational background, you may be eligible for an English language proficiency waiver, meaning you do not need to take a language exam. See our country list and related requirements.

¹ Based on one academic year, two semesters for a full-time international student. Program and special course fees are additional.

² Based on a standard double room and basic board plan. Other room types and board plans at different prices are available.

³ Based on the Student Health Insurance premium for one year. The United States does not have universal health care. For this reason, the university requires all international students to purchase the sponsored student health insurance plan. Under certain criteria, a student may request a waiver of this charge.  Total is based on an estimated cost of the required books/supplies for each term and is subject to change each fall.

All international students are required to pay the $20 per semester International Student Activity Fee.  The fee is assessed each semester to support the delivery of the various programs ISSS provides to its students.

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.

Submit an Online Application and Fee

Prepare Application Documents to Upload as You Apply

• Passport biographical page.
• English Language Proficiency official results report for IELTS, PTE or MELAB. TOEFL score should be submitted officially through ETS (Institution Code 1367).
• College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language). 
• College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language). 
• GRE/GMAT or other standardized tests if required (submit official test report through test center).
• Graduate assistantship application (if applicable).
  • Assistantship application.
  • Graduate assistantship applicants may need to meet earlier deadlines. Please check with department for deadlines. 
• Additional documents if required. *Review requirements from individual department or school.
• Financial guarantee (bank statements) that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.*
• Kent State University Financial Information Worksheet.*
  • *Financial documents are only required after acceptance. 

Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Application Status

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.