Program Director
Dr Linda Rhen
 [email protected] 

Program Coordinator
Sandy McBride
 [email protected] 

Olmsted Building 

Office Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Welcome to the Career Studies Program, a U.S. Department of Education approved Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP), where individuals with intellectual disabilities can obtain a high-quality, individualized post-secondary education that leads to social and professional networks, careers, and a bright future. Career Studies is an inclusive two-year, four-semester program that includes academic and social enrichment, career exploration, and practical work experiences. Our program mission is to provide enriching and inclusive post-secondary education and career exploration experiences that lead to independence and competitive employment. 

Program Themes and Principles

  • Embracing Diversity
  • Exploring Careers
  • Focus on Ability not Disability
  • Identifying Strengths and Interests
  • Importance of Work and Career
  • Inclusion
  • Independence
  • Learning and Growth
  • My Voice Matters!
  • Obtaining recognizable credentials
  • Person-First Language
  • Professionalism
  • Providing Supports - Fading Support
  • Self-Advocacy
  • Self-Determination
  • Sense of Belonging

These themes are supported by completing a person centered planning process, auditing academic courses, enrolling in Continuing Education courses, vocational theme mapping, job coaching, career field trip experiences, job shadowing, and practicums. Peer Mentors provide students with support in their academic classes as well as for other on-campus activities. Individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 25 who seek a higher education experience with a focus on career growth are encouraged to apply!

Celebrating National Pickle Day

Alexis Celebrating National Pickle Day

Credit: Penn State
Learning how to dance Bachata

Learning how to dance Bachata

Credit: Penn State
Basketball fun organized by peer mentors

Basketball fun organized by peer mentors

Credit: Penn State
Job Shadow at Frey Village – Learning how to fold silverware

Job Shadow at Frey Village – Learning how to fold silverware

Credit: Penn State
Job Shadow at the Fulton Theater – Fun at the Fulton

Job Shadow at the Fulton Theater – Fun at the Fulton

Credit: Penn State
Job Shadow at Marshalls – learning about retail operations

Job Shadow at Marshalls – learning about retail operations

Credit: Penn State
Creating a master piece in Intro to Art class

Creating a master piece in Intro to Art class

Credit: Penn State
Therapy Dogs visit Penn State Harrisburg

Therapy Dogs visit Penn State Harrisburg

Credit: Penn State
The gang on their way to a job shadow

The gang on their way to a job shadow

Credit: Penn State