Program Director: Dr. Linda Rhen
Program Coordinator: Sandy McBride

Olmsted Building 

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

Update & Information Session
Career Studies will not be accepting any more applications for the Fall 2025 semester. However, if you're interested in learning more about the program, we invite you to attend our Information Session and Tour on March 19, 2025. 

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!

Group Photo by the Nittany Lion

Group Photo by the Nittany Lion

Credit: Penn State
Alexis is getting her resume reviewed by Career Services

Alexis is getting her resume reviewed by Career Services

Credit: Penn State
Camar working hard during his practicum with Maintenance and Operations on campus

Camar working hard during his practicum with Maintenance and Operations on campus 

Credit: Penn State
Chloe spending time at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library

Chloe spending time at the Madlyn L. Hanes Library 

Credit: Penn State
Dancing in the quad.

Dancing in the quad. 

Credit: Penn State
Daniel is playing foosball at the SEC

Daniel is playing foosball at the SEC

Credit: Penn State
Enjoying an evening at the Dream Scholarship event

Enjoying an evening at the Dream Scholarship event 

Credit: Penn State
High fives from the Lion at the welcome event

High fives from the Lion at the welcome event

Credit: Penn State
Jacy and peer mentor, Mackenzie, at Fall Fest

Jacy and peer mentor, Mackenzie, at Fall Fest

Credit: Penn State
Job Shadow at Nour Coffee Shop. Students made their own latte

Job Shadow at Nour Coffee Shop. Students made their own latte

Credit: Penn State
Maggie getting interviewed for being a part of Field Hockey

Maggie getting interviewed for being a part of Field Hockey

Credit: Penn State
Maggie in the pool during her Basic SCUBA class

Maggie in the pool during her Basic SCUBA class

Credit: Penn State
Patrick is completing puzzles with peer mentors, Yasmine and Crissy

Patrick is completing puzzles with peer mentors, Yasmine and Crissy

Credit: Penn State
Peer mentors planning a game of basketball at the CUB

Peer mentors planning a game of basketball at the CUB

Credit: Penn State
Practicum students at the Central PA Food Bank, where they work on essential job skills

Practicum students at the Central PA Food Bank, where they work on essential job skills

Credit: Penn State
Practicum students working at Humane Society

Practicum students working at Humane Society

Credit: Penn State
Sarah practicing Yoga during her academic class

Sarah practicing Yoga during her academic class

Credit: Penn State
Students and peer mentors enjoying time together

Students and peer mentors enjoying time together

Credit: Penn State
Tartil and peer mentor, Lucy, studying during academic support

Tartil and peer mentor, Lucy, studying during academic support

Credit: Penn State
Tyler is learning how to use a professional camera in his academic class

Tyler is learning how to use a professional camera in his academic class

Credit: Penn State