Program Director: Dr. Linda Rhen
Program Coordinator: Sandy McBride 
Assistant Program Coordinator Kate Maddalena

Olmsted Building 

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

Upcoming Information Session
 November 11, 2026. 
Registration will be available in early September
Register Now! 
If you have questions, please contact: Sandy McBride [email protected]

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.

Mission Statement

Our program's 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
  • Self-Direction
  • 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 Exploration Tours, practicums and job coaching. 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!

A group of Career Studies students and staff pose together beside the Nittany Lion statue on Penn State Harrisburg's campus.

Career Studies students and staff gather for a group photo near the Nittany Lion Shrine on Penn State Harrisburg's campus.

Credit: Penn State
Career Studies students and peer mentors smile while walking together on a campus sidewalk.

Career Studies students and peer mentors enjoy a walk together around Penn State Harrisburg's campus.

Credit: Penn State
Andrew and Sam hold caricature drawings of themselves while standing outdoors on campus.

Andrew and Sam proudly display caricature drawings created during a campus event.

Credit: Penn State
Career Studies students and peer mentors pose together in graduation attire during a graduation celebration.

Career Studies students and peer mentors celebrate together during a graduation ceremony.

Credit: Penn State
Chloe stands outside on campus using a camera to take photographs for a photography class assignment.

Chloe practices her photography skills while taking photos around campus for class.

Credit: Penn State
Gabbi seals a food donation box while working at the Central PA Food Bank during her practicum experience.

Gabbi packages food donations while completing her off-campus practicum at the Central PA Food Bank.

Credit: Penn State
A group of Career Studies students pose and smile after participating in the Mobile Rage Room event.

Career Studies students celebrate after participating in the Mobile Rage Room event.

Credit: Penn State
A group of Career Studies students stand together outdoors holding scholarship awards at the D.R.E.A.M. Scholarship Event.

Career Studies students proudly display their awards during the D.R.E.A.M. Scholarship Event.

Credit: Penn State
Ethan and peer mentor Q sit together in a classroom during a class activity.

Ethan and his peer mentor, Q, work together during a class activity.

Credit: Penn State
Skye organizes medical and wellness supplies in the Student Health Services office during her practicum.

Skye sorts and organizes health supplies during her practicum in Student Health Services.

Credit: Penn State
Career Studies students dressed for a formal event pose together outdoors before the Latino Gala.

Career Studies students gather together before attending the Latino Gala.

Credit: Penn State
Katie and peer mentor Faith sit together at a table during an academic support session.

Katie and her peer mentor, Faith, work together during an academic support session.

Credit: Penn State
Ethan lifts a dumbbell while seated in a wheelchair at a fitness center.

Ethan participates in a fitness support session while exercising in the campus fitness center.

Credit: Penn State
Shriya uses a hair dryer to dry a painting while working in an art classroom.

Shriya uses a hair dryer to help dry her artwork during Intro to Painting.

Credit: Penn State
Members of the first Unified Bocce team pose together in a gym while holding bocce balls.

Career Studies students and their partners celebrate being part of the program's first Unified Bocce team.

Credit: Penn State
Sam stands with members of the campus Grounds Crew outside near maintenance vehicles.

Sam poses with members of the Grounds Crew during his on-campus practicum experience.

Credit: Penn State
Nate, Gabbi, and Shriya smile while petting a therapy dog at a campus wellness event.

Nate, Gabbi, and Shriya spend time with a therapy dog during the Paws and Unwind event.

Credit: Penn State
Sam uses a rake to maintain outdoor campus grounds during his practicum.

Sam helps maintain campus grounds while completing his on-campus practicum.

Credit: Penn State
Nashawn performs a bench press exercise with instructor support during a resistance training class.

Nashawn builds strength and fitness during his resistance training class.

Credit: Penn State
Career Studies students pose together during a job exploration visit to Nour Coffee.

First-year Career Studies students visit Nour Coffee as part of a job exploration tour.

Credit: Penn State
Gabbi and Luis sit at a table playing Uno together.

Gabbi and Luis enjoy a game of Uno during a student activity.

Credit: Penn State
Luis and Nate organize clothing on store racks during their off-campus practicum at Boscov's.

Luis and Nate organize clothing displays while completing their practicum at Boscov's.

Credit: Penn State
Skye and peer mentor Kayla sit at an outdoor table enjoying lunch on campus.

Skye and her peer mentor, Kayla, enjoy lunch together outside on campus.

Credit: Penn State