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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mission of Career and Community Studies?
Our mission is to provide a coordinated and comprehensive course of study that includes career exploration and preparation; self awareness, discovery and personal improvement, through a framework of liberal learning and community participation.
How does Career and Community Studies (CCS) differ from other postsecondary opportunities?
CCS core principles support the concept that enhancing academic, social, employment and life skills will better prepare our students to lead full and productive lives. CCS is a comprehensive college experience designed to raise the expectations of all students admitted to the program.
What do you mean by the words “transition” and “postsecondary” student?
A transition student is a student who is still receiving services from their local high school or from a Special Services school. A postsecondary student is a student who has completed their secondary education and who may have graduated from or terminated their services with their school.
What is the admission criterion?
An applicant must be between the ages of 18-25 years old and have an intellectual disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. Applicants are young adults who desire to continue their education and have the ability to benefit from a college based program. Applicants conduct must demonstrate independence, motivation and stability.
- Request an application (available on-line)
- Submit a completed student application packet and application fee
- Submit documentation
- Schedule a campus tour
- Participate in a Personal Interview
What is the application process?
How do I request a Student Application Packet?
Student Application packets are available on-line at www.tcnj.edu/~ccs/
How many applicants are offered admission each year?
Student applications are accepted in January and will be reviewed for the following fall semester. Admission decisions are made by May 25th.
Eight to ten full time students will be admitted each year for fall semester.
Is it a residential or commuter program?
CCS is designed as a commuter program as our on-campus residences are currently completely utilized and there is a shortage of housing. However, we continue to seek residential options. Some students live off campus in rental properties very close to campus.
What kind of certificate do I get?
Graduates will receive a Career & Community Studies (CCS) certificate of completion, with transcripts of all CCS credit courses and the development of a professional and digital portfolio.
What do I have to complete to get a certificate?
Students must complete 142 (CCS) credit hours to receive a certificate. The certificate comprises credits from CCS core coursework, independent study, internships and tcnj electives.
Note: CCS credits are specific to the CCS program, not applicable to any TCNJ degree program.
How many classes does a participant take each term?
Full time students will attend 4 core classes and participate in a variety of independent study coursework based on individual interest. Classes are scheduled M-F from 9am -3pm (allowing flexibility for transportation considerations) Some late afternoon and evening courses are also available to students should they select them.
Who will be teaching the coursework?
TCNJ Elective Courses are taught by TCNJ faculty. CCS courses are taught by NJ certified teachers with a Master degree.
Will there be student mentors?
There will be TCNJ peer student mentors drawn from throughout the campus. Mentors will assist CCS students both academically and socially with support to become fully integrated into the college community.
What are student fees?
The tuition rate for the 2010-11 CCS program is $10,000 per semester for full time (30 hours), not including On-Campus Recreation / Leisure Experiences. The summer tuition rate of $4,000 for summer session May 12th –June 20th. Tuition costs reflect the individualized nature of CCS that involves faculty and student mentor preparation; curriculum adaptation and development; and adequate support staff so that the CCS mission is completely fulfilled.
Are there opportunities for scholarships or grants?
Currently there are no scholarships or grants available. However, we will be working on an individual basis with each student to determine available support from private as well as community and state funding sources. Pell grants may be available soon pending federal dollars becoming available.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
Campus tours will be offered to students who are planning to apply to the CCS program the following fall term. Tours will occur after the Open House. To schedule a tour, call or email the Program Coordinator.
Rebecca Daley
(609)771-2381 or
daley@tcnj.edu
