Career and Community Studies Undergraduate Academic Certificate
The Career and Community Studies Certificate will be earned by students participating in Vandal QUEST (Quality University Experiences to Support Transition), an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the University of Idaho. Vandal QUEST students enroll in credit-bearing University of Idaho courses, and this certificate will serve as a culmination of their efforts. This certificate includes QUEST-specific course work that focus on employment skill development through instruction and internship (EDCI 1110-1140). Students also enroll in other University of Idaho courses to develop specific skills (e.g., COMM 1101) and other electives that align with their personal and professional goals as approved by an advisor.
All required coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better (O-10-a).
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDCI 1110 | Employment Foundations | 1 |
| EDCI 1120 | Finding & Maintaining Employment | 1 |
| EDCI 1130 | Healthy Workplace Relationships | 1 |
| EDCI 1140 | Employment Capstone | 1 |
| COMM 1101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 |
| INTR 1010 | Focus on Success | 1-3 |
| Advisor-Approved Electives | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 17-19 | |
Courses to total 17 credits for this certificate
Career Preparation and Development: Students will be able to identify jobs or careers that align with their personal strengths and interest and demonstrate the requisite skills to find and maintain employment. This will include soft skills and job-specific skills.
Community Engagement: Students demonstrate an ability to connect with community resources, be able to geographically and socially navigate their community, and understand how to engage with other members of the community.
Academics: Students will demonstrate new academic skills and knowledge. This includes both knowledge related to academic courses, study skills, and strategies to learn and retain new information.
Self-Determination and Self Advocacy: Students will be able to recognize their wants and needs and also have the skills and knowledge to obtain these. Students will be able to advocate for their needs.
Independent Living: Students will demonstrate skills to live as independently as possible. These include, but are not limited to, skills related to personal finances (money management), healthy choices, shopping, personal safety, home maintenance, and relationships.