Career Exploration Studies

Spend up to two semesters to explore NTID associate degree programs as you work with advisors to focus your academic and career interests before deciding on a major.


Overview for Career Exploration Studies

The career exploration studies program supports deaf and hard-of-hearing students who are undecided about which program of study to pursue. It allows them to collect information about associate degree programs in the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and career paths as they work toward entering a major.

This option allows students the opportunity to do an intensive career search while they develop a better understanding of themselves through career and personal counseling; intensive sampling of various majors at RIT/NTID; use of a computer guidance program in the Career Resource and Testing Center; interest testing; and interpretation of aptitude, ability, and achievement tests. In addition, students take courses in mathematics, English, and other liberal arts and sciences. Some students also take introductory courses in specific programs of study and are involved in extracurricular or other college-oriented activities.

A counselor/academic advisor is assigned to help you evaluate the information and make career decisions. You can remain in the career exploration studies program for up to two academic semesters.

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Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Career Exploration Studies

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Career Exploration Studies, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
First Year
NCAR-010
Freshman Seminar
The course provides incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students admitted to NTID undergraduate programs with opportunities to develop/enhance academic skills, personal awareness, and community involvement in order to maximize their college experience. Students will have opportunities to explore and navigate the college environment, develop/reinforce academic skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities while establishing meaningful connections with faculty, staff and peers. The course promotes the development of plans for ongoing growth and involvement in class and in the RIT/NTID and/or broader community. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall, Spring).
0
Choose one of the following:
3
   NCOM-120
   Problem Solving
A component of NTID’s Career Exploration Studies program, this course sharpens students' ability to think clearly, logically and creatively and to communicate knowledge effectively in an academic setting. To support their entry into college and their search for an academic program, students will learn critical thinking strategies for examining issues and solving problems. Course topics include solving problems using a problem solving process model; exploring problem solving tools and strategies using campus resources, professional and proactive communication behaviors and personal attributes for success; and applying knowledge of students’ rights and responsibilities to facilitate effective problem solving for academic and personal/social problems. The importance of thinking critically across various communication contexts (i.e., face-to-face interactions, written correspondence, group discussions, and presentations) will be stressed. (This course is restricted to NTID supported CARPRP-UND and CAREXP-UND program students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall).
 
   NCOM-206
   Effective Teams
This course focuses on the information and skills needed to be a knowledgeable, effective participant in small groups and teams. Topics related to group dynamics and team building are addressed at the practical and theoretical levels. These topics include characteristics of effective teams, stages of group development, how groups operate for different outcomes, group versus personal goals, the role of diversity, and group decision-making and conflict management strategies. (NTID Supported Students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).
 
 
Introductory Course in major
9
 
English*
6
 
Math*
6
Choose two of the following:
6
 
   English*
 
 
   General Education Perspective Course
 

* Specific course based on placement testing.