The mission of KU-Transition to Postsecondary Education (KU TPE) is to ensure that students with intellectual and developmental disability (ID/D) have the opportunity to participate in postsecondary education at the University of Kansas through fully inclusive academics, career development, and student life activities with fellow Jayhawks. 

During the 2-year non-degree seeking program leading to the KU Transition to Postsecondary Education certificate students:

• take credit-bearing KU courses with needed accommodations and adaptations,
• participate in KU student clubs, organizations, and activities,
• have the option to live in KU Housing, and
• develop a career path including internships each semester. 

To be considered for admission students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A documented intellectual disability - this can be determined by:
  • IEP
  • Physician's documentation
  • Social Security Administration documentation
  • Psychological evaluation summary
  • Vocational Rehabilitation documentation
  • Physician's documentation
• Student with significant support needs in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior
• Aged 18-25 years old
• Demonstrate skills in navigating community and school environments with a willingness to learn new modes of transportation
• Demonstrated level of unsupervised independence (2-4 hours) using appropriate supports with potential to increase independence over time
• Desire to gain skills and experiences in:
  • Academic and adult learning
  • Career development and employment
  • Self-determination
  • Adult roles and responsibilities
• Established competence and responsibility for medications and self-care
• Past experience with work-based learning (e.g., in-school, volunteering, and/or paid employment)
• Desire for obtaining integrated employment upon completion of the KU-TPE program

Please visit the KU-Transition to Postsecondary Education Program admissions page for additional information.

• Students who pursue this certificate will be classified as non-degree undergraduates.
• The certificate is a 2-year program over 4 semesters. Students will be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester, and will take 4 required courses, with a minimum of 4 elective courses.
• Required courses: UNIV 101, EPSY 310, a Health & Wellness course and a Communications course as well as a career internship course each semester that align with student interest and identified career pathway.
• Elective courses: Specific KU coursework will be identified for enrollment that aligns with student interest and identified career interests.
• Students will participate in career development (C&T 175) for one semester and work-based learning internships (C&T 220) for three semesters. Internships are supervised by KU TPE staff and are on the KU Lawrence campus or within the Lawrence community.

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of career development processes and their application to securing integrated paid employment, through the creation of a high quality career portfolio.
• Enhance competence in self-determination and leadership skills, enabling effective decision-making, self-efficacy, and overall independence in academic, work-based, and adult living contexts.
• Apply academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations, linking theory to practice in the pursuit of career goals and employment opportunities.
• Develop personal, social, and leadership skills, fostering interpersonal growth and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple contexts (e.g. employment, academic, social, and living).
• Engage with and contribute to community participation, demonstrating the value of active involvement in social and professional networks.
• Cultivate adult responsibilities, applying practical knowledge in managing finances, budgeting, and understanding adult responsibilities in the context of career development and life choices.