The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience

The UIC Certificate in Co-Operative Career Experience (Co-Op program) is a two-year, full-time program designed for students with intellectual disabilities and autism to prepare them for integrated and competitive employment opportunities in their community. This certificate is called the Co-Op Program because it uses Co-Operative Education methods. This means students learn through academic work in their classes and through practical work placements in the community. This combination prepares Co-Op students to pursue careers after certificate completion.

The Co-Operative Career Experience is a degree granting program. The pre-baccalaureate certificate is awarded by the Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD). The program requires a total of 36 credit hours. Full time students take a minimum of 9 credit hours (3 courses) per term over four terms (2 years). Students may request the option to take fewer credit hours per term as a part-time student. The 36 required credit hours are made up of 4 required courses (12 credits), 4 elective courses (12 credits), and 4 career “courses,” which include work placements (12 credits).

Co-Op students are encouraged to choose a Focus Area. Students will explore their Focus Area through elective coursework, related work placements, and mentorship from faculty. The Co-Op Program currently has three focus areas: 1) Arts and Culture, 2) Social Justice, Policy, and Leadership, and 3) Health and Care across the Lifespan. This certificate program is designed so all coursework is inclusive, which means all required and elective classes will include UIC students with and without intellectual disabilities.

In addition to UIC Campus Supports like the Disability Resource Center, the Co-Op program has a dedicated team that provides individualized support and resources. These include a full-time Academic Advisor, an Academic Coach, and a Career Coach.