Coursework

The non-degree certificate program includes a two-year core track focused on independent living skills, transition to campus life, and workforce development.

Courses are divided into four domains which include Independent Living, Social/Communication, Leadership and Occupational Preparation.

Students take anywhere from 18-21 hours of classes each week between the hours of 9:00am-4:30pm. Classes are all located on campus.

Occupational Preparation (5 Credit Hours per Semester)

Occupational Skills

This class will explore a variety of Occupational Skills and related worksite tours. This course includes a variety of opportunities such as visiting many work site locations and speaking with individuals within the workforce. This class not only has lecture type classes but also includes lab trips to put into practice what the students are learning in class regarding occupational skills and development. In the second through fourth semesters students will replace work site visits with 15-30 hours of supervised work placement locations with a hope of securing employment for the last semester.

Mock Classroom

The Mock Classroom course establishes an opportunity for Country Roads students to engage with a diverse group of West Virginia University faculty and students from various disciplines. Students are introduced to the structure, pace, and presentation of existing WVU courses outside of the program. In the most applied version of this course, students engage with other students in an established WVU course of their interest.

Computer/Technology

In this class, we will learn how we use technology at school, work, and in our personal lives. As students continue through the four semesters, they will continue to learn more specific skills that can be reflected on their resumes.

Social/Communication Skills (4 Credit Hours per Semester)

Relationships

This course is designed to provide Country Roads students with the skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain healthy relationships. The course on healthy relationships. his course is specifically designed for students with cognitive and developmental disabilities and aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for learning about important topics related to relationships and self-care.

Communications

This course is an introduction to communication studies. It provides students the opportunity to develop their skills in both the personal and professional situations by practicing these skills and applying to scenario situations in class.

Writing

This course introduces you to technical writing and reading skills that contribute to a successful professional career. A technical writing skill is the ability to write professionally related documents (e.g., emails, proposals, reports, summaries). We will practice good writing skills such as using the appropriate punctuation, capitalization, and grammar in all activities we do in this course. We will learn how to write strong responses in a variety of work and social situations as well. Lastly, we will practice reading passages to improve our reading comprehension.

Leadership/Advocacy (3 Credit Hours per Semester)

Self- Advocacy/Determination

In this course, students will learn to identify their own personal strengths and needs as well as learn about their own emotions. Throughout this course, we will be focusing on the emotions of optimism and pessimism. It is important to explain to students that there are no “right” or “wrong” feelings. What is important is that students know how to recognize their feelings and how they influence their behaviors so they can ensure that their responses are appropriate.

Health & Well-Being

This course is designed to teach students the fundamental skills and knowledge for engaging in individualized physical activity on WVU campus. This course will support students in developing physical activity behaviors to sustain healthy lifestyles at WVU and beyond.

Team Building

For most of us, teamwork is an integral part of our daily lives. Whether we are at home, in the community, or at work, we are expected to be effective team members. It is the goal of this course to encourage students to explore the different aspects of a team as well as ways to get to the top of their game as a team member.

Independent Living Skills (3 Credit Hours per Semester)

Medical Management

This class is the first in a series of courses for medical management and will explore basic medical/ health management concepts such as neurodiversity, medication management, alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping, screen time, sleep, street safety, and sex, as well as mental health and student health services at WVU. This course’s focus is health knowledge for how your body works and how to stay healthy Independent.

Living Skills Lab

This class will explore a variety of necessary Independent Living Skills needed for the transition to college living and participation. This course includes a variety of hands-on learning opportunities and community outings.

Smart Money

Students will gain understanding of basic financial literacy topics including goal setting, savings, budgeting, credit, digital citizenship. Students will also learn to make more informed spending decisions.