Program: RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting and Educating) to the Top! Certificate - University of Southern Mississippi

Mar 29, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Bulletin

The RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting and Educating) to the Top! Certificate is an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual or other developmental disabilities. This program provides students a 4-year, 8-semester non-degree experience that incorporates academic enrichment, integrated work experiences, personal and social skill development, independent living skill development and participation in social/leisure activities.

Availability: Hattiesburg Campus

Admission Requirements:

See University Certificate Admissions
Must meet the RISE to the Top! Program eligibility requirements and apply for the program using this link: Transition to Adulthood | Institute for Disability Studies | The University of Southern Mississippi (usm.edu) and clicking on RISE To The Top!

Academic Policies and Requirements for Certificates:

See University Academic Policies for Certificates

Hours to Certificate: 10-24 hours

Certificate Curriculum:

Students will take one course each semester for a total of 8 courses (1-3 hours each),
Courses may be taken for a grade or audited, but a minimum of two courses (4-6 hours total) should be taken for a grade

Required courses (4-6 hours)

These courses may be graded or audited.

UNV 110 - University Studies 3 hrs.
BLS 491 - Experiential Learning Experience 3 hrs.
NPS 491 - Nonprofit Internship 3 hrs.
or other approved practicum or internship course. 1-3 hrs

Electives (6-18 hours)

Select courses (1-3 hrs) with the approval of advisor.

Co-curricular Requirements:

In addition to the course requirements, students will complete the following:

8 peer mentoring experiences (one each semester)
5 internship experiences
40 hours of service (a minimum of 4 hours each semester)