Integrated Studies Program

The Integrated Studies (IS) Program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a non-credit certificate program designed for students with intellectual disabilities. Participants have the option to enroll in a two-year program (Level I) and continue for an additional two years (Level II). This IS program supports students at their current stage in their academic journey.

Program Details

  • The IS Program serves as an alternative pathway for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed their secondary education by obtaining a high school diploma or certificate.
  • This program offers a fully inclusive, experiential learning opportunity at the postsecondary level.
Three graduates in caps and gowns smile while holding an Integrated Studies diploma cover from Saint Joseph’s College. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Integrated Studies 2025 scaled
A group of people poses by a Christmas tree in a room where a digital sign welcomes Ethan LItalien to the Interdisciplinary Studies academic program. Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Four smiling women sit around a table covered in a large pile of colorful patterned socks, with two Down syndrome awareness signs displayed among them for an integrated studies academic program. Saint Joseph's College of Maine

The Integrated Studies Program: A Comprehensive Overview

Students with intellectual disabilities enrolled in Saint Joseph’s Integrated Studies (IS) Program will progressively cultivate their skills each semester. This skill development will occur through a combination of academic exploration, meaningful employment opportunities both on and off campus, and the enhancement of effective communication skills. Moreover, students will improve their capacity to live independently on campus and bolster their technological proficiency. The long-term goals of the IS Program encompass fostering increased independence in academic and personal realms, broadening employment experiences through valuable community job opportunities, and promoting deeper self-awareness.

Students in the program will collaborate closely with their academic advisors, program staff, and professional support both on and off campus to create a person-centered academic journey. This personalized plan will include auditing courses, engaging in internships, pursuing individual interests, and defining future employment goals. Upon completion of their experience, students will receive a non-credit certificate in Integrated Studies. As part of their academic journey, they will compile a portfolio showcasing their work. Additionally, they will graduate from SJC with a college transcript detailing their academic courses and internship experiences.

Throughout their time at SJC, students in the IS Program will receive the support needed to fully engage in the college experience. They will share meals with peers in Pearson’s Café, actively participate in clubs and activities that align with their interests, and gain independence through our Residential Living experience.

Admissions Criteria

To be considered for admission into SJC’s Integrated Studies Program, each applicant must meet the following criteria (Please click on the + sign to see more details):

  • Be at least age 18 at the start of the program;
  • Have a documented diagnosis of intellectual disability; Primary disability must be cognitive, not behavioral or emotional;
    • Have either received or would have been eligible to receive services under IDEA (i.e., had an IEP/504);
  • Have exited high school or a secondary institution with one of the following: diploma, GED, special education, or certificate;
  • Prefer that student is their own guardian at the start of the program; supported decision-making is encouraged;
  • Enrolled in Community Case Management/Support Coordination/OVR/waiver at the program’s start.
  • Likes to be around people (sociable);
  • Able to handle changes in routine; can be flexible in fluctuating circumstances;
  • Not defiant toward authority; can take direction;
  • Demonstrates the ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintains respect for self and others;
  • Has parents who will support their independence;
  • Be able to accept and follow campus rules and policies and behave respectfully towards others without supervision;
  • Has the potential to be successful in competitive employment situations. We highly recommend employment or at least volunteer, experience before entering the program;
  • Has the ability to independently self-administer and manage medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. Note: SJC personnel are not available to manage/administer medication and take no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs;
  • Be able to function independently in social situations such as being alone in the Alfond Center, academic buildings, cafeteria, etc.;
  • Meet SJCs immunization requirements.
  • Have their own cell phone; knows how to use it proficiently; understands basic phone/texting/messaging etiquette.
  • Be able to appropriately participate in 75-minute classes with necessary accommodations in place.

The Integrated Studies program is not a Dual Enrollment program.

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Admissions Process

/ Step 1

Complete the  Integrated Studies Inquiry Form

/ Step 2

Complete the FAFSA

A) Apply for outside scholarships
B) Consult Vocational Rehabilitation

/ Step 3

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or Individualized Support Plan (ISP) are required, along with any other pertinent documentation detailing additional disabilities or limitations. Send a copy of your most recent documentation to Holly Sanborn, Manager of Access and Accommodations at hsanborn@sjcme.edu with the subject line: Name, Documentation, Integrated Studies.

/ Step 4

Send a copy of your high school transcript to integratedstudies@sjcme.edu

/ Step 5

Have a Special Education Teacher complete a Recommendation Form

/ Step 6

Have a Community Member (boss, coach, spiritual leader, etc., but NOT a family member) complete a Recommendation Form

/ Step 7

After reviewing the documentation submitted, the IS Admissions Team will review the information. If a student’s application is complete and meets the criteria, an in-person visit will be scheduled. This will include student and parent/guardian interviews. Students will also be asked to take a brief technology assessment. Tours of the campus will also be available.

Tuition Information

Program Tuition: $26,670 per year*

  • Tuition: $13,335 (per semester)
  • *Wellfleet Health Insurance: $2,419 (waived with proof of insurance)
  • Health Facility Fee: $300 
  • Books, class materials, school supplies, damages, and parking decals are not included in the cost of tuition

Program Fee: $10,000 per year

  • Program support Fee: $5,000 (per semester).

Room and board: $16,320 per year

  • On-campus housing/meal plan: $8,160 (per semester).
  • Security Deposit: $250 (one-time fee)
  • All first-year students will be enrolled in Meal Plan A: 19 meals per week and $75 in flex per semester.
    • *Flex dollars can be spent at Baggot Street.

Financial Aid Resources

  • Think College has a helpful resource on paying for college.
  • Integrated Studies is an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program (CTP); Students should complete the FAFSA (May 1st) during their admissions process to determine if they are eligible for Federal Pell Grants, Supplemental Education Grants or Federal Work-Study. Because Integrated Studies is NOT a degree-seeking program, students will not be eligible for loans.
  • Students may be eligible for funding through Vocational Rehabilitation, if they are enrolled in VR and it is determined that this program is appropriate for their path. Please consult your VR counselor for more information.
  • Additional scholarships may be available through:
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Contact Information

For more information please email:
integratedstudies@sjcme.edu

Stephen Marositz, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor and Chair of the Education Department
Integrated Studies, Academic Advisor
207-893-7927
smarositz@sjcme.edu 

Holly Sanborn

Manager, Student Accessibility Services
207-893-7562
hsanborn@sjcme.edu

Victoria Bernier

Director, Academic Center for Excellence
207-893-7561
vbernier@sjcme.edu

Connor Dufour

Director, Residential Living & Community Standards
207-893-6608
cdufour@sjcme.edu

Shanna Webster

Associate Dean, Academic Success and Retention
207-893-7563
swebster@sjcme.edu

Additional program supports include:

IS Peer Partners are undergraduate student leaders who serve as positive role models and support partners to students with intellectual disability (ID). This role involves working closely with the Integrated Studies Program staff to implement various programming initiatives and assist with the academic and residential integration of IS students. As a resource to students in the IS program, becoming an IS Peer Partner also offers student leaders opportunities to develop transferable leadership skills and engage in continued professional development.

Best Buddies is an on-campus program that connects our college students with one-on-one friendships with individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Best Buddies focuses on inclusion and leadership development on and off campus. Members of the Best Buddies program participate in events and social gatherings across the region. On campus, the Best Buddies program hosts various events and hangouts.

Program Sponsors

With support from:

Maine Developmental Council logo

Maine Developmental Disabilities Council

Bangor Savings Bank logo

Bangor Savings Bank Foundation

The Integrated Studies program is based on Think College Standards and created with support from Gwynedd Mercy University and other successful programs.

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