In between, the candidates will meet for a town hall in which people get to question them on both topics.
The lone debate between Vice President Joe Biden and his GOP counterpart also will cover both areas.
Obama and likely challenger Mitt Romney are scheduled to debate Oct. 3 in Denver, Oct. 16 in Hempstead, N.Y.; and Oct. 22 in Boca Raton, Fla.
Vice President Joe Biden and his counterpart are to meet Oct. 11 in Danville, Ky.
The Commission on Presidential Debates has sponsored the official presidential and vice presidential debates since 1988.
