Disability Studies (Certificate)
Program Description
Certificate Awarded: Disability Studies (Certificate)
The graduate certificate program in disability studies focuses on the creation of new knowledge and consequent practical implications in the area of disability. It coordinates courses into an individualized systematic plan of study that trains students to conduct disability research.
Students examine disability from diverse perspectives, including disability law and justice, cultural politics of disability, and family perspectives, as well as various research methods in disability studies. The program emphasizes examining and creating new theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches at different levels of analysis while analyzing topics of crucial importance locally and globally.
Degree Requirements
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours)
JUS 530 Social Policy, Critical Advocacy and Disability (3) or
JUS 565 Critical and Comparative Issues in Disability (3)
Electives (12 credit hours)
Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the pre-approved list of elective coursework. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in social sciences, education, social work, law, health care and health care policy or any related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.
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Learning Outcomes
- Explain key theoretical perspectives contributing to the development of disability studies.
- Critically examine and apply appropriate methodological approaches to the study of disability culture locally and globally.
Career Opportunities
A disability studies certificate can benefit individuals working within a variety of fields such as health care, human services, education, rehabilitation sciences and social work. Additionally, individuals with a disability certificate can work within a number of diverse settings, including:
- advocacy associations
- community and family support agencies
- foster care agencies
- gerontology institutes
- hospitals
- jails and prisons
- nonprofit agencies
- preK-12 schools
- research centers and institutes
- state and local disabilities agencies
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- sstgraduate@asu.edu
- 480/965-7682