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Disability Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Disability Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Disability Studies (Graduate Certificate)

Advocacy, Culture, Interdisciplinary, Intersectionality, Justice, biopolitics, embodied experience, lived experience

You can become a knowledgeable, flexible professional, change agent, researcher, educator and advocate by critically addressing diverse intersectional experiences, quality of life and justice issues, field-based applications, and research for ongoing learning and writing.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  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.

At a glance
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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person Rolling
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Critically examine and apply appropriate methodological approaches to the study of disability culture locally and globally.
  • Explain key theoretical perspectives contributing to the development of disability studies.
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
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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