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Disability Studies ,Certificate

Disability Studies, Certificate


Ableism, Advocacy, Barriers, Culture, Diversity, Intersectionality, Social Construction

Challenge your views of disability through the voices of diverse, disabled cultures. Study social constructions of disability through ableist media portrayals, stereotypes, institutional abuses and exclusionary school policies by examining the lived experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities, their families and communities.

Description

As a vibrant and diverse area of academic study, disability studies utilizes a cross-disability, intersectional and interdisciplinary approach that views disability as a social construct and people with disabilities as a minority group. In the program in disability studies, students draw upon diverse disciplines such as history, sociology, law, policy studies, economics, anthropology, geography, philosophy, theology, gender studies, media studies, architecture and the arts in order to understand the social, cultural and political situation of disabled cultures, or people with disabilities.

Students are critically challenged to reject simplistic definitions of disability as a restrictive, functional impairment that requires fixing or curing. Rather, students learn to identify disability as a construct that finds its meaning within cultural contexts, is central to individual and social identity, and is crucial to changing political processes and public attitudes.

This program prioritizes development of theoretical, methodological, educational and advocacy models that redefine legal, physical, policy and attitudinal barriers that exclude disabled communities from society.

At a glance
Program requirements

Students must complete 15 credit hours with at least 12 hours completed at the upper-division level. A minimum grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) is required for a course to count toward the certificate. Students should contact the School of Social Transformation advising center for more information.
Required Courses -- 6 credit hours
Elective Courses -- 9 credit hours
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements

Students enrolled in the BA or minor in disability studies offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences are not prohibited from adding this certificate.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

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:

  • Employ and critically assess core theories, models and perspectives that have contributed to the development of disability studies.
  • Understand and identify representations of disability as historically specific and culturally contingent.
  • Apply disability studies perspectives in the construction of social policy, engagement, and advocacy.
Career opportunities

Graduates who have combined the certificate in disability studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

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 the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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