Disability Studies, BA
Are you committed to making the world more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities? Explore how society shapes accessibility, inclusion and opportunity. You can examine the systems, attitudes and choices that widen or narrow who gets to fully participate in daily life and public spaces.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Disability Studies degree description
Disability is a basic feature of human diversity. In fact, people with disabilities form the largest minority group in the United States, making up approximately a quarter of the population. Disability studies has become an increasingly prominent academic field, providing you with a multifaceted understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of disability.
In the Bachelor of Arts program in disability studies, you are prepared to make a positive impact on society. You learn to confront the marginalization of people with disabilities and to acquire skills in research, advocacy and policymaking that are increasingly important in a variety of professions.
Format options
This program is offered in two formats: ASU Online and ASU Sync.
ASU Online: The online BA program in disability studies offers all coursework 100% virtually. Courses are typically offered in a 6-7.5 week format, and they're taught asynchronously (no set time to attend class each week). You access course content on your own schedule and complete assignments by preset deadlines.
ASU Sync: The disability studies Sync program is a flexible degree option that allows you to attend classes virtually or in person. Courses in the major (i.e., DST courses) are offered virtually, as either iCourses or live virtual lectures with faculty and peers (Sync classes). Courses required outside the major, such as general studies or electives, are offered in person or virtually as iCourses. You should review Class Search to determine course format options offered each semester and ensure that you can attend courses in the modalities available. The Sync program option is open to Arizona residents and nonresidents. Nonresidents should consider time zone differences because most Sync classes are scheduled according to local Arizona time.
Because of immigration requirements, international students on F-1 or J-1 immigration status are not eligible for the Sync program option.
Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Why study disability studies at ASU?
This program draws on an interdisciplinary approach that reaches across the social sciences and the humanities, with special emphasis on the arts, media and communication. Bringing these fields together gives you varied lenses for understanding disability.
You gain practical experience before you graduate through hands-on learning opportunities that connect your coursework to real-world applications. You complete a required internship, individualized instruction with a faculty mentor, or a capstone project to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your professional skills.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| DST 101 Introduction to Disability Studies |
| DST 322 Social and Cultural Implications of the Many Forms of Disability |
| HRC 200 Introduction to Social and Cultural Analysis |
| HRC 310 Social and Cultural Analysis: Method and Theory |
| DST 484 Internship |
| AMS 449 Hate Speech, Manifestos, and Radical Writings |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the disability studies program to deepen their understanding of the diversity and complexity of the world.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Health Worker | 12.7% | $51,850 | Learn more |
| Employee Training Manager | 6.4% | $133,000 | Learn more |
| Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (EEO Officer) | 3.8% | $80,730 | Learn more |
| High School Special Education Teacher | -0.2% | $74,260 | Learn more |
| Human Resources Manager | 5.5% | $149,280 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| News Reporter | -5.9% | $62,200 | Learn more |
| Politician | Not available | Not available | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Urban Planner | 3.9% | $89,320 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this disability studies degree prepares you for
Graduates find career opportunities in many fields, such as the arts, business, civil service, counseling, education, government, health care, law and social work, as well as with community and nonprofit organizations.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
|
FAB N101
HARCSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
