Disability Studies (Graduate Certificate)
Reframe disability as a vital dimension of human experience and a site for social justice through interdisciplinary coursework and engagement with disabled communities. Learn to identify and dismantle physical, attitudinal and policy barriers that limit access and participation.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Certificate description
Disability Studies graduate certificate description
In the graduate certificate program in disability studies, you focus on the creation of new knowledge and consequent practical implications in the area of disability. Courses are coordinated into an individualized systematic plan of study that trains you to conduct disability research.
You examine disability from diverse perspectives, including disability law and justice, cultural politics of disability, and family perspectives, and through the use of 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.
Why earn a disability studies graduate certificate at ASU?
Study across disciplines at a major research university, drawing on faculty expertise spanning justice studies, sociology, history, gender and sexuality studies, global studies, religious studies and related areas. Based in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and linked to units like the School of Social Transformation, you tap ASU's strengths in social justice education, community partnerships and experiential learning.
Additional details
Beyond the classroom, connect with student organizations centered on disability, neurodiversity, mental health, chronic illness, accessibility and peer support. Explore campus offices and initiatives advancing accessibility, universal design, inclusive events and equity, along with university-wide events and lecture series that spotlight disability arts, culture, activism and scholarship.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
15 credit hours
Required Core (3 credit hours) Electives (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
JUS 530 Social Policy, Critical Advocacy and Disability (3) or
JUS 565 Critical and Comparative Issues in Disability (3)
Students should see the academic unit for the preapproved list of elective coursework. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Explain key theoretical perspectives contributing to the development of disability studies.
- Critically examine data addressing current and/or future issues in the study of disability culture locally and globally.
Explain key theoretical perspectives contributing to the development of disability studies.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants must 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information International students who need an F-1 or J-1 visa must apply to and be accepted to a graduate degree program before they will be 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling* |
*A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
Explore expanded study opportunities
Students can complete two graduate certificate programs and combine them into a Master of Advanced Study degree, giving ultimate flexibility to build their own master's degree. Interested students can learn more about MAS requirements and the admission process.
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this disability studies graduate certificate prepares you for
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
- pre-K-12 schools
- research centers and institutes
- state and local disabilities agencies
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 Social Transformation
|
WLSN 5th floor
sstgraduate@asu.edu
480-965-7682
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.
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.
