Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2024 Regular Deadline Extension: June 6, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: Pending

The field of Disability Studies fosters a new understanding of contemporary culture, not only for people with disabilities but for society as well. The Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies provides an overview of this emerging discipline, including its philosophy and key concepts. In this certificate program, students will explore the impact on services and supports, and their delivery, to people with disabilities. They will also examine the importance of disability research, and its influence in the formation of public policies for people with and without disabilities.

Disability Studies offers a unique opportunity to examine disability from an interdisciplinary perspective, including the social sciences, humanities, science, social policy, and the law. Designed around the a fundamental belief that the direct experience of individuals with disabilities is paramount, and using the social model perspective of disability the advanced certificate program incorporates overlapping lenses through which students discover a new understanding of disability and society.

Career Prospects

The Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies prepares a new generation of leaders in community-based or governmental agencies. The certificate provides students with the skills to begin or advance in a career working with and for people with a wide range of disabilities. The program is also ideal for administrators, social service professionals, educators, advocates, as well as people with disabilities and their family members. Certificate credits may be applied towards the MA in Disability Studies degree program.

Meet Our Faculty

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for admission to advanced certificate programs must possess a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from a regionally accredited undergraduate institution. Applicants are also required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide one letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Applicants who meet the basic eligibility criteria may be asked to take part in an individual interview before final acceptance is determined.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall 2024 Regular Deadline Extension: June 6, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: Pending
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Angie Fuoco

Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies 2016

"Because of my CUNY SPS certificate, I’m tasked with more responsibilities for helping people with disabilities, which I love to do.”

Katherine Smith

Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies and MA in Disability Studies 2009 and 2012

"My CUNY SPS master’s degree in disability studies allows me to approach my job in a much different light....providing a more objective assessment.”

Daniel Chan

Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies, MA in Disability Studies, and MS in Disability Services in Higher Education 2015, 2016, and 2017

"My CUNY SPS degrees have given me the confidence and credibility to do my job.”

Recent News About Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies

Photo of Dr. Andrew Marcum, academic director of the CUNY SPS disability studies programs

CUNY SPS Celebrates Disability Pride Month With Spotlight On Faculty Keynote Address

July 01, 2024

Dr. Andrew Marcum, academic director of the CUNY SPS disability studies programs, delivered the keynote address at the CUNY Accessibility Conference this May.

CUNY SPS Student Leadership Award Ceremony keynote speakers Leonard Blades and Lennyn Jacob are interviewed by Associate Director of Student Life Anthony Sweeney

CUNY SPS Honors Student Leaders in an Inclusive Hybrid Ceremony

May 02, 2024

A record number of CUNY SPS student leaders from far and wide were honored in a ceremony that celebrated students' contributions to the School community. 

Pianist Brianna Matzke’s Tremors are at the Heart of The Response Project’s Newest Exhibit

May 01, 2024

City Beat

Profile of pianist Brianna Matzke, an alum of the CUNY SPS advanced certificate and MA in disability studies programs, who is premiering her piece Tremors at the American Sign Museum in Camp Washington.
CUNY SPS' Disability Studies MS program is a first of its kind.

CUNY SPS Faculty Member Reflects Upon Two Decades of Serving Students with Disabilities

April 17, 2024

Dr. Raymond Perez, a professor in the Disability Services MS program, empowers students as CUNY’s Interim University Director of Disability Programs and Inclusion Initiatives.