Master of Arts in Disability Studies

Format: Online
Application Deadlines
  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: November 7, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Regular Deadline: December 5, 2024

Please note there is no application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

The MA in Disability Studies online degree program, the first stand-alone program of its kind in the country, offers students a unique opportunity to examine disability from an interdisciplinary perspective, including the social sciences, humanities, science, social policy, and the law. Designed around the fundamental belief that the direct experience of individuals with disabilities is paramount and using the social model of disability, the program incorporates overlapping lenses through which students discover a new understanding of disability and society.

The degree provides students with the intellectual and methodological tools to assume greater responsibility and leadership in the future as service providers, advocates, researchers, or policy makers. Students study with renowned faculty from CUNY as well as expert practitioners from public and private organizations.

Graduates of the MA in Disability Studies are reflective, knowledgeable, and flexible professionals, researchers, educators, and advocates in their chosen disability-related field. Graduates think, write, and speak critically about:

  • Disability experience, both individual and social
  • Disability and the arts/creativity in disability culture
  • Improvement in quality of life and justice for people with disabilities
  • Field-based applications to disability-related practice
  • Research for ongoing learning and writing in disability studies

Career Prospects

The MA in Disability Studies prepares a new generation of leaders in community-based or governmental agencies. It provides students with the skills to begin or further a career working with and for people with a wide range of disabilities and is ideal for administrators, social service professionals, educators, scholars who wish to specialize in Disability Studies, people with disabilities or family members, and advocates.

Note: The MA in Disability Studies is a liberal arts degree that does not lead to certification or licensure in any of the applied professions (social work, special education, or rehabilitation counseling). The goal of the program is to provide students with the intellectual and methodological tools to enable them to assume leadership roles in providing services, formulating or changing disability policy, and advocating for removing barriers to full inclusion in public and private organizations and the broader society.

Scholarship Opportunities

Meet Our Faculty

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Please note that an individual interview may be necessary.

Background as a human services professional, advocate, researcher or policy maker is an advantage, but is not essential. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: November 7, 2024
  • Spring 2025 Regular Deadline: December 5, 2024
Apply Now

Student/Alumni Profiles

Molly Joyce

Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies; MA in Disability Studies 2021 and 2023

"My time at CUNY SPS has certainly informed my interest in academia overall and especially with conferences and publishing."

Nikki Wilkes

MA in Disability Studies / Advanced Certificate in Disability Services in Higher Education 2002 and 2023

"I returned to CUNY SPS to complete the Advance Certificate in Disability Services in Higher Education, and I have not regretted it. I am now working in my desired field as a disability access coordinator."

Matt Conlin

MA in Youth Studies / MA in Disability Studies 2021/2015

"For me, one of the more defining aspects of CUNY SPS is its community. I have found an incredible support system in my colleagues, peers, and mentors."

Danielle Lucchese

MA in Disability Studies 2016

"My experience as a disability studies student greatly influenced my role as an adjunct faculty member in the field, because I am able to take the knowledge I gained from the disability studies program and pass it forward."

Recent News About Master of Arts in Disability Studies

Photo of four speakers from 2024 Disability Summit and Z Degree logo

Disability Studies to Host Summit and Offer Money-Saving Degree Option

October 30, 2024

The program is pleased to announce an upcoming disability culture and technology summit and the launch of its zero textbook course bachelor's. 

CUNY SPS Eportfolio graphic

Five Students Honored in the 2024 ePortfolio Student Showcase

October 22, 2024

CUNY SPS judges selected the top five student ePortfolios for 2024 which are featured in a special showcase website. 

Federal NDEAM 2024 Poster

Commemorating Disability Employment Awareness Month 2024

October 15, 2024

The CUNY SPS Disability Access and Coalition is pleased to host several events in honor of the month and introduce its new chair.

CUNY SPS Disability Studies alum Molly Joyce composes soundtrack to documentary film Patrice The Movie

Patrice: The Movie

October 01, 2024

ABC News Studio

Two-time CUNY SPS graduate Molly Joyce ( Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies '21 and MA Disability Studies '23) composed the soundtrack for the ABC News Studios film, 'Patrice: The Movie.' The documentary examines the next frontier of marriage equality—disability. The film features a loving disabled couple who want to get married and spend their lives together—but they know that by even simply cohabitating, the government benefits they need to survive would be cut. The documentary is available to stream on Hulu.