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Master of Arts in Disability Studies
- Fall 2023 Regular Deadline: May 18, 2023
- Fall 2023 Regular Deadline Extension: June 1, 2023
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
- Mariette Bates
- Maureen Belluscio
- Emily Brooks
- Sheryl Burgstahler
- Daniel K. Chan
- Matthew Conlin
- Kristen DuMoulin
- Cassandra Evans
- Mark Friedman
- Margaret J. Gould
- Beth Haller
- Neil Harbus
- Stephen Ippolito
- Devva Kasnitz
- Anne Kelsey
- Bethany LaLonde
- Jacqueline Leber
- Dani Lucchese
- Martha Mock
- Joan Murray
- Karen Nielson
- Raymond Perez
- Soudabeh Shayesteh
- Jitka Nelb Sinecka
Admissions Criteria
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an 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
- Fall 2023 Regular Deadline: May 18, 2023
- Fall 2023 Regular Deadline Extension: June 1, 2023
