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Master of Science in Disability Services in Higher Education
- Spring 2024 Priority Deadline: November 2, 2023
- Spring 2024 Regular Deadline: December 7, 2023
The MS in Disability Services in Higher Education online degree program, the first program of its kind in the country, equips graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to provide mandated accommodations to students with disabilities in higher education settings. The coursework includes theoretical, conceptual, and practical information that provides graduates with sound philosophical grounding in addition to building skills that they will apply in the field.
The curriculum for the degree was developed with the participation of disability service office directors, lawyers familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADA/AA) as it applies to colleges and universities, assistive technology specialists, and educators to ensure that graduates will be prepared to assume significant responsibility in providing accommodations to post-secondary students with disabilities.
Students in this program will enhance their knowledge and skills to successfully:
- Advocate for equal access for students with disabilities in college settings
- Develop policies and guidelines for provision of services to students with disabilities
- Support students with learning, sensory, and psychiatric disabilities, and in the autism spectrum, as well as veterans with service-related disabilities
- Arrange access in dormitories, libraries, computer labs, and public college events
- Enter or advance in a career as a Disability Service specialist
Career Prospects
The MS in Disability Services in Higher Education is ideal for disability services office staff in colleges and universities, student services staff members, or higher education administrators. Accommodations specialists working in institutions that serve the public, such as sports arenas, libraries, parks, churches, or social service offices, will also find the coursework very valuable.
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 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.
Experience in providing disability services is valuable but not essential.
Application Deadlines
- Spring 2024 Priority Deadline: November 2, 2023
- Spring 2024 Regular Deadline: December 7, 2023
