Master of Science in Disability Services in Higher Education

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Application Deadlines
  • Fall 2026 Extended Priority Deadline: April 23, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Extended Deadline: June 11, 2026

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

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


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

  • Fall 2026 Extended Priority Deadline: April 23, 2026
  • Fall 2026 Regular Extended Deadline: June 11, 2026
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Student/Alumni Profiles

Headshot

Leonard Blades

MS in Disability Services in HIgher Education

"I saw the degree as an opportunity to give back and help other students with disabilities, the same way I was once assisted, so that they can obtain their desired degree. "
Daniel K. Chan

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.”
Kate Shannon

Kate Shannon

MS in Disability Services in Higher Education 2022

"Within 2 months of obtaining my CUNY SPS degree, I was offered a position as assistant director for the Center of Student Disability Services at a private university in New York State."
Marilyn Harren

Marilyn Harren

MS in Disability Services in Higher Education 2019

"Due to my degree, I was able to get a salary increase at my state college and then was offered a new job about nine months after graduation.”

Recent news about Master of Science in Disability Services in Higher Education

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Green Mountain Self-Advocates

CUNY SPS Disability Studies Program adjunct faculty members Mark Friedman, Ph.D., founder of the website MyTechforAll, and Ruthie-Marie Beckwith, Ph.D., a national leader in disability rights, were the featured keynote speakers at the Green Mountain Self-Advocacy Conference in Vermont, attended by more than 600 self-advocates, family members, and professionals. Their keynote presentation focused on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support people with disabilities in everyday life, promoting greater independence, communication, and opportunity. Through live demonstrations and practical examples, attendees learned how AI tools can assist with job interviews, doctor visits, communication, organization, and daily decision-making. The session also emphasized the importance of using AI safely and responsibly while helping bridge the digital divide for people with disabilities.
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CUNY SPS's Office of Student Life hosted its second annual Lavender Graduation and sixth annual Black Student Union Graduation, honoring the Class of 2026 LGBTQIA+ and Black graduates with hybrid celebrations.

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May 18, 2026

CUNY SPS Blog

The City University of New York proudly presented its second annual “50 Under 50” alumni list earlier this year. CUNY SPS three-time alum Leonard Blades (MS in Disability Services in Higher Education '20, Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies '22, and MA in Disability Studies '25) was named to the prestigious list. As part of the CUNY SPS blog's “50 under 50” series, Blades talks about his great love of CUNY and how the University has impacted his life.

How CUNY Made Me An Advocate for Students with Disabilities

May 13, 2026

CUNYVerse

CUNY SPS alum Luis Gutierrez (MS Disability Services in Higher Education '24) shares his fascinating journey through higher education in this blog post CUNYVerse. Gutierrez earned four degrees within the University system and now works at Guttman Community College as assistant director of AccessABILITY services.
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CUNY SPS Marks CUNY Disability Awareness Month with Events and Alumni Spotlight

April 07, 2026

In honor of this important month, CUNY SPS invites all members of the community to attend some upcoming events and read about several alumni from the School's groundbreaking online disability studies programs.