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

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

• Mariette Bates
• Ruthie-Marie Beckwith
• Maureen Belluscio
• Emily Brooks
• Sheryl Burgstahler
• Daniel K. Chan
• Kristen DuMoulin
• Cassandra Evans
• Mark Friedman
• Margaret J. Gould​
• Anne Haberer
• Neil Harbus
• Stephen Ippolito
• Devva Kasnitz
• Anne Kelsey
• Bethany LaLonde
• Brian Le Lay
• Jacqueline Leber
• Martha Mock
• Karen Nielson
• Raymond Perez
• Soudabeh Shayesteh
• Jitka Nelb Sinecka