Disability Studies, Certificate

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Minors and Certificates
  3. Disability Studies, Certificate (Certificate)

At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Redefine your understanding of disability by examining the lived experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities, their families and communities. Engage in research and advocacy to address challenges in media, education, institutions and public policy.

Program Description

Disability studies is an exciting and diverse field that looks at disability in the context of the wider world. Instead of seeing disability only as a medical issue, this field studies it as something shaped by society and culture. It also sees people with disabilities as an important and protected group. This program combines ideas from many disciplines --- including history, sociology, law, politics, economics, geography, religion, gender studies, media and art --- to understand the lives and experiences of people with disabilities around the world.

Students in this program are encouraged to think critically and challenge the idea that disability just means something is "wrong" or needs to be cured or fixed. Instead, they learn how disability can be part of someone's identity and how society's rules, attitudes, and systems often make life more complex for people with disabilities.

The program also focuses on creating new ideas and strategies through education, law, policy and advocacy that break down the physical and social barriers that keep people with disabilities from fully participating in everyday life.

Learning Outcomes
  • Employ and critically assess core theories, models and perspectives that have contributed to the development of disability studies.
  • Apply disability studies perspectives in the construction of social policy, engagement and advocacy.
  • Understand and identify representations of disability as historically specific and culturally contingent.

Program Requirements

Enrollment Requirements

Students in any major, including the major or minor program in disability studies offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, are permitted to add this certificate.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


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Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in disability studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in law, education, public service, and human welfare and social work.

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Social and Human Service Assistants

  • Growth: 6.4%
  • Median Salary*: 45120
  Bright Outlook

Community Health Workers

  • Growth: 11.3%
  • Median Salary*: 51030
  Bright Outlook

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

  • Growth: 3%
  • Median Salary*: 78420

Educational, Guidance and Career Counselors and Advisors

  • Growth: 3.5%
  • Median Salary*: 65140

Lawyers

  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 151160

Healthcare Social Workers

  • Growth: 7.7%
  • Median Salary*: 68090
  Bright Outlook

Mental Health Counselors

  • Growth: 16.8%
  • Median Salary*: 59190
  Bright Outlook

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 62190

Rehabilitation Counselors

  • Growth: 1.4%
  • Median Salary*: 46110

Social and Community Service Managers

  • Growth: 6.4%
  • Median Salary*: 78240
  Bright Outlook

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook | Green Occupation Green Occupation

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-7682


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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