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Disability Studies, Certificate

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Disability Studies (Certificate)

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

You can become a knowledgeable, flexible professional, change agent, researcher, educator and advocate by critically addressing diverse intersectional experiences, quality of life and justice issues, field-based applications, and research for ongoing learning and writing.

Program Description

Certificate Awarded: Disability Studies (Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in disability studies focuses on the creation of new knowledge and consequent practical implications in the area of disability. It coordinates courses into an individualized systematic plan of study that trains students to conduct disability research.

Students examine disability from diverse perspectives, including disability law and justice, cultural politics of disability, and family perspectives, as well as various research methods in disability studies. The program emphasizes examining and creating new theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches at different levels of analysis while analyzing topics of crucial importance locally and globally.


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 15 credit hours

Required Core (3 credit hours)
JUS 530 Social Policy, Critical Advocacy and Disability (3) or
JUS 565 Critical and Comparative Issues in Disability (3)

Electives (12 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for the pre-approved list of elective coursework. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in social sciences, education, social work, law, health care and health care policy or any related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.


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Learning Outcomes

  • Explain key theoretical perspectives contributing to the development of disability studies.
  • Critically examine and apply appropriate methodological approaches to the study of disability culture locally and globally.

Career Opportunities

A disability studies certificate can benefit individuals working within a variety of fields such as health care, human services, education, rehabilitation sciences and social work. Additionally, individuals with a disability certificate can work within a number of diverse settings, including:

  • advocacy associations
  • community and family support agencies
  • foster care agencies
  • gerontology institutes
  • hospitals
  • jails and prisons
  • nonprofit agencies
  • preK-12 schools
  • research centers and institutes
  • state and local disabilities agencies

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

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.

  • sstgraduate@asu.edu
  • 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
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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