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Disability Studies ,BA

Disability Studies, BA


Activist, Advocacy, Community, Empowerment, Equality, Exclusionary, Exclusions, Health, Justice, Justice Studies, Legal, Legislation, Legislative, Planning, Social Justice

Do you have a passion for improving systems and creating a better, more equitable future? Gain the tools and skills needed to craft inclusive policies for governments, corporations and nonprofit organizations that positively impact individuals with disabilities.

Program description

Disability is a basic feature of human diversity. In fact, people with disabilities form the largest minority group in the United States, making up approximately a quarter of the population. Disability studies has become an increasingly prominent academic field, providing students with a multifaceted understanding of the social, cultural, political and economic dimensions of disability.

The BA program in disability studies prepares students to make a positive impact on society. Students learn to confront the marginalization of people with disabilities and to acquire skills in research, advocacy and policymaking that are increasingly important in a range of professions.

Format options
The disability studies Bachelor of Arts program is offered in two formats: ASU Online or ASU Sync.

ASU Online: The online Bachelor of Arts in disability studies program offers all coursework 100% virtually. Courses are typically offered in a 6--7.5 week format, and they are taught asynchronously (so there is not set time to attend class each week). Students access course content on their own schedule and complete assignments by preset deadlines.

ASU Sync: The disability studies Sync program is a flexible degree option that allows students to attend classes virtually or in person. Courses in the major (i.e., DST courses) are offered virtually, either as iCourses or live virtual lectures with faculty and peers (Sync classes). Courses required outside of the major, such as general studies or electives, are offered in person or virtually as iCourses. Students should review the Class Search to determine course format options offered each semester to ensure they can attend courses in the modalities available. The Sync program option is open to Arizona residents and nonresidents. Nonresidents should consider time zone differences as most Sync classes will be offered in local Arizona time.

Due to immigration requirements, international students on F-1 or J-1 visas are not eligible for the Bachelor of Arts in disability studies Sync program.

Students seeking to use GI Bill® benefits for ASU Sync programs should contact the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available on the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Students deepen their understanding of the diversity and complexity of the world when studying abroad. Study abroad programs provide a valuable opportunity for students to add cultural knowledge to their studies on disability. When studying abroad, students expand their scope of learning and gain personal and professional experience beyond the comfort zone of their home country.

With more than 300 programs in more than 65 countries, opportunities exist nearly anywhere students want to go. More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education Office website.

Career opportunities

Graduates from this program find career opportunities in many fields, such as the arts, business, civil service, counseling, education, government, health care, law and social work, as well as with community and nonprofit organizations.

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
14.1%
$46,190
6.5%
$120,000
4.6%
$71,690
0.5%
$63,560
5.2%
$130,000
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
-3.3%
$55,960
3.4%
$48,090
9.1%
$74,240
3.7%
$79,540
* 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

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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