Disability Studies ,Certificate
Ableism, Advocacy, Barriers, Culture, Diversity, Intersectionality, Social Construction
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.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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The certificate in disability studies requires 15 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper-division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the certificate requirements. |
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JUS 235 Disability, Justice and Advocacy
(HUAD)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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JUS 437 The Social Construction of Disability and Justice
(HUAD)
3 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 3 |
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9 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 9 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
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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.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Employ and critically assess core theories, models and perspectives that have contributed to the development of disability studies.
- Understand and identify representations of disability as historically specific and culturally contingent.
- Apply disability studies perspectives in the construction of social policy, engagement and advocacy.
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.
School of Social Transformation
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WLSN 5th floor
SSTadvising@asu.edu
480-965-7682
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
