DISABILITY STUDIES PROGRAMS BA IN DISABILITY STUDIES MA IN DISABILITY STUDIES MS IN DISABILITY SERVICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY STUDIES ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY SERVICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
I came into the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education program seeking to be an ally and advocate for the disability community. I left becoming a life-long learner and seeker of justice, for which I am so grateful. The program provided me with an unmatched level of education, skills, and perspective that I can apply to the real world and utilize a novel lens through which to view the world. The faculty, learning experiences, and student community have been transformative for me. Completing the M.S. in Disability Services in Higher Education was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. – Rokshana Ali
DISABILITY STUDIES Disability Studies is an emerging academic field that explores disability from multiple perspectives, including the social sciences, humanities, science, and the law. The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers fully accredited, leading-edge programs within Disability Studies, with courses available online. These programs are especially designed for higher education professionals, service provision employees, disability advocates, people with disabilities, parents, and researchers. Students have an opportunity to study with renowned CUNY faculty and expert practitioners, utilizing a multidisciplinary, ‘person-centered’ approach to explore disability and society.
“The online degree programs in Disability Studies are the new frontier of exploring and experiencing academic achievement for working professionals.” – Linda Yau
BA IN DISABILITY STUDIES Course Format: Online, Asynchronous The BA in Disability Studies degree program provides a ‘person-centered’ approach to the study of disability. As the first undergraduate program of its kind in the country, the degree equips students with current, relevant knowledge to provide individualized supports to a wide range of people with disabilities. Students will also earn an accredited, recognized credential for career advancement. Students of the program:
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Examine social and physical barriers to full inclusion Learn how to interpret disability law and policy Read first-hand experiences of people with disabilities Explore what it means to live with a disability
Students in the BA in Disability Studies program are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills sought by agencies providing services to individuals in schools and community programs. Graduates are prepared for advanced study in disability studies, social work, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, physical and occupational therapy, education, sociology, anthropology, and liberal studies.
CUNY SPS has allowed me to live my fullest and most attentive life as a mother and professional. While earning a BA in Disability Studies, I grew as a special needs parent, advocate, and professional in the field. My professors are a group of highly supportive and motivating individuals who want to see their students succeed. – Melissa Basso
ONLINE LEARNING CUNY SPS’s experienced faculty are committed to creating rich online learning experiences in courses that are as rigorous and rewarding as those held in a classroom. Students in online courses should expect to devote as much time to their online learning as they would in classroom-based courses. CUNY SPS students become part of productive learning communities, interact with other students and faculty in discussion groups, and engage with a variety of online learning and technology and materials.
47.3% Projected increase in demand nationally for Home Health Aides1 38.6% Projected increase in demand nationally for Personal Care Aids1
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Applicants to CUNY SPS bachelor’s degree programs must possess at least 24 credits from an accredited college or university, an overall GPA of 2.5, and demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. CUNY SPS offers a number of Credit for Prior learning opportunities that allow students to transfer in a maximum of 105 credits.
THE PROGRAM 120 credits are required for the degree, of which 60 must derive from the General Education curriculum and 33 from the Disability Studies major. Of these 33 credits, students must complete at least nine credits in one of the four concentrations of the major. All students complete a senior project capstone course. An internship experience is also available.
INTRODUCTORY COURSES •
Disability and Society*
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Embodiment and Disability*
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Disability Narratives*
CORE COURSES • •
Law, Policy, and Disability* Disability in History*
Introduction to Research Methods*
* Asterisk denotes required courses. 1 Data based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016-2026
CONCENTRATIONS Autism Spectrum Disorder The concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder offers a unique opportunity for students to learn about supporting individuals on the spectrum, and understand self-advocates’ perspectives on the educational and service system. Courses available within this concentration include:
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Teaching Strategies and Behavioral Supports* Using Assessments for Intervention, Planning and Placement* Autism Narratives Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young People Case Management in Health and Human Services Disability and Families Inclusion: Principles in Practice Speech and Communication Issues in Autism Spectrum Disorder Disability and Employment
Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities The concentration in Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities enables students to understand the context in which services operate, and equips them with skills to support individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Courses available within this concentration include:
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Elements of Person Centered Planning* Supporting Children and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities* Aging and Disability Case Management in Health and Human Services Disability and Families Introduction to Residential Services Representations of Disability in Film and Literature Transition and Adulthood Traumatic Brain Injury
Mental/Behavioral Health The concentration in Mental/Behavioral Health is for those who support people with a psychiatric diagnosis. Students learn about the mental health system, interventions, techniques to improve the quality of life of people in the mental health system, and the importance of peer support. Courses available within this concentration include:
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Introduction to Crisis Intervention and Safety* Introduction to Mental, Behavioral, and Developmental Disorders* Case Management in Health and Human Services Community Mental Health Disability and Families Dual Diagnosis Elements of Behavioral Health Counseling Mad People’s History Peer Wellness and Recovery Disability and Employment
Interdisciplinary Disability Studies The concentration in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies is designed for people with disabilities, as well as students with an interest in the humanities, sociology, or anthropology. Courses available within this concentration include:
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Disability, Evolution, Eugenics, and Genomics* Representation of Disability in Film and Literature* Disability and Comparative Religion Disability and Families Disability and Mass Media Disability Music and the Arts Diversity and Disability Universal Design and Assistive Technology War, Veterans, and Disability
MA IN DISABILITY STUDIES Course Format: Online, Asynchronous The MA in Disability Studies degree program offers students a unique opportunity to examine disability from an interdisciplinary perspective, including the social sciences, humanities, science, social policy, and the law. The program utilizes a ‘person-centered’ approach to the study of disability, incorporating overlapping lenses through which students realize disability as a social construction as opposed to a deficit inherent in an individual. The degree provides students with the intellectual and methodological tools to assume greater responsibility and leadership in the future as service providers, advocates, researchers, or policy makers. Students learn to think, write, and speak critically about:
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Disability experience, both individual and social Disability and the arts/creativity in disability culture Improvement in quality of life and justice for people with disabilities Field based applications to disability-related practice Research for ongoing learning and writing in disability studies
The MA in Disability Studies program prepares students to further or begin a career working with and for people with a wide range of disabilities. The program caters to administrators, social service professionals, educators, scholars who wish a specialization in disability studies, people with disabilities or family members, and advocates.
“The next step in my journey is to use the knowledge I have acquired to become an advocate for people with disabilities. In the near future, I would like to start an organization to better assist people with disabilities.” – Stephen Ippolito
THE PROGRAM The 30-credit (10 course) program consists of both required and elective courses: Required Courses (18 Credits)
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Psychosocial, Cultural, and Political Aspects of Disability Disability and Diversity Disability Law and Policy Embodiment and Disability Research Methods Capstone Course
Elective Courses (12 credits)
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Administrative Services Manager 10.1% projected growth Salary: $98,930
Aging and Disability: Multiple Perspectives and Emerging Issues Disability and Mass Media Disability and Narrative Disability and the Family Life Cycle Disability History Disability Services Administration Disability Studies in Education
Social and Community Service Manager 15.7% projected growth Salary: $70,870
Disability Studies and the Health Professions Disability Studies and the Humanities Grant Writing Students with Disabilities in Higher Education Fieldwork in Disability Studies Independent Study Special Topics Course
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate institution. Background as a human services professional, advocate, researcher, or policy maker is an advantage, but not essential.
MS IN DISABILITY SERVICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION Course Format: Online, Asynchronous The MS in Disability Services in Higher Education degree is the first program of its kind in the country, and gives students the tools and skills needed to provide legally mandated accommodations to students with disabilities in higher education settings. The degree was developed with the participation of disability service office directors, lawyers familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, assistive technology specialists, and educators to ensure that graduates are prepared to assume significant responsibility for addressing disability issues on campuses. Students in this program learn to successfully:
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Advocate for equal access for students with disabilities in college settings
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Arrange access in dormitories, libraries, computer labs, and public college events
Develop policies and guidelines for provision of services to students with disabilities Support students with learning, sensory, and psychiatric disabilities; veterans with service-related disabilities; and those on the autism spectrum
The MS in Disability Services in Higher Education program prepares professionals to begin or further careers working with post-secondary students with disabilities. The program is ideal for disability services office staff in colleges and universities, student services staff or higher education administrators, and accommodation specialists working in institutions serving the public.
“So far, my studies have really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I am usually very shy, but I have already had the chance to connect with people and attend conferences.” – Lisa Young
THE PROGRAM The 30-credit (10 course) program consists of both required and elective courses. Required Courses (18 Credits)
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Assistive Technology in Higher Education Higher Education Disability Service Administration Legal Aspects of Disability Services Neurodiverse Students in College Psychosocial, Cultural, and Political Aspects of Disability Disability Services Capstone Course
Postsecondary Education Administrator 10% projected growth Salary: $105,770
Elective Courses (12 credits)
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Accommodations Outside the Classroom Disability and Diversity Emerging Populations Grant Writing Supporting Students with Psychiatric Disabilities Universal Design in Higher Education Fieldwork in Disability Services Independent Study Special Topics Course
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Experience in providing disability services is valuable but not essential.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY STUDIES Course Format: Online, Asynchronous The Advanced Certificate in Disability Studies program provides an overview of this emerging discipline, including its philosophy, importance in disability research, influence on public policy, impact on service delivery, and supports to people with disabilities. The Advanced Certificate is designed for individuals who currently work in the disability field, people with disabilities and their family members, advocates, and others who wish to develop expertise in this area of study and practice. Advanced Certificate credits may be applied toward the MA in Disability Studies.
“While the populations I work with and the goals they wish to achieve have changed in the last few years, the reward is still the same; satisfaction in helping and supporting others.” – Daniel Chan
THE PROGRAM Twelve credits (4 courses) are required for the Advanced Certificate. Required Courses (6 credits)
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Psychosocial, Cultural, and Political Aspects of Disability Embodiment and Disability
Elective Courses (6 credits)
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Aging and Disability: Multiple Perspectives and Emerging Issues Disability and Diversity Disability and the Family Life Cycle Disability and Mass Media Disability and Narrative Disability History Disability Law and Policy Disability Studies and the Health Professions Student with Disabilities in Higher Education Disability Studies and the Humanities Disability Studies in Education Research Methods Special Topics Course
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Applicants to the Advanced Certificate programs must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate institution.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY SERVICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION Course Format: Online, Asynchronous Our Advanced Certificate in Disability Services in Higher Education provides an overview of disability services in higher education and its related fields, including, its importance in disability research, its influence on public policy, and its impact on service delivery and support to people with disabilities. The Advanced Certificate is designed for individuals who currently work in education, people with disabilities and their family members, advocates, and others who wish to develop expertise in this area of study and practice. Advanced Certificate credits may be applied toward the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education.
THE PROGRAM Twelve credits (4 courses) are required for the Advanced Certificate. Required Courses (3 Credits)
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Psychosocial, Cultural, and Political Aspects of Disability
Elective Courses (9 credits)
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Assistive Technology in Higher Education Higher Education Disability Service Administration Legal Aspects of Disability Services Neurodiverse Students in College Accommodations Outside the Classroom Disability and Diversity Emerging Populations Supporting Students with Psychiatric Disabilities Universal Design in Higher Education Special Topics Course
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Applicants to the Advanced Certificate programs must have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher from an accredited undergraduate institution.
The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) provides top-ranked online programs that meet the needs of adults who are looking to finish a bachelor’s degree, progress from an associate’s degree, earn a master’s degree or a certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Led by CUNY’s nationally and internationally renowned faculty and practitioners, as well as industry and education partners, our undergraduate and graduate, certificate, and non-degree workforce development programs provide opportunities for personal growth, job mobility, greater civic participation, and new ways to advance knowledge.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit: sps.cuny.edu/disabilityprograms Email: disabilitystudies@sps.cuny.edu Text: (646) 517-7876
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Annette Lopez
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