Disability Studies Minor

People with disabilities (intellectual disability, physical disability, sensory disability, autism spectrum disorder etc.) are among the most under-represented and under-served populations in the United States today.

The interdisciplinary minor in Disability Studies offers students a unique opportunity to develop a richer understanding of what it means to live with a disability in the context of contemporary American society. The minor is anchored by a foundation of courses in Psychology, English, Sociology, and Legal Studies, and has a number of electives from departments across the university. These courses allow students to see the links between disabilities and other diverse and marginalized groups (e.g., women, minorities) and to incorporate multiple perspectives (historical, political, economic, ethical). This minor might be of interest to students who are planning a career in education, human services, social work, non-profit organizations, engineering/assistive technology, nursing, health, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and many other areas.

Requirements

The Disability Studies minor is open to all undergraduates and consists of an interdisciplinary program of 18-24 credits of required and elective courses.

Required Course

Select at least three courses

  • ENGL.2580 Disability in Literature
  • LGST.2500 Disability and the Law: Legal Rights of People with Disabilities
  • PHIL.3105 Philosophy of Disability
  • PSYC.3620 Psychology of Developmental Disabilities
  • PSYC.4820 Developmental Disabilities Fieldwork: Service Provision
  • PSYC.4830 Developmental Disabilities Fieldwork: Leadership and Advocacy
  • SOCI.2250 Sociology of Disability

Electives

Depending on how many core courses completed, choose electives to reach 18 credits in the minor.

Course Listing for Disability Studies

Notes

  • Any of the core courses can be used as electives instead of core courses as long as the student has at least three of the core courses.
  • Students cannot use more than 9 credits in Psychology courses towards the minor.
  • Directed Study, Community Service Learning, and Independent Study courses may also be considered as electives in consultation with the coordinator of the minor.

For more information, contact Ashleigh Hillier or Anita Li, program coordinators.