Top Universities for Disability Studies in 2022-2023

Best colleges and universities for Disability Studies in the world

About Disability Studies

Disability studies is an academic and interdisciplinary field. It examines the concept of disability in social, cultural, historical, and political contexts. Disability is often viewed as a deviation from generally accepted norms. This discipline relies on social sciences and humanities rather than the medical aspect. 

Students learn to address the conditions of the disabled across different social scenarios. They advocate civil rights and work towards improving their lives. Since the 1980s, some of the best disability studies programs have emerged in the US, UK, and Canada.

Popular Disability Studies programs in the world

Academically, disability studies intersect with several other relevant subjects. Programs in this area often explore the relationship between disability and aspects of society and culture: race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. 

The following bachelor’s programs are available in disability studies.

• Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences (People, Society, and Disability Major)
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Services (DS Major)
• Bachelor of Arts in Education, and DS

Disability studies are also offered as optional modules or minor subjects in several programs. Some universities include disability studies as a part of teacher education programs or as a specialization within early education degrees. As a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary area, disability studies often gets placed within programs in the faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, Education, Health Sciences, and even Law.

The best disability studies graduate programs are available as

• Masters of Disability & Community Studies
• Postgraduate Diploma in DS
• MSc Psychology & Disability
• MSc Rehabilitation & DS
• MA of Disability, Ethnicity and Racism

Disability Studies syllabus

An undergraduate program in disability studies may focus on the following courses.

• Introduction to Disability
• Disability Studies: Theory and Culture
• Communication Diversity and Support
• Critical Issues in Disability
• Community Approaches, Advocacy, and Empowerment
• Employment and Disability
• Professional Ethics
• Early Childhood Intervention
• Social Justice in Action 

Students should note that this is not a complete list of subjects in the disability studies curriculum. Universities may include topics from other disciplines (race, ethnicity, gender, foreign languages) to supplement the program. 

Duration of Disability Studies programs

Best-ranking universities for Disability Studies in the world

Disability Studies in the US

Most universities offering programs or courses in disability studies are in the US. Syracuse University was among the very first universities to expand its programs to include a range of disability studies courses. Most universities in the US offer a minor in disability studies in their bachelor’s programs:

• Minor in Disability Studies
• BA Major/Minor in Deaf Studies

Full-length master’s programs, doctoral programs, and graduate certifications are offered by American universities-

• M.A. in Deaf Studies
• Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in DS
• MSc Education in DS
• Ph.D. in Disability and Equity in Education

Top-ranking universities for disability studies in the US

Disability Studies in the UK

Most universities in the UK offer disability studies in conjunction with other subjects. Unlike in the US, students in the UK have several options to major in disability studies. Some undergraduate programs include

• BA in Disability Studies and Advice, Guidance, and Counselling
• BA in Disability Studies and Childhood Studies
• BSc in Deaf Studies
• BA in Theatre, Education, and Deaf Studies
• BA in Learning Disability Studies

The duration of a typical undergraduate degree in the UK is three years.

Postgraduate diplomas, certifications, and one-year master’s degrees with and without research are available for disability studies:

• MSc in Psychology & Disability
• MSc in Disability Studies (Research)
• MSc in Deaf Studies
• MA/Diploma in Disability and Special Education
• MA/Diploma in Disability, Ethnicity, and Racism

Top-ranking universities for disability studies in the UK

Disability Studies in Canada

Canada has been one of the forerunners in raising awareness about the disabled population. It has been involved in projects on a national and international scale to promote inclusive societies for all. In addition, reputed universities in Canada, such as the University of Manitoba, have programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Most bachelor’s programs are offered as a Bachelor of Arts in Disability Studies or a minor subject in undergraduate degrees of other relevant disciplines.

Master’s programs in disability studies are available as

• Masters of Disability & Community Studies
• Interdisciplinary Masters in Disability Studies
• MA in Critical Disability Studies

Top-ranking universities for Disability Studies in Canada

Academic requirements for Disability Studies programs

Undergraduate level

• Certificate of secondary education with at least 70%
• Proof of English proficiency with an IELTS score of at least 6.0 or equivalent 
• Statement of purpose (required by some universities)

Graduate level

• Relevant bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Proof of English language proficiency with an IELTS score of 7.0 or equivalent.
• Letters of recommendation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two or three years prior work experience (required by some programs)

Careers after graduating Disability Studies

Students who wish to make a career in disability studies are often individuals with high empathy and compassion. They want to enhance lives through advocacy and support. 

Careers in disability studies are often placed in rehabilitation centers, senior homes, government offices, educational institutions, and support organizations.

After a degree in disability studies, students can choose the following careers:

• Social workers/Human services professionals
• Occupational therapists
• Special education teachers
• Researchers
• Counselors

Disability studies can also lay an excellent foundation for careers in law, journalism, politics, nursing, and psychology.

Average salary after Disability Studies degree

* Average annual salaries are converted from the local currencies to USD at the current exchange rate. Please note that exchange rates vary periodically.