The disability studies certificate program helps students develop an understanding of the interdisciplinary field of disability studies.

Completion of the certificate provides evidence of specialized study, which can be beneficial for enhancing future career options and interests. The certificate is useful for careers in the private sector and educational institutions, including social work, graduate and professional schools, community action organizations, and social services.

The disability studies certificate program focuses on critical disability studies and aims to provide students with specialized knowledge, preparing them for graduate school and increasing their employability.

The program requires the completion of four courses, including SOC 4230 - Foundations of Disability Studies and three electives covering topics such as the sociology of disability, mental illness, and education. 

• Required course: SOC 4230 Foundations of Disability Studies
• Three electives chosen from the following:
  • SOC 4240 Sociology of Dis/Ability
  • SPED 3000 Disability Studies in Education
  • COUN 3200 Professional Orientation and Case Management in Rehabilitation
  • WEST 3400 Contemporary Theory in WEST
  • HUM 3990 Disability Tales [this section only]
  • SOC 4010 Sociology of Military, Disability & Trauma
  • SPED 4020/WEST 4020 Significant Support Needs
  • WEST 4030 Bodies, Genders, Sexualities
  • SOC 4120 Body, Culture, and Power
  • COUN 4100 Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disability
  • SOC 4650 Sociology of Mental Illness
• A minimum grade of 3.0 is required for each course applied toward the certificate.
• Additional disability studies-related courses may be offered that can be counted. To request this, please contact the program coordinator.

For details on program coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Once admitted to UCCS, students choosing to pursue a certificate must submit a Certificate Declaration Form.

After completing the program requirements, the student must submit the Certificate Completion Form with all supporting documents uploaded where indicated on the form. Students planning to pursue multiple certificates will need to submit separate declaration and completion forms for each certificate.

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

Additional resources for Admissions:

• Tuition Rate
• Cost of Tuition Estimator
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships