What can you do with this degree?
You'll be prepared for a variety of careers where you can help make a difference and empower people. You will learn that empowerment comes through knowledge and understanding of various disabilities and the unique needs of individuals.
The program looks at the various aspects of a person’s life and environment. It focuses on empowerment of people with disabilities to live full lives. You will learn to facilitate the quality of life that people desire, such as independence and socioeconomic stability.
With this degree, you will have access to a steadily growing number of jobs in community and social services. Examples of job settings include:
- Healthcare
- Community-based agencies
- Mental health agencies
- Public schools
- Social service settings
- Higher education
You'll also be prepared to go on to graduate study in Rehabilitation Counseling or similar fields, if desired.
Program Details
Delivery Method: On-campus
Credit Hours: 120
Time to Completion: Refer to the Curriculum Guide in the following section for the courses needed to complete this program.
How to Apply
Prospective students: Minors and certificates are declared once you are a current student.
Current students: To add the Interdisciplinary Disability Studies minor, log on to your myUKGPS. Under “My Program of Study” on the right side of the page, click the link “Request a major change”. This will then allow you to add the minor. If you have questions, please contact your academic advisor.
Why study with us?
Gain real-world experiences through a unique practicum: Having experience at community agencies will afford you the opportunity to work directly with different populations, within a variety of situations, and to become proficient in applying coursework knowledge to practical experiences.
Nationally recognized: The Interdisciplinary Disability Studies program draws from the UK College of Education’s nationally-recognized graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling, which is ranked as a top-10 program by US News & World Report and includes the expertise of nationally-recognized faculty.
Prepare for graduate study: You'll be a great candidate for the UK Rehabilitation Counseling graduate program, a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredited program that allows students access to certification and licensure.
You can also earn a certificate in Universal Design through the UK Human Development Institute (HDI). This certificate provides additional knowledge about working with people with disabilities.
You will develop:
- the ability to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities to receive high-quality services;
- the ability to assist individuals with disabilities in developing their own resources and opportunities to meet their developmental, vocational, & educational needs;
- knowledge and understanding of various disabilities and unique needs of individuals;
- knowledge of how disability impacts individuals across the lifespan;
- skills for helping individuals navigate their disability within the contexts of their culture, community, sociopolitical environment, family, and more;
- the ability to help individuals with disability approach issues related to coping, adjustment, and acceptance of their disability.
Though the primary focus is on disability services, the curriculum provides a holistic understanding of the person from various perspectives, including: Social Work, Gerontology, Sociology, Counseling Psychology, Anthropology, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Early Childhood.