The Disability Studies minor curriculum allows students to consider disability from different perspectives. Through the core courses students examine individual, family, and policy issues. The three topic area electives allow students to select courses that engage with different topics and disciplines that match their particular interests.

The minor in Disability Studies requires 18 credit hours, distributed as follows:

  • Three core courses (9 credits)
  • Three elective courses (9 credits), one course each in these topic areas:
    • Human Development
    • Social Systems
    • Service Delivery

Note: At least one of the elective courses must be from outside the requirements of a student’s major and outside a student’s major department.

The elective topic areas are described below. A list of approved electives in each category can be found in the university undergraduate catalog. A student should select elective courses in consultation with one’s minor advisor. Students wanting to use a course that is not on the sample list should contact their minor advisor to discuss which of the elective areas it might fulfill. Relevant independent studies and undergraduate research electives may be counted toward the minor requirements with permission of one’s minor advisor and the minor faculty coordinator.

Human Development – includes the study of individuals’ and/or families’ characteristics or development across stages or in particular periods. The course may focus on physical, emotional, cognitive, or social aspects separately or in combination.

Social Systems – includes the study of social perspectives on disability. The course may focus on individuals with disability, their families, or intersections with other groups (e.g. elderly, low income, medically fragile, race/ethnicity, gender). The selected course should focus upon broad cultural, ethical or policy concerns.

Service Delivery Methods – includes the study of approaches to the design and delivery of environments, devices, services, or supports to persons with disabilities, their families, or other related populations. The chosen course may be specific to a single field or take a multi- or interdisciplinary perspective.

To download a copy of the Minor Program Checklist, click here.