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CUNY School of Professional Studies Master of Arts in Disability Studies
CUNY School of Professional Studies

CUNY School of Professional Studies

Master of Arts in Disability Studies

New York, USA

MA

English

Sep 2026

Distance Learning

Key Summary

    About: The Master of Arts in Disability Studies offers a comprehensive exploration of disability theory, policy, and practice. You'll engage with interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the lived experiences of disabled individuals and examine societal structures affecting their rights and opportunities. The program emphasizes critical analysis and advocacy training, aiming to prepare you for impactful work in the field.
    Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in policy-making, education, social work, advocacy, and nonprofit organizations focused on disability rights and inclusion.

Designed around the fundamental belief that the direct experience of individuals with disabilities is paramount and using the social model of disability, the program incorporates overlapping lenses through which students discover a new understanding of disability and society.

The degree provides students with the intellectual and methodological tools to assume greater responsibility and leadership in the future as service providers, advocates, researchers, or policy makers. Students study with renowned faculty from CUNY as well as expert practitioners from public and private organizations.

Graduates of the MA in Disability Studies are reflective, knowledgeable, and flexible professionals, researchers, educators, and advocates in their chosen disability-related field. Graduates think, write, and speak critically about:

  • Disability experience, both individual and social
  • Disability and the arts/creativity in disability culture
  • Improvement in quality of life and justice for people with disabilities
  • Field-based applications to disability-related practice
  • Research for ongoing learning and writing in disability studies