Disability Studies Bachelor's Degree Overview
The University of Toledo in Ohio has the first disability studies bachelor’s degree program of its kind in the country. UT’s program leads the nation in academic scholarship, social discourse and public policy.
Nearly one in five people in the U.S. lives with a disability. UToledo’s disability studies program helps students understand this full spectrum of human diversity. Undergraduates study the barriers those with disabilities face in living fully in their communities and develop solutions. Students collaborate with community agencies to learn valuable workplace skills and design programs that benefit those with disabilities, their loved ones, their communities and all of us.
A disability studies degree benefits anyone who plans to work in or provide goods or services to a community. It is relevant to careers in medicine, business, policy and advocacy, communications, education and more.
Disability Studies Bachelor's Degree Highlights
Community partnerships. UToledo works closely with The Ability Center of Greater Toledo, one of the country’s leading centers for independent living. Center staff regularly share their expertise with students inside and outside the classroom. Faculty meets regularly with center leaders to make sure UT’s curriculum keeps up with current trends.
Faculty and first-rate scholars. UT has the only program with faculty devoted solely to disability studies. Faculty members specialize in communication, history, sociology, gender and women’s studies, and performance studies.
Internships. All disability studies majors have at least one internship. Students find work in the Toledo area and across the country with:
- The Ability Center of Greater Toledo and other centers for independent living
- Disabled student services offices
- ADA compliance offices
- Recreational programs for people with disabilities
- The Washington Center
- Advocacy and direct service organizations
- A host of other organizations
Research. Work with expert faculty at a leading research university.
Study across disciplines. The disability studies degree is centered in the liberal arts and social sciences, but students can choose courses across many other departments.
Add an MBA. Want a career in policy, advocacy, health care, human resources or management? Take advantage of an innovative program that lets you earn a bachelor’s degree in disability studies and an MBA in five years instead of six. UT’s College of Business and Innovation is one of the country’s best business schools.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of UToledo's disability studies bachelor’s degree program know how to think critically, process ideas and create solutions.
Students go on to graduate school, often in law, education, policy, medical fields or social work, or find jobs in:
| Business and human resources | Nursing |
| Social work | Pharmacy |
| Engineering | Recreational or occupational therapy |
| Policy and advocacy | Health care administration |
| Law | Disability services |
| Education |
Disability Studies Bachelor's Degree Plan of Study
UToledo's disability studies undergraduate degree program blends liberal arts and social sciences with related areas of study in UToledo's 13 academic colleges.
Popular Courses for Disability Studies Majors
- Autism and Culture
- U.S. Disability History
- Disability in American Literature
- Disability Culture
- Disability and Sexuality
- Disability in Children’s Literature
View Plan of Study
Internship Opportunities for Disability Studies Bachelor's Degree
All of UToledo's disability studies undergraduates complete at least one internship. UToledo's disability studies program works with a network of organizations that provide disability-related services in northwest Ohio and across the country.
Typical Internship Locations
- The Ability Center of Greater Toledo
- The University of Toledo Campus Accessibility and Student Disability Services
- City of Toledo Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Harbor Behavioral Health
Please visit our features page about the disability studies program to watch a short video and learn more.
Disability Studies Bachelor's Degree
4-year programProgram Availability
Program Quick Links
View Admission RequirementsDisability Studies
College of Arts and Letters
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Scholarship Opportunities
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