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.
Top Reasons to Study Disability Studies at UToledo
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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 UToledo’s curriculum keeps up with current trends.
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Faculty and first-rate scholars.UToledo 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.
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Research.Work with expert faculty at a leading research university.
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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.
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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. UToledo’s College of Business and Innovation is one of the country’s best business schools.
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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
What jobs can I get with a Disability Studies degree?
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
- Disability services
- Education
- Engineering
- Health care administration
- Law
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Policy and advocacy
- Recreational or occupational therapy
- Social work
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
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
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or the historic McKinnon, Scott and Tucker Halls.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.
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