What to Expect
A detailed look at the program
The disability studies program is designed primarily as a full-time course of study. Students who are full time will be expected to maintain a course load of three or more classes per semester. Each student will have an advisor chosen from the faculty of the program. The advisor will monitor the student’s progress through the program and may serve as the chair for the dissertation committee.
The program must be completed within seven years.​
Minimum 96 semester hours required beyond the baccalaureate degree.
At least two research methods courses appropriate to the student’s research interests are chosen with an advisor and must total a minimum of 9 additional credit hours.
Elective Courses
Twenty-four semester hours of study in a content area, chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor. At least 12 hours must be from within the College of Applied Health Sciences.
PhD in Disability Studies
Explore semester schedules — including courses and descriptions — by clicking through the tabs below.
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 501 | Disability Studies Theory I | 3 |
| DHD 522 | Disability and Inclusive Health | 3 |
| DHD 531 | Interdisciplinary Research and Methodologies in Disability Studies I | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 502 | Disability Studies Theory II | 3 |
| DHD 521 | Disability Inclusion, Policy, and Community | 3 |
| DHD 532 | Interdisciplinary Research and Methodologies in Disability Studies II | 3 |
Fall Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 501: Disability Studies Theory I
Offers an overview of key concepts in Disability Studies. The course provides students with a history of the field’s development and theoretical foundations.
DHD 522: Disability and Inclusive Health
A seminar course that introduces students to research, practice, and scholarship on disability and inclusive health.
DHD 531: Interdisciplinary Research and Methodologies in Disability Studies I
Foundations of key interdisciplinary research and methodologies in the field of Disability Studies drawing from fields of social services, humanities, and inclusive health.
Spring Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 501: Disability Studies Theory II
Explores key concepts within disability theory. Students will identify, discuss, and analyze major theoretical trends influencing Disability Studies theory and scholarship.
DHD 521: Disability Inclusion, Policy, and Community
Focuses on the critical examination of disability inclusion, policy, and community engagement with an emphasis on research and practice from interdisciplinary social science perspectives.
DHD 532: Interdisciplinary Research and Methodologies in Disability Studies II
Key approaches to interdisciplinary research and methodologies in the field of Disability Studies drawing from fields of social sciences, humanities, and inclusive health.
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 532 | Disability Arts, Culture, and the Humanities | 3 |
| DHD 533 | Advanced Research Methods in Disability Studies I | 3 |
| DHD 579 | Writing in Disability Studies I | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 524 | Current Issues in Disability Studies | 3 |
| DHD 534 | Advanced Research Methods in Disability Studies II | 3 |
| DHD 580 | Writing in Disability Studies II | 1 |
| Elective | 1 |
Fall Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 532: Disability Arts, Culture, and the Humanities
Key approaches to interdisciplinary research and methodologies in the field of Disability Studies drawing from fields of social sciences, humanities, and inclusive health.
DHD 533: Advanced Research Methods in Disability Studies I
Explores advanced research methodologies in disability studies. Students engage with methods and research from multiple disciplines to address complex disability related research issues.
DHD 579: Writing in Disability Studies I
Focuses on writing within Disability Studies related to theory, method, and inclusion.
Spring Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 524: Current Issues in Disability Studies
A seminar course that offers advanced study of current topics within disability studies.
DHD 534: Advanced Research Methods in Disability Studies II
Provides in-depth examination of advanced methodological approaches to design and conduct inclusive research in Disability Studies.
DHD 580: Writing in Disability Studies II
Focuses on search strategies, assessment, and annotation of appropriate literature in key areas of Disability Studies related to theory, method, and inclusion in the field.
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 599 | Dissertation Research (proposal) | 5 |
| DHD 585 | Career Planning in Disability Studies | 1 |
| Elective | 3 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 599 | Dissertation Research | 8 |
| DHD 586 | Grant Writing in Disability Studies | 1 |
Fall Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 599: Dissertation Research (proposal)
Independent research in one area of disability studies.
DHD 585: Career Planning in Disability Studies
Focuses on developing an applied knowledge of career pathways, opportunities to engage with disability communities, and work in the disability studies related fields.
Spring Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 599: Dissertation Research
Independent research in one area of disability studies.
DHD 586: Grant Writing in Disability Studies
Focuses on applied areas of identifying, preparing, and submitting fellowships, scholarships, awards, and grants in interdisciplinary fields of Disability Studies.
Fall Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 599 | Dissertation Research | 5 |
| DHD 587 | Research Experience in Disability Studies | 1 |
Spring Semester
| Course | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DHD 599 | Dissertation Research | 8 |
| DHD 588 | Publishing in Disability Studies | 1 |
Fall Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 599: Dissertation Research
Independent research in one area of disability studies.
DHD 587: Research Experience in Disability Studies
Students will work on a research project to apply and refine the knowledge they gained through their disability studies doctoral coursework.
Spring Semester Course Descriptions
DHD 599: Dissertation Research
Independent research in one area of disability studies.
DHD 588: Publishing in Disability Studies
Focuses on identifying appropriate journals for publishing disability studies research and the manuscript submission process.
Examinations
Preliminary Examination: Required. This exam is generally taken during year 2, spring term.
Dissertation
Required. A minimum of 24 semester hours required. The dissertation must be defended at a public session before the dissertation committee and other members of the academic community.