Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.A. in Humanities Interdisciplinary: Disability Studies
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Humanities Interdisciplinary: Disability Studies at UB is a 36-credit hour program, typically completed within two years of full-time study. It is designed to provide students with a robust knowledge base and theoretical framework to critically analyze representations and lived experiences of disability. The program is ideal for individuals from various backgrounds, including those in medical and clinical fields seeking a broader perspective, professionals in human services, educators, scholars, and advocates. The program aims to cultivate reflective, knowledgeable, and flexible professionals, researchers, educators, and advocates in disability-related fields.
Curriculum: The 36-credit curriculum is structured with both core requirements and specialized electives, culminating in a research project or internship. Required core courses (15 credits) typically include "Introduction to Disability Studies" and "Disability History I: An Introduction to Disability History." Students then select 15 elective credits from a range of interdisciplinary courses that analyze disability through historical, anthropological, sociological, and literary texts. Examples of electives may include "Disability History II: Special Topics in Disability History," "Culture and Disability," "Design for Inclusive Environments," "Health & Disability Social Work," and seminars on critical theory or specific cultural representations of disability. The program culminates in a 6-credit "Disability Studies Research Project" or "History Internship," allowing students to apply their knowledge in a practical or research setting.
Research Focus: The M.A. in Humanities Interdisciplinary: Disability Studies at UB has a strong research focus on questioning conventional understandings of the body and mind from a non-medical and non-clinical perspective. Research within the program is oriented towards an analysis of historical, anthropological, sociological, and literary texts on disability, as well as the lived experiences of people with disabilities. The Center for Disability Studies at UB provides a hub for innovative methodological and theoretical approaches, emphasizing disability as a category of analysis and a lived embodiment. Faculty research interests include the history of institutionalization, mad people's history, the history of eugenics, and the literary and cultural perceptions of disability, encouraging students to explore how addressing disability in its full complexity can promote participation, self-determination, and equal citizenship.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in Humanities Interdisciplinary: Disability Studies at UB is designed to prepare graduates for diverse professional opportunities in fields requiring a nuanced understanding of disability, inclusion, and social justice. The program explicitly lists possible career paths including disability studies faculty (with further education), disability policy analyst, disability rights advocate, disability and accessibility specialist, cultural/arts organizer, inclusive educator, and rehabilitation counselor. While specific mandatory internships may vary, the program's capstone options include a research project or an internship, providing practical, field-based experience. The curriculum is a "perfect complement to an education in medical and clinical fields, for professionals and pre-professionals," indicating an awareness of the program's applicability to various sectors. Graduates gain skills in critical thinking, analyzing and interpreting disability texts and research, and articulating critical arguments, which are highly valued in advocacy, education, research, and policy-making.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in Humanities Interdisciplinary: Disability Studies at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by examining disability as a social and cultural construct across diverse contexts. While the program's listed faculty research often has a strong U.S. and European focus, the interdisciplinary nature allows for the inclusion of courses and research that explore disability in various global settings, cultures, and historical periods. By questioning universal notions of "normalcy" and analyzing how disability is shaped by different societal institutions and cultural productions globally, the program prepares students to understand and address disability issues with an informed international outlook. As part of the University at Buffalo, a major public research university that attracts a diverse international student body, students are exposed to varied global viewpoints and experiences, enriching their understanding of disability as a complex global phenomenon.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in Humanities Interdisciplinary with a concentration in Disability Studies from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) offers a unique and critical lens through which to understand human experience. This program moves beyond traditional medical models, examining disability as a complex social, cultural, and political construct. By integrating insights from diverse humanities and social science disciplines, UB's program equips graduates with advanced theoretical knowledge, sophisticated analytical tools, and a deep understanding of issues related to inclusion, accessibility, and social justice. Graduates are prepared for a variety of impactful roles where challenging conventional understandings of normalcy and promoting equitable participation are paramount.
Disability Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government agencies (local, state, federal), think tanks, or advocacy organizations to research, evaluate, and develop policies that impact people with disabilities, focusing on areas like accessibility, employment, education, and healthcare.
Disability Rights Advocate: These professionals work with non-profit organizations, legal aid groups, or community-based organizations to champion the rights of people with disabilities, engaging in public education, lobbying, and supporting legal challenges to discrimination.
Accessibility Specialist/Consultant: With an understanding of inclusive design and the barriers faced by people with disabilities, graduates can advise organizations (businesses, educational institutions, public spaces) on creating accessible environments, products, and digital content, ensuring compliance with ADA and other regulations.
Inclusive Educator/Curriculum Developer: Graduates can work in K-12 education, higher education, or non-profit educational settings to develop inclusive curricula, train educators on disability-inclusive practices, and promote a nuanced understanding of disability among students and staff.
Program Manager (Disability Services/Support): In community agencies, non-profits, or university disability services offices, graduates can design, implement, and manage programs that provide support, resources, and services to individuals with disabilities, focusing on self-determination and independent living.
Cultural/Arts Organizer (Disability Arts & Culture): Graduates can work in museums, art galleries, performance venues, or cultural organizations to curate exhibitions, develop programs, and promote artistic expressions by disabled artists, challenging traditional narratives about disability and creativity.
Researcher (Disability Studies/Social Science): The program's strong research focus prepares graduates for roles as researchers in academic institutions, government bodies, or specialized research centers, contributing to scholarly understanding and evidence-based practice in disability studies.
Human Resources (DEI Focus): Many corporations and organizations seek professionals who can integrate principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into HR practices. Graduates can help develop inclusive hiring, training, and workplace accommodation policies, drawing on their expertise in disability as a dimension of human diversity.
Communications/Public Affairs Specialist (Disability Advocacy): With strong communication and analytical skills, graduates can work for advocacy groups, non-profits, or public health organizations to shape public perception, raise awareness, and communicate effectively about disability issues through various media.
Rehabilitation Counselor (with additional certification): While the M.A. itself is non-clinical, it provides a strong theoretical and ethical foundation for those interested in pursuing further certification as rehabilitation counselors. These professionals help individuals with disabilities achieve personal, social, and vocational goals.
