Through course work, independent studies, thesis or dissertation research, or internships at the School of Education's disability centers and institutes, you will examine a range of issues confronting people with disabilities, including deinstitutionalization and community integration, current trends and controversies, advocacy and self-advocacy, the sociology of deviance and acceptance, community and family support services, media images of disability, gender and disability, and disability policy. In addition, you will be exposed to social, historical, and philosophical perspectives as well as strategies for policy analysis, program evaluation, and community education. Depending on your interests and program of study, you will be encouraged to take courses both in the School of Education and other schools at Syracuse University, including the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the Law School, and the School of Social Work. Both Masters and doctoral students are prepared to play leadership roles in the field of disability. For Masters students, future careers include administrative and policy positions in community service agencies, advocacy organizations, independent living centers, parent centers, planning councils, and government agencies.
Doctoral students are prepared for a variety of academic, research, and policy positions.
A minimum of 3 credits of qualitative or quantitative research methodology. A minimum of 12 credits of research methodology. The Disability Studies Concentration is available to both Masters and doctoral level graduate students. The purpose of this concentration is not to provide you with professional certification. Other programs at Syracuse offer professional certification in disability-related fields.