Interdisciplinary Training and Courses

University Graduate Level Options

The Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disability Studies Certificate is offered through the UMKC School of Graduate Studies and Institute for Human Development. The certificate is available to students enrolled in master’s and doctorate programs from various disciplines. Some students may earn this certificate in the process of earning their professional and graduate degrees.

Disability Studies

Disability Studies is a relatively new, interdisciplinary field focused on the social and cultural context of disability. Similar to women’s studies or African American studies, the field considers disability a social minority group and identifies ways disability is constructed culturally, politically, and economically.

The UMKC Leadership Certificate in Disability Studies is a 12 credit hour graduate level program of study that enables students to examine the social meanings we give to variations that exist in human behavior and appearance and the consequences of those meanings. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes the humanities, social sciences, law, administration, and education.

Purpose of the Certificate

Students who receive the certificate will be prepared to influence public policy, professional practice, societal arrangements and cultural values that shape the meaning of disability. Through the certificate program, students collaborate with and learn directly from persons with disabilities and professionals in the field from an interdisciplinary perspective. For MSWs, the leadership in disability studies certificate will be of benefit regardless of focus.

Learn more about the Leadership Certificate

For more information, contact:
Peter Thompson, peter.thompson@umkc.edu