The Interdisciplinary Leadership in Disability Studies certificate program is offered through the School of Graduate Studies and the Institute for Human Development. Disability Studies is a relatively new, interdisciplinary field that studies disability from a social and cultural context. The certificate can be completed either in conjunction with a graduate degree program or as a free-standing credential. Students in such diverse fields as sociology, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, law, social work, public administration, urban planning and design and education are well suited for this 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.

Required courses:

Law 815S: Leadership in Disability Studies: A Multidisciplinary Approach (3 hrs.)

SW 5563 (cross-listed with Psych 541): Life Span Issues in Developmental Disabilities (3 hrs.)

SGS 501: Disability & Community Support, An Academic Service Learning Course (3 hrs.) (Prerequisite: Law 815S & Psych 541)

Minimum requirements for admission to the Interdisciplinary Leadership Certificate in Disability Studies:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. Application for admission to the Leadership Certificate in Disability Studies program must be made to the School of Graduate Studies.

Curriculum requirements:

At least 60 percent of the certificate course work must be at or above the 500 level.

Credit hours:

A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for the certificate.

Requirements for retention:

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average while enrolled. The minimum acceptable grade for 400 level courses is B, and for 500 level and above courses, B-.

Time limit for completion of certificate program:

All work toward the Leadership Certificate in Disability Studies must be completed in 4 years.


For additional information contact:
Mike McCarthy, M.A. Ed.
UMKC Institute for HNman Development
2220 Holmes St., #308, Kansas City, MO  64108
816.235.1745
mccarthyM@umkc.edu