Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Disability Studies (Specialization)



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The Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Disability Studies provides the opportunity for advanced study of theory, research, policy, and practice relevant to the lives of individuals and groups with disabilities. Located within the larger discourse of human diversity, disability is analyzed as an economic, social, cultural, political, and individual phenomenon.

Disability Studies curricula are offered at the University of Maine through the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies (CCIDS), Maine’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (See Research Resources page). Graduate students may obtain a specialization in Disability Studies in conjunction with several master’s degree programs across campus, or in conjunction with the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. or the individually designed Ed.D. Through coursework, independent studies, research, or independently pursued projects at the Center and in collaboration with the students’ disciplinary departments, students examine a range of issues confronting local, state, national and global communities in which people with disabilities live. The faculty involved in curriculum development and teaching courses in Disability Studies represent diverse departments and academic disciplines at the University of Maine.

Financial Aid: A limited number of graduate assistantships are often available through the Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies for students pursuing a graduate specialization in Disability Studies.

Master’s Specialization in Disability Studies


Master’s level students would enroll and successfully complete the following courses:

  • DIS 500 Contemporary Disability Theory
  • DIS 520 Disability:  Advanced Interaction of Human Diversity and Global Environments
  • Either DIS 530 Disability Policy or DIS 550 Research Seminar in Disability Studies. Each could be cross-listed with disciplinary policy and research courses respectively so that this requirement could be met within the student’s department.
  • DIS 670 Interdisciplinary Project in Disability Studies, which could also be cross-listed with field or project courses in the students discipline could also be considered under the collaborative guidance of IDS and disciplinary faculty.

Doctoral Specialization in Disability Studies

Doctoral level students would enroll in all specialization courses, which may also be taken in their departments if cross-listed.

Graduate Faculty

Elizabeth DePoy, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania, 1988), Co-Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies; and Professor, School of Social Work.

Stephen Gilson
, Ph.D. (University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1991), Co-Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies; and Professor, School of Social Work.

Lucille Zeph
, Ed.D. (Vanderbilt University, 1983), Director, Center for Community Inclusion and Disability Studies; and Associate Professor of Education, College of Education and Human Development.

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