The Graduate Interdisciplinary Concentrations in Disability Studies are designed to prepare students to assume leadership roles in the field of disability. Disabilities Studies addresses current trends and emerging policy and practice affecting the lives of people with disabilities. The curriculum encompasses all disabilities with a particular emphasis on developmental and related disabilities across the life span.

Disability Studies are offered at The University of Maine through the Center for Community Inclusion, Maine’s Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (See Research Resources page). The Center for Community Inclusion offers graduate students several avenues through which to pursue their individual interests in Disability Studies. Graduate students may obtain a concentration in Disability Studies in conjunction with several masters degree programs across campus, or in conjunction with individually designed Ph.D. or Ed.D. programs. Students pursuing a concentration in Disability Studies may match their interests with the Center’s interdisciplinary faculty and professional staff. Through coursework, independent studies, research, or practica at the Center, students examine a range of issues confronting people with disabilities throughout their lives. 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 available through the Center for Community Inclusion for students pursuing a graduate concentration in Disability Studies.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s Concentration in Disability Studies

DIS 600 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Disability Studies (3 credits)
DIS 670 Graduate Practicum in Disability Studies (3-6 credits)

Doctoral Concentration

15 credits to include:
DIS 600 Interdisciplinary Seminar in Disability Studies (3 credits)
DIS 650 Research in Disability Studies (3 credits)
DIS 670 Graduate Practicum in Disability Studies (3-6 credits)
Approved electives (3-6 credits)

Graduate Faculty

Lucille Zeph, Ed.D. (Vanderbilt, 1983), Director, Center for Community Inclusion and Coordinator of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies; and Associate Professor of Education.

A. James Artesani, Ed.D. (West Virginia University, 1992), Assistant Professor of Education.

Laura Artesani, D.M.A. (West Virginia University, 1997), Instructor and Coordinator, Division of Music.

Carolyn Ball, Ph.D. (Purdue, 1990), Associate Professor of Public Administration.

Marc Baranowski, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State, 1977), Associate Professor of Human Development.

Stephen A. Butterfield, Ph.D. (Ohio State, 1984), Professor of Education and Physical Education.

Elizabeth DePoy, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania, 1988), Coordinator of Research and Evaluation, Center for Community Inclusion; and Professor, School of Social Work.

Sandra Doctoroff, Ph.D. (Vanderbilt, 1991), Assistant Research Professor.

Sharon Gilbert, Ph.D. (Auburn University, 1997), Assistant Research Professor.

Stephen Gilson, Ph.D. (University of Nebraska, 1991), Associate Professor of Social Work.

Bruce Segee, Ph.D. (University of New Hampshire, 1992), Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.