What is disability studies?
Disability studies is a rich, interdisciplinary field that centers the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities. The field investigates disability representation, history, social and cultural meanings of disability, as well as intersectional disability rights, equity and justice movements.
The disability studies minor requires 18 credit hours of coursework and provides students with unique, specialized knowledge to prepare for professional opportunities or graduate education.
Learn more about the ins and outs of disability studies and get a feel for our program!
Disability studies faculty provide students with interdisciplinary knowledge and methods to enhance majors across the university. Dr. Michelle Jarman is Associate Professor and Director of Disability Studies. Her scholarship has been published in leading disability studies journals and international anthologies. Dr. Jarman is also currently the Director of the Gender and Women’s Studies program at UW and serves on the UW Inclusion Council.
From 2008-2023, 185 students from across UW have graduated with the disability studies minor.
What can you do with a minor in Disability Studies?
The minor in disability studies enhances majors across UW, and prepares students to critically engage with access, equity and inclusion initiatives in their chosen professions. Many graduates proceed directly to graduate programs, teaching positions or other employment opportunities where their background in disability studies contributes to their success.
UW disability studies minor graduates have gone into a wide variety of professions:
- Elementary Educator
- Postsecondary Educator
- Social Worker
- Psychologist
- Physician
- Nurse
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Artist
- Public Service
- Accessibility Specialist
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Pennsylvania State University
- Syracuse University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Wyoming
- University of Utah
Students are required to work with children, families or adults in various school, community or agency settings. This experiential learning opportunity supports the learning goals of the program, focusing on disability rights, self-advocacy, social equity and inclusion.
Many of our courses are available at the graduate level. Interdisciplinary courses in disability studies complement graduate degrees across the university, including humanities, health and social sciences, education, business, engineering and more. Contact Dr. Michelle Jarman (mjarman@uwyo.edu) to discuss courses and research opportunities.
"This program has offered an array of valuable courses and information, as well as opportunities. There is always a new event, work opportunity, or course to be taken that greatly benefits disability studies students and the university as a whole."
- 2023 Graduate
