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Disability Studies

Minor

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Students and professor outside the College of Health Sciences

Get a Minor in Disability Studies

At UW students explore the interdisciplinary field of disability studies from perspectives in health sciences, humanities and social sciences. Establishing a well-rounded understanding of disability issues will reinforce your foundation in a declared major and encourage an ethical commitment to disability rights and advocacy.

Our disability studies program is housed in the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, within the College of Health Sciences. 

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department & Contact

Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
Program Director, Dr. Michelle Jarman

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 disability studies.

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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.

Undergraduate students take 18 credit hours to earn their minor in disability studies at UW. Core courses include:

  • WIND 2100: Introduction to Disability Studies
  • WIND 4020: Disability Studies Theory and Practice
  • WIND 4500: Disability Studies Practicum

Students may take internal and external electives. Here are a few examples of WIND elective courses disability studies students might take:

  • WIND 2700: Gender and Disability
  • WIND 3150: Literature and Medicine
  • WIND 4200: Diverse Minds
  • WIND 4300: Transnational Disability Studies

View all course requirements for the disability studies minor. 

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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.

Disability Studies Careers

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

 

 
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Where UW Disability Studies Alumni Have Pursued Graduate Degrees:

  • Sarah Lawrence College
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Wyoming
  • University of Utah
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Disability Studies Program Highlights

Students earn a minor in disability studies at UW to understand diversity and social justice issues. Some of the following factors benefit students as they go through the program. 

 

Smaller Class Sizes

Students learning about disability issues have the opportunity to explore in a community of peers. At UW we provide a setting where inquisitive conversations can take place without the pressures that come with being in a large lecture hall.

Practicum Placement

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.

Financial Support

UW undergraduate students may be eligible for a variety of scholarships and opportunities. Our department would be glad to help you pursue assistance as program-specific scholarships become available.

Opportunities for Graduate Students

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

Related Programs

Interested in disability studies? You might also want to learn more about these undergraduate programs at UW:

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College of Health Sciences

Wyoming Institute for Disabilities

Department 4298, 1000 E. University Avenue

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-2761

Email: uwwind@uwyo.edu