Disabilities Studies Specialization

The Disability Studies doctoral specialization at Utah State University prepares graduates to be highly effective university faculty in disability studies programs.  Graduates contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of disabilities in the context of changing demographics and society.

This specialization offers students a unique combination of:

• extensive collaboration with interdisciplinary faculty
• direct experience in research, teaching, and writing
• broad sociopolitical perspective of disabilities
• a social constructionist approach to disability studies

Opportunities

Students in this specialization have the opportunity to work with students from multiple disciplines as well as programs that focus on broader societal issues.

Current projects include research on the impact of funding streams on services and supports available to individuals with disabilities; understanding the human, fiscal, and societal barriers and facilitators to community participation; and engaging in participatory research activities with individuals with disabilities.

Courses and Requirements

Coursework

Core coursework that is common to all areas of disability disciplines.  This includes multidisciplinary courses that bring together diverse perspectives on disabilities and effective services as well as research methodology.  In addition, specialization courses provide deep coverage of current developments in disabilities studies.

• Disabilities Studies specialization coursework

Professional Products and Internships

A set of professional products and internships provide opportunities for mentored experience in critical professional skills.

• Research Internship
• Conference Presentation
• Review of Literature
• Publication
• College Teaching Internship
• Supervision Internship
• Grant Writing

Preliminary Exams

Preliminary exams are conducted after approximately one year of full time study (or the equivalent) and provide a focus for students to attain foundational skills in research design and critique, and disciplinary knowledge. This three part exams is completed across a three day period. Components of the exam are:

• Disciplinary knowledge.  Specific questions focus on key foundational knowledge of disabilities studies.
• Design of Research. The student outlines the design of a single-subject research project on a given topic relevant to special education.
• Critique of Research. The student critiques a manuscript reporting single-subject research within special education.

Dissertation

The dissertation is the capstone experience of the doctoral program. The student plans, carries out, analyzes, and interprets substantial original research that contributes to the advancement of their field of study.

Faculty

Primary Faculty

• Judith M. Holt, Ph.D.
• Cynthia J. Rowland, Ph.D.
• Julie F. Smart, Ph.D.

Support Faculty

• Jared C. Schultz, Ph.D.

ULEND Faculty

• Nedra Christensen, Ph.D.
• David Derezotes, Ph.D.
• Lee Dibble, Ph.D.
• Terry Pavia, Ph.D.
• Gretchen Peacock, Ph.D.
• Fan Tait, M.D.

Contact Information

For information on the Disability Studies Specialization, please contact Dr. Judith Holt.