by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Disability Studies explores Disability Studies. A Program That Focuses On The Nature, Meaning, And Consequences Of What It Is To Be Defined As Disabled And Explores The Historical, Cultural, Economic, Physiological, And Socio-Political Dynamics Of Disability. Includes Instruction In Disability Rights, Legal Issues, And Public Policy; Literature, Philosophy, And The Arts; And/or Research In The Social Sciences, Education, And Health Sciences Addressing Social And Experiential Aspects Of Disability. Continue reading for the key facts every disability studies major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering disability studies programs.
Across the country, disability studies is a popular field of study, with 492 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Disability Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 28 schools to determine the best overall colleges for disability studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of disability studies programs later in this article.
Coursework for Disability Studies build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations disability studies graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a disability studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a disability studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several disability studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 19 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 7 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 83 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 373 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 10 |
People currently working in careers related to disability studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 60.5% |
| Master’s degree | 31.0% |
| Post-doctoral training | 4.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.2% |
| First professional degree | 1.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.2% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in disability studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in disability studies opens doors to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to disability studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to disability studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 718,152 | 6.5% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of disability studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,619 |
| 4 years | $46,128 |
| 5 years | $53,144 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for disability studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers disability studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | $47,517 |
With 28 different disability studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased disability studies school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in disability studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
