Program Overview

MS in Disability Access and Inclusion

Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field: No restrictions.
• Grade Point Average: At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study. In exceptional cases, applicants having a lower GPA may be admitted if they can demonstrate substantial evidence of their ability to complete the program successfully.
• Tests Required: None.
• English Proficiency: Additional information on the English proficiency test requirement for international students can be found on the UIC Admissions website. Minimum test scores for this program are:
  • Minimum English Competency Test Scores
    • Exam | Score | Reading | Listening | Speaking | Writing
    • TOEFL iBT | 80 | 19 | 17 | 20 | 21
    • IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0
    • PTE Academic | 54 | 51 | 47 | 53 | 56
• Program Application: Required.
• Letters of Recommendation: Two reference surveys required.
• Personal Statement: Required.
• Deadlines: Application deadlines for this program are listed on the Graduate College website.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the minimum requirements of the Graduate College, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required: 32.
• Coursework: This program requires a minimum of 32 semester hours of credit. At least 12 of these 32 hours must be attained in courses at the 500 level. No more than 12 semester hours may be transferred from accredited and acceptable study at other institutions.
  • Course List
    • Code | Title | Hours
    • Required Core Courses
      • DHD 411 | Disability Policy, Technology, and Practice
      • DHD 412 | Disability Representation, Culture, and Practice
      • DHD 540 | Disability Access and Inclusion Capstone
    • Concentration Courses
      • Disability Accessibility Concentration
        • DHD 507 | Disability Accessibility
        • DHD 508 | Disability Inclusion and Organizational Change
        • DHD 509 | Disability and Civil Rights
        • And one of the following:
          • DHD 511 | Disability Coordination and Services
          • DHD 512 | Disability Access in the Arts
      • Assistive Technology Concentration
        • DHD 440 | Introduction to Assistive Technology: Principles and Practice
        • DHD 441 | Adaptive Equipment Design and Fabrication
        • or DHD 590 | Field Experience in Disability and Human Development
        • Select up to 3 semester hours of DHD-AT Assessment courses approved by the advisor.
        • Select an additional 3-5 semester hours approved by the advisor.
• Comprehensive Examination: Not required.
• Thesis, Project, or Coursework-Only Options: Coursework-only is required. No other options are available.
  • Disability Accessibility Concentration: Students in the Disability Accessibility concentration must register for up to 12 semester hours of DHD 590 with a DHD faculty member.
  • Assistive Technology Concentration: Students in the Assistive Technology concentration must register for 6 semester hours of DHD coursework in a focus area approved by the advisor; and select an additional 6 semester hours approved by the advisor.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include:

• Black Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• Museum and Exhibition Studies