Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you.
Interdisciplinary Disability Studies (B.A.E.)
What can you do with your degree?
The Interdisciplinary Disability Studies program prepares you for a rewarding career in community and social services, empowering individuals with disabilities to live independent, fulfilling lives. You’ll gain a deep understanding of various disabilities, their unique needs, and factors that influence quality of life, including independence and socioeconomic stability. The program equips you with skills to advocate for individuals, help them build resources, and navigate disability-related challenges, offering a holistic perspective that integrates Social Work, Gerontology, Sociology, Counseling, Special Education, and more.
Through a unique practicum, you’ll gain real-world experience by working directly with different populations in community agencies, applying your knowledge to practical situations.
This degree opens doors to a variety of careers in healthcare, community agencies, mental health services, public schools, social service settings, and higher education. This program also prepares you to pursue graduate study in fields such as Rehabilitation Counseling.
Additionally, you can earn a certificate in Universal Design from the UK Human Development Institute, further enhancing your ability to work with people with disabilities.
Program Details
Delivery Method: On-Campus, In-Person
Scholarship Information: Student Scholarships and Awards
Practicum Information: Coming Soon
Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, & Counselor Education
What You'll Study
Year 1
Semester 1 (16 credit hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication I: CIS or WRD 110 (3)
- UK Core Global Dynamics (3)
- UK Core Social Science: EPE 174- The College Student (3)
- UK Core Quantitative Foundations: MA111- Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics (3)
- *PSY 100: Introduction to Psychology (4)
Semester 2 (15 credit hours)
- UK Core Composition & Communication II: CIS or WRD 111 (3)
- UK Core Statistical Inferential Reasoning: STA 210 (3)
- UK Core US Citizenship: CED 225- Intro to Disability (3)
- UK Core Natural Science (3)
EDS 375: Intro to Teaching Exceptional Children (3)
Year 2
Semester 3 (15 credit hours)
- UK Core: Arts and Creativity (3)
- UK Core Humanities (3)
- *CED 300: Disability Across the Lifespan (3)
- *EDP 202: Human Development & Learning (3)
- *SW 124: Intro to Social Work and Diverse Populations (3)
Semester 4 (15 credit hours)
- *PSY 323: Developmental Psychology (3)
- *CED 250: Disability and Society (3)
- EPE 301: Education in American Society (3)
- GRN 250: Aging in Today’s World (3)
- SW 325: Social Justice Foundations (3)
Year 3
Semester 5 (15 credit hours)
- CED 350: Case Management and the Helping Professional (3)
- Guided Concentration Elective (3)
- Guided Concentration Elective (3)
- Guided Intersectional Elective (3)
- Elective Course (3)
Semester 6 (15 credit hours)
- IEC 546: Transdisciplinary Services for Young Children (3)
- PHI 305: Health Care Ethics (3)
- CPH 310: Disease Detectives: Epidemiology in Action (3)
- Elective Course (3)
- Elective Course (3
Year 4
Semester 7 (15 credit hours)
- CED 410: Helping Skills for Community Settings (3)
- CED 425: Intro to Trauma and Crisis (3)
- CED 510: Orientation to Disability & Community Resources (3)
- Guided Concentration Elective (3)
- Guided Intersectional Elective (3)
Semester 8 (15 credit hours)
- CED 430: Practicum in IDS (5)
- CED 560: Supported Employment, Independent Living, and Transition (3)
- Guided Concentration Elective (3)
- Guided Intersectional Elective (3)
*Pre-major coursework requires a 2.5 GPA
Guided Intersectional Electives include any course (not counting major courses) from the following disciplines: ANT (Anthropology), AAS (African-American Studies), APP (Appalachian Studies), and GWS (Gender and Women’s Studies).
Guided Concentration Electives include any course (not counting major courses) from the following disciplines: BSC (Behavioral Science), EDS (Special Education), FAM (Family Sciences), IEC (Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education), PSY (Psychology), SOC (Sociology), and Social Work (SW).
Cost of Attendance
Understand the total estimated expense to attend UK, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
Tuition and Fees
Understand the specific charges for instruction and related services, excluding other living and personal expenses.