Over the last decade, the development of disability studies as a distinct field has been a major priority of the National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) at the U.S. Department of Education. NIDRR defines disability studies as "the holistic study of the phenomenon of disability through a multidisciplinary approach." A key component of this field of study is the incorporation of the experience of disability and the perspectives of people with disabilities within its core knowledge and research base.

This graduate-level certificate is designed for individuals who are currently working in the disability field, people with disabilities and their family members, advocates, and individuals with undergraduate or graduate degrees who want to develop their expertise in this area of study and practice.

Each course has a requirement for a work-based learning project in which a student spends a minimum of 15 hours at an agency that provides services to people with disabilities, or in another appropriate setting, to observe, report on and analyze an issue or theme that is being discussed as part of the course.