Program: Disabilities Studies Minor - University of Southern Maine

Apr 03, 2025

2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

The minor in disabilities studies is offered in collaboration with programs in Linguistics, Psychology, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, and Special Education. This minor is open to any USM major and will prepare a student to work with special populations in a myriad of settings including community recreation, education, and therapeutic recreation. The minor in Disabilities Studies allows students to create their course of study from a variety of options.

Program Requirements

Minimum number of credits required for the minor: 21

Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in all courses required for the minor.

Some courses may have prerequisites. With permission, 9 transfer credits will be allowed. If transfer credits are allowed, 12 credits are required to be taken at USM.

Required courses: (15 credits)

PSY 233 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
or
SBS 303 - Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3
REC 253 - Implications of Disabling Conditions for Therapeutic Recreation Credits: 3
or
REC 324 - Inclusive and Special Recreation Credits: 3
SBS 315 - Social Psychology of Disability Credits: 3
SED 235 - Students with Exceptionalities in General Education Credits: 3
SED 300 - Ethics and Serving Individuals with Disabilities Credits: 3

Choose two electives from the following: (6-8 credits)

ASL 101 - Beginning American Sign Language I Credits: 4
and
ASL 102 - Beginning American Sign Language II Credits: 4
LIN 105 - Contrastive Analysis: ASL and English Credits: 3
LIN 203 - Introduction to the Deaf World Credits: 3
PSY 366 - Drugs, Mind, and Behavior Credits: 3
SBS 335 - Legal Issues in Health and Human Services Credits: 3
SBS 343 - Substance Use Disorders Credits: 3
SWO 388 - Addictions & Substance Use: Critical Analysis, Theory, and Best Practice Credits: 3