Admission Requirements

Master of Arts (MA)
Successful completion of four-year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., disability studies, applied behaviour analysis, psychology, sociology, social work, child studies, education) with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of undergraduate studies. Applicants for the MA program are encouraged to examine the research interests and publications of the faculty and indicate their preference for possible research supervisor(s) in the letter of intent accompanying the application.

For applicants who are applying to the Leadership, Diversity, Community and Culture (LDCC) specialization, courses related to disability studies, volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector and research experience (such as an undergraduate honours thesis) will be considered assets.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Typically, this program is offered on a full-time basis.

Applicants to the Master of Arts who have previously completed the Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) degree at Brock University will be considered under the following conditions:
Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements to enter the Master of Arts program.
MADS graduates accepted to the MA program must take the MA thesis, ADST 5P10 (or ADST 5P14 if 5P10 already taken), and a half-credit ADST elective in their specialization. These credits plus those completed as part of the MADS degree will comprise the 6.0 credits required for the Master of Arts (ABA) or 5.0 credits for the Master of Arts (LDCC).

The Master of Applied Disability Studies degree will be rescinded on the student’s academic record if the Master of Arts degree is completed and is to be conferred.

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS)
Successful completion of four-year Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a related field (e.g., disability studies, applied behaviour analysis, psychology, sociology, social work, child studies, education) with a minimum average of 75% in the last two years of undergraduate study. MADS applicants with averages between 70% and 74% in the last two years of undergraduate study will also be considered.

For those intending to apply to the Leadership, Diversity, Community and Culture (LDCC) specialization, courses related to disability studies, volunteer or work experience specifically in the disability sector will be considered assets.

Typically, the MADS with LDCC specialization is offered on a full-time basis only.

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review all applications and recommend admission for a limited number of suitable candidates.

Degree/Diploma Requirements

Master of Arts Requirements

MA (with Leadership, Diversity, Community, Culture Specialization is five credits in length. Requirements include: ADST 5F60, 5P00, 5P10, 5P14, 5P15, 5P30, 5P44 and a one credit selected from ADST 5P31, 5P50, 5P55, 5P56, 5P57, 5P58, 5P91. This path of study involves advanced courses, practicum experiences, and intensive research, resulting in a thesis based on a scientist-practitioner model.

This program is designed to be completed full-time in six terms or two years.

Master of Applied Disability Studies Requirements

Master of Applied Disability Studies (MADS) specializing in the Leadership, Diversity, Community and Culture (LDCC)  is five credits in length.

MADS (LDCC) requirements include: ADST 5P00, 5P14 or 5P10, 5P15, 5P30, 5P44, 5P45 and two credits selected from ADST 5P31, 5P50, 5P55, 5P56, 5P57, 5P58, 5P91.

A required Major Research Paper (ADST 5P45) is completed by Master of Applied Disability Studies students in their final year.

This program is designed to be completed full-time in six terms or two years.

Course Descriptions

Note that not all courses are offered in every session. Refer to the applicable timetable for details. Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

ADST 5F60
MA Thesis
An in-depth research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis which shall demonstrate capacity for independent work and original research and thought. Research to be conducted under the supervision of a faculty supervisor and defended at an oral examination.
Co-requisite(s): ADST 5P70 or ADST 5P14.
Note: open to MA students only.

ADST 5P00
Theoretical Foundations in Applied Disability Studies
Overview and examination of Positivist, Constructivist and Systems theories and their applications to disability studies; includes exploration and application of integrated, embodied and critical orientations to disability studies.
Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ADST 5F00.

ADST 5P10
Quantitative Methods in Social Science Research in Applied Disability Studies
Statistical analysis and computer implementations of quantitative methods, emphasizing applied methodology issues in research in applied disability studies. May include traditional ANOVA, ANCOVA, nonparametric tests and multiple regression, including vector-coding of group information under regression and emphasis on data screening and evaluation of assumptions.

ADST 5P14
Qualitative Research in Applied Disability Studies
This course will survey various approaches in applied qualitative research methods in disability studies. Ethical issues in conducting applied research with vulnerable populations will be addressed.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F10.

ADST 5P15
Program Evaluation as a Research Methodology
Exploration of processes and approaches in program evaluation as they relates to persons experiencing disability and organizations providing services and programs for persons experiencing disability. Includes mixed methods, blended designs and culturally sensitized strategies.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P14
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F10.

ADST 5P44
Integrative, Scholarly and Expressive Writing in Applied Disability Studies
Exploration of a variety of writing conventions for research, pedagogy, communication, community outreach and program and professional development

ADST 5P45
Major Research Paper
Supervised writing project involving examination of issues, literature, research, and /or policy in the field of applied disability studies.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P44

ADST 5P50
Disability from a Socio-cultural Perspective
Continuing, advanced study of selected topics in disability studies with particular emphasis on broader ideological and socio-political contexts and influences.
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P00
Note: completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in ADST 5F00.

ADST 5P55
Interdisciplinary Reading in Applied Disability Studies
Examination of literature and research by persons with disabilities from humanities and social sciences perspectives; may include fiction, non-fiction, empirical study or policy.

ADST 5P56
Leadership Development with/in Diverse Communities
Examination of theories and research relevant to management and leadership practices within disability contexts. Emphasis on significant issues regarding equity, diversity, and sensitivity (e.g., diverse intercultural and indigenous issues) in a Canadian context. Topics may include models of leadership, group facilitation, interpersonal management, feedback skills, team dynamics, and organizational culture.

ADST 5P57
Approaches to Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship
Examination of the underlying conceptual and philosophical bases of engaging in mutually beneficial research activities through partnerships with community members. Emphasis on exploring various methodologies relevant to collaborating with stakeholders in applied settings. Topics may include: fostering partnerships, benefits and challenges of research in community contexts, stakeholder values, knowledge synthesis, and dissemination.

ADST 5P58
Social Policy in Disability Contexts
Examination of Canadian social policies associated with disability issues across the lifespan. Emphasis on policy development and analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective (historical, ideological, economic, social and political contexts). Topics may include programs and services, funding approaches, employment equity, promoting social change, and diversity issues. The relationship among researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders will also be explored.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSES

ADST 5P30
Internship in Applied Disability Studies I
Students carry out, a 150-hour supervised internship project in a government, clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates the internship and meets with the Supervisor.
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F30.

ADST 5P31
Internship in Applied Disability Studies II
Students carry out a 150-hour supervised internship project in a government, clinical, educational or other applied setting. Supervision is provided by a previously approved Field Supervisor or qualified faculty member. A faculty member coordinates the internship and meets with the Supervisor
Prerequisite(s): ADST 5P30
Note: Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit in ADST 5F30.