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Disability Studies Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Additional interests are also welcome, such as LGBTQIA+ and trans* literature, African American literature, multiethnic literatures, disability studies, and environmental humanities. An ideal ...

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Disability Studies information

What is disability studies?

Disability studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the social, cultural, historical, and political aspects of disability. Rather than focusing solely on medical or clinical perspectives, disability studies examine how society defines, treats, and interacts with people with disabilities. The field aims to challenge stereotypes, promote inclusion, and advocate for the rights of disabled individuals by analyzing policies, representation, and lived experiences. It draws from disciplines such as sociology, history, literature, law, and public health to deepen understanding and foster social change.

What are typical responsibilities for professionals working in disability studies within academic or advocacy organizations?

Professionals in Disability Studies often engage in a variety of tasks, including conducting research on disability issues, developing inclusive curriculum, organizing community outreach programs, and advocating for policy changes. They may collaborate closely with people with disabilities, educators, policymakers, and healthcare providers to promote accessibility and social justice. The role typically involves both independent work, such as scholarly writing or data analysis, and teamwork, including coordinating events or leading workshops to raise awareness about disability rights.

What are the qualifications to get a job in disability studies?

The primary qualifications for getting a job in disability studies are a bachelor's degree in a related field and several years of experience. Most employers prefer a master's degree and experience working with federal laws governing disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These jobs also require the ability to manage and maintain confidential information. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a job in disability studies requires communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to find solutions in time-sensitive situations. Experience is precious in this industry, so the more you work with disability advocacy, the easier it is to find another job in this field. Many people use internships or volunteer their time to gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a disability studies specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disability Studies Specialist, you need a solid background in disability theory, social sciences, and advocacy, typically supported by a relevant degree or experience in disability services. Familiarity with accessibility laws (like ADA), assistive technologies, and research tools is important. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural competence, and critical thinking skills help in engaging with diverse communities and advancing inclusion. These skills are crucial for effectively challenging barriers, promoting equity, and implementing systemic change for people with disabilities.

What is the difference between Disability Studies vs Rehabilitation Counselor?

AspectDisability StudiesRehabilitation Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Disability Studies, Sociology, or related fieldsMaster's in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field, licensure required
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, advocacy organizations, research institutionsHealthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, private practice
Industry UsageFocuses on social, cultural, and policy aspects of disabilityFocuses on individual rehabilitation, counseling, and support services

Disability Studies primarily explores the social and cultural aspects of disability, often within academic or advocacy contexts. Rehabilitation Counselors work directly with individuals to support their rehabilitation and integration into society. While both roles address disability, their focus, credentials, and work environments differ significantly.

Is disability studies a good major?

Disability studies is an interdisciplinary major that explores social, cultural, and policy aspects of disability, preparing students for careers in advocacy, social services, education, and policy analysis. It develops skills in critical thinking, research, and communication, which are valuable in various roles supporting individuals with disabilities. The major often requires coursework in sociology, psychology, and law, and can lead to diverse employment opportunities in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and healthcare settings.

What can you do with a degree in disability studies?

A degree in disability studies prepares individuals for careers in advocacy, policy development, social services, education, and healthcare. Graduates can work as disability support specialists, policy analysts, accessibility coordinators, or in community organizations, often requiring strong communication and understanding of legal and social frameworks related to disability rights.
Infographic showing various Disability Studies job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assistant Professor of Communication

Towson University

Towson, MD • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Towson University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Responsibilities and Duties
Assistant Professor
Department of Communication Studies
College of Fine Arts and Communication
COFAC-4004
Towson University:
Towson University (TU) is one of the nation's top 100 public universities. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.
Position:
The College of Fine Arts & Communication invites applications for a tenure-track, 9-month Assistant Professor position in the Department of Communication Studies. Preferred start date August, 2027.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will hold or anticipate a Ph.D. in Communication or a related field at the time of appointment (August 1, 2027). Candidates will demonstrate success or potential as a classroom teacher and researcher across multiple qualitative research methods such as cutting-edge critical, performance, rhetoric, and arts-based methods. Candidates must have a commitment to teaching and mentoring/advising undergraduate and graduate students. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship with a potential for partnering across the department, university, and community and for securing internal and external funding.
Candidates must have a broad commitment to critical communication pedagogy and be able to teach qualitative research courses especially the following undergraduate core courses: Introduction to Communication Studies, Critical Writing and Research, and Critical Research Methods. At the graduate level, candidates should be able to teach Advanced Qualitative Research Methods and Advanced Communication Theory. We also seek a colleague whose scholarship, embodied work, and teaching align with but is not limited to critical/humanistic communication theories and methods to emerging trends in health communication, environmental communication, digital communication, organizational and leadership communication, intercultural communication, or interpersonal communication. Candidates whose work addresses interdisciplinary fields such as disability studies, races and ethnic studies, queer and trans studies, native and indigenous knowledge, and artificial intelligence policy will also be considered. Successful candidates may have the opportunity to teach elective classes and/or develop additional electives related to their area of research expertise.
Responsibilities:
For the first year, research-active faculty teach five or six classes over a 9-month academic year with undergraduate class sizes averaging 22 students per class and graduate class sizes averaging 15 students per class. Candidates may teach courses at the Towson University Northeast (TUNE) campus on a rotating basis, as needed. We encourage candidates whose research intersects with or extends department strengths in embodied communicative praxis to engage in social activism and advocacy. Scholarly research productivity and service, including mentoring and advising, to the department, college, and university is expected.
The Department:
The department ( www.towson.edu/comm ) offers an undergraduate major in Communication Studies and undergraduate minors in Communication Studies, Cultural Studies, and Professional Communication. At the graduate level, the department offers a Master of Arts in Communication and Advocacy. The department offers the majors and minors at our main campus and our Towson University Northeast (TUNE) campus and annually enrolls approximately 300 majors served by 14 full-time and 25 part-time faculty members. Department faculty specialize in rhetoric, organizational communication, critical/cultural studies, performance studies, intercultural communication, and critical/qualitative research methods.
Application Process:
Review of applications will commence October 2, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants should submit:
• A letter of application addressing the candidate's unique profile in relation to this position and the department.
• A current CV with the names of at least three references and contact information (letters of recommendation may be requested from candidates who continue to a later stage of the process).
• A teaching effectiveness portfolio that includes your teaching philosophy and potential or demonstrated evidence of teaching effectiveness which articulates your broad commitment to communication pedagogy
• A research statement that charts your scholarly expertise and agenda
• An unofficial copy of graduate transcripts
Click here to apply. Please note that the search number for which you are applying is COFAC-4004.
Please be sure to visit the Applicant Data Form to complete a voluntary on-line form. All data collected are for internal, state, and/or federal reporting and will not be used for other purposes.
Salary and Benefits:
Targeted salary range: $67,000 - $70,000.
Benefits: TU offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent health, life and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here for regular faculty/regular lecturer or here for contingent lecturer. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.
Background Check:
A Criminal Background Investigation is required for the hired candidate and the results may impact employment.
COVID-19 Statement:
The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors has been our top priority and the focus of every one of our decisions since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the University System of Maryland (USM) has strongly encouraged full COVID vaccination and up- to-date booster shots (when eligible) for all faculty, staff, and students at all schools in the USM as both a reasonable and necessary means of protecting our health and safety.

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