M.A. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Adolescence Level)
With Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities (grades 7-12)
This program is designed for individuals who do not already hold New York State initial or professional certification as a teacher of students with disabilities (grades 7-12). We prepare pre-service teachers to work with students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings. Through coursework and practicum experiences, graduate students acquire the broad-based knowledge and skills needed to provide effective educational programs for students with the full range of learning and behavior characteristics.
In addition, our programs provide specialized preparation in working with individuals with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder at specific age levels. This is accomplished through required coursework in general education content areas and psychology as well as a special education core including coursework and a variety of fieldwork experiences. Our degree programs are fully aligned with the New York State Learning Standards.
This 38-credit full-time program typically requires one and a half years to complete.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 38
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities 7-12
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2025 | July 1, 2025 | N/A |
Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines, such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.
Application Requirements
| Requirement | |
|---|---|
| Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume | |
| Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed | |
| Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable) | |
| $75 Application Fee | |
| Two (2) Letters of Recommendation | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)
Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.
This program is designed for individuals who do not already hold New York State (NYS) initial or professional certification as a teacher of students with disabilities. It prepares pre-service teachers to work with adolescent students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings. Through coursework and practicum experiences, the program fosters the acquisition of the broad-based knowledge and skills needed to provide effective educational programs for students with the full range of learning and behavior characteristics. In addition, the program provides specialized preparation in working with children with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder at adolescent ages (grades 7-12). This is accomplished through required coursework in general education content areas and psychology as well as a special education core including coursework and a variety of fieldwork experiences. In addition, specialized coursework and practicum experiences are provided that focus on adolescent students with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program is fully aligned with the NYS Learning Standards.
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Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Teaching Students with Intellectual Disability/Autism: Adolescent Generalist (grades 7-12) (ITDA-INIT): For individuals who seek NYS initial certification in Students with Disabilities - generalist (grades 7-12). This 38-point full-time program typically requires one-and-a-half years to complete.
Specialization Requirements, Intellectual Disability/Autism:
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HBSE 4000 Introduction to special education
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HBSE 4002 Instruction and curriculum for students with and without disabilities
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HBSE 4006 Working with families of children with disabilities
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HBSE 4010 Nature and needs of persons with intellectual disability/autism
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HBSE 4011 Education of persons with intellectual disability/autism
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HBSE 4015 Applied behavior analysis I
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HBSE 4082 Assessment and evaluation of infants, children, and youth with exceptionalities
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HBSE 4300 Practicum in assessment and evaluation of individuals with exceptionalities
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HBSE 4700 Field observation in special education: Pre-student teaching
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HBSE 4701 Observation and student teaching in special education: Intellectual disability/autism (two academic terms)
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HBSE 4880 Opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities