M.A. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Teaching Residents at Teachers College)
With Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities (grades 7-12)
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Program is not accepting applications for the 2025 cycle.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 44
- Entry Terms: Spring, Summer
- Enrollment Formats: Full-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 | November 15, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 | N/A |
| Fall | N/A | N/A | 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) | |
| Interview (phone, video, or in-person) required |
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.
These programs are designed for individuals who do not already hold New York State (NYS) initial or professional certification as a teacher of students with disabilities. All programs prepare pre-service teachers to work with students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings. Through coursework and practicum experiences, the programs foster 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 programs provide specialized preparation in working with children 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. In addition, specialized coursework and practicum experiences are provided that focus on students with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The programs are 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.
The TR@TC Program combines specialization in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism with several subject areas in secondary teaching. The specialization requirements in Intellectual Disability/Autism include:
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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 4011 Education of persons with intellectual disability/autism
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HBSE 4082 Assessment and evaluation of infants, children, and youth with exceptionalities
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HBSE 4701 Observation and student teaching in special education: Intellectual disability/autism (two terms)