MA Intellectual Disability/Autism at Columbia University

Programme overview

The 43-point MA in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Childhood, Grades 1-6) is for people without New York State certification as a teacher of students with disabilities. It prepares pre-service teachers for inclusive and specialised settings, with specialisation in intellectual disability and/or autism, and leads to dual certification.

Faculty: Teachers College | Department: Health and Behavior Studies (Intellectual Disability/Autism) | Duration: About 1.5 years full-time (Childhood Grades 1-6 dual track) | Intake: Fall 2027; priority 15 January 2027, final 1 July 2027 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

Coursework in general education content areas, psychology and a special education core, plus fieldwork and practicum experiences aligned with New York State Learning Standards.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Childhood (Grades 1-6) dual track: online application with statement of purpose and resume; transcripts or course-by-course evaluations; two letters of recommendation; video essay; supplemental application; $75 application fee. International applicants whose native language is not English submit TOEFL iBT (minimum 100 if taken before 21 January 2026, 5.0 on the new scale if taken on or after that date), IELTS 7.0 or Duolingo 130, unless exempt (for example by a graduate degree taught in English).

Intake: Fall 2027; priority 15 January 2027, final 1 July 2027

Duration: About 1.5 years full-time (Childhood Grades 1-6 dual track)

Apply through the official page: https://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/

Explore more study programmes

Engineering