Intellectual Disabilities/Autism

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Educating for Positive Change

Across all degree tracks, students receive targeted training that prepares them to work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Classroom education is enriched through guided, experiential learning.

Welcome to the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism program

The Intellectual Disability/Autism program at Teachers College prepares students to work with individuals with disabilities across a range of contexts. Our teacher certification programs lead to teaching students with disabilities (special education) certification at the early childhood, childhood, and adolescence level. And the dual certification degree programs prepare graduates to teach students with and without disabilities in a variety of public and private classroom settings — inclusive classrooms, integrated co-teaching (ICT) classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and special schools.

Choose Your Degree Program

Use the tabs below to select the degree program that's right for you.

Our programs offer coursework and experiences at three levels: early childhood, childhood and adolescence. The early childhood and childhood programs lead to dual certification in students with disabilities. All certification programs prepare teachers to work with students with and without disabilities.  

  • M.A. in Severe or Multiple Disabilities: This M.A. program is designed for students who already have initial Special Education teaching certification in New York State.* The program leads to the NY State Annotation in Severe or Multiple Disabilities. The program provides emphasis on the needs of students with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

*Please contact us if you have certification from another state and are interested in this program.

The M.A. Program in Developmental Disabilities offers interdisciplinary perspective on disabilities, bridging coursework in special education with that across other disciplines (Psychology, Health, and/or Leadership).  While this program does not lead to teacher certification, it provides students with knowledge and experiences in developmental disabilities, with specialized emphasis on Autism Spectrum Disorder.  

M.A. in Developmental Disabilities (On-Campus):  This program is designed for students who seek a graduate degree that provides knowledge and experiences in developmental disabilities, but do not want teacher certification.  

M.A. in Developmental Disabilities (Online): As with the in-person Developmental Disabilities program, the online Developmental Disabilities program is designed for students who seek a graduate degree that provides knowledge and experiences in developmental disabilities.  The online program includes the added flexibility of an asynchronous format.

We offer both a Ph.D. and Ed.D. in Intellectual Disability/Autism: both programs are designed for students who seek advanced research training in the field of developmental disability.

Student Testimonials

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Danielle Green

It is such an honor to learn from incredible professors who challenge and inspire me each day. I know that upon graduating from TC, I will be fully equipped to lead as a respected special educator and represent TC proudly.

Danielle Green, Intellectual Disabilities/Autism Program Candidate, '20

Go for it! You will be a valuable resource in any education related work environment- even advocacy work. Great field (especially with our numbers increasing) and very rewarding.

Severe or Multiple Disabilities Program ‘12

I felt I got very good insight on the complexities of low-incidence disabilities. In addition, it was great to have practice working with families of students with disabilities…people are very impressed with my credentials.

Jullian C., ID/Autism (Childhood) Program ‘12

Student Teaching Placements and Family Studies best prepared me. Having the opportunity to practice all the skills taught in class in the "real world" is what helped prepare me and lead me to the job I have now.

Alyssa C., ID/Autism (Childhood) Program ‘13

The professors that I had in my program were able to speak from experience and not just a textbook. A lot of information that they gave has been useful in the classroom.

Danielle F., Severe or Multiple Disabilities Program ‘13

The journey this program has taken me on has shaped my professional path significantly. Student culture at TC within the Developmental Disabilities program is both supportive and collaborative. The elective portion of the program gave me exposure to areas of the field that I had not previously considered. I am currently applying for a PhD in Psychology.

Gaia, Developmental Disabilities Program Candidate ‘17

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Contact Us

Program Director: Laudan B. Jahromi, Ph.D.

Box: 223

Teachers College, Columbia University
528 West 121st St., 5th Floor

Phone: 212-678-3880 Fax: 212-678-8259

Email: Erica Schenk (es3747@tc.columbia.edu)

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