M.A. in Developmental Disabilities
The M.A. Program in Developmental Disabilities at Teachers College is unique in its interdisciplinary approach to the study of developmental disabilities. The program responds to the growing need for highly skilled professionals who are prepared to work with individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings and across the lifespan.
Candidates gain expertise in identifying and evaluating evidence-based approaches to promote success for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
A new online program option is offered in addition to the traditional in-person program. Both programs provide the same curriculum and opportunities to study with faculty at Teachers College who are leaders in the field. The online program includes the added flexibility of an asynchronous format.
Admissions Information
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): Rolling
* For details about rolling deadlines, visit our admission deadlines page.
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Application Supplement (included in online application)
Program Handbook
Requirements from the TC Catalog
The M.A. in Developmental Disabilities On Campus and M.A. in Developmental Disabilities Online programs do not lead to New York State teacher certification, and are available to interested students with a broad range of career goals. This program is designed to provide multidisciplinary training in the study of individuals with developmental disabilities. Students will engage in multidisciplinary coursework in special education and across other disiciplines (e.g., psychology, health, and/or leadership), gain specialized preparation for working with individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism and/or intellectual disabilities, and gain expertise in designing effective programming for individuals with the full range of learning and behavior characteristics.
Required Department Courses:
- HBSE 4000 Introduction to special education
- HBSE 4002 Instruction and curriculum for students with and without disabilities
- HBSE 4005 Computer applications in special education
- HBSE 4006 Working with families of children with disabilities
- HBSE 4010 Nature and needs of persons with intellectual disability/autism
- HBSE 4011 Education of persons with intellectual disability/autism
- HBSE 4082 Assessment and evaluation of infants, children, and youth with exceptionalities
- HBSE 4880 Opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities
Breadth Requirements:
In addition to required courses, students will select a sub-specialization area in which they will take interdisciplinary coursework outside of special education (e.g., psychology, health, policy, and/or leadership). The sub-specialization area will be selected from a rich array of offerings at Teachers College in light of the student's background and career goals.