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.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer, Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | January 15, 2025 | June 1, 2025 | 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.
The M.A. in Developmental Disabilities on-campus program does not lead to New York State teacher certification and is 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 disciplines (e.g., psychology, health, and/or leadership), gain specialized preparation for working with individuals with developmental disabilities (such as Autism Spectrum Disorder 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:
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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 4082 Assessment and evaluation of infants, children, and youth with exceptionalities
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HBSE 4300 Practicum in assessment and evaluation of exceptional learners
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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, in consultation with the academic advisor, from a rich array of offerings at Teachers College in light of the student's background and career goals.