Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Early Childhood)
With Dual Initial Certification in Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities (birth - grade 2)
This program is designed for individuals who do not already hold New York State initial or professional certification as a teacher of students with disabilities (birth through grade 2). We prepare pre-service teachers to work with students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings. Through coursework and practicum experiences, graduate students acquire 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, our programs provide specialized preparation in working with individuals 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. Our degree programs are fully aligned with the New York State Learning Standards.
This 60-credit full-time program typically requires two years to complete.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Education
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Dual Certification w/ Early Childhood: NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities Birth-2, NY State Initial: Early Childhood Birth-2
Application Deadlines
| Entry Term Available | Priority Deadlines | Final Deadlines | Extended Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Summer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | January 15, 2027 | July 1, 2027 | 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 | |
| Video essay required (included in online application) | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2026-2027)
View catalog information for the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 terms.