Carousel
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.
- I'm interested in Intellectual Disability/Autism degrees leading to teacher certification
- I'm interested in a degree and annotation in Severe or Multiple Disabilities
- I'm interested in degrees that offer study in Developmental Disabilities
- I'm interested in doctoral study
- I am interested in adding a certificate in literacy
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.
- Ed.M. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Early Childhood Level): This Ed.M. program is for students who seek NY State Dual Certification in Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities (birth-grade 2).
- M.A. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Childhood Level): This M.A. program is for students who seek NYS Dual Certification in Childhood and Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6).
- M.A. in Intellectual Disability/Autism Peace Corps Fellow Program (Childhood Level): This M.A. program, which is restricted to Peace Corps Fellows, leads to Transitional-B certification (grades 1-6)
- M.A. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (Adolescence Level): This M.A. program is for students who seek NY State Initial Certification in Students with Disabilities - Generalist (grades 7-12).
For students who are also interested in adding a certificate in literacy:
The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is a five course “add-on” featured opportunity to the
programs in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism and Developmental Disabilities which leads to NYS
Literacy (All Grades) certification, and which provides hands-on experience working with
struggling readers and writers. In some cases, selected certificate courses can serve as electives
in the degree program.
- 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.
For students who are also interested in adding a certificate in literacy:
The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is a five course “add-on” featured opportunity to the
programs in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism and Developmental Disabilities which leads to NYS
Literacy (All Grades) certification, and which provides hands-on experience working with
struggling readers and writers. In some cases, selected certificate courses can serve as electives
in the degree 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.
For students who are also interested in adding a certificate in literacy:
The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is a five course “add-on” featured opportunity to the
programs in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism and Developmental Disabilities which leads to NYS
Literacy (All Grades) certification, and which provides hands-on experience working with
struggling readers and writers. In some cases, selected certificate courses can serve as electives
in the degree program.
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.
- Ph.D. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (90-credits)
- Ed.D. in Intellectual Disability/Autism (90-credits)
For students who are also interested in adding a certificate in literacy:
The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is a five course “add-on” featured opportunity to the
programs in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism and Developmental Disabilities which leads to NYS
Literacy (All Grades) certification, and which provides hands-on experience working with
struggling readers and writers. In some cases, selected certificate courses can serve as electives
in the degree program.
The Advanced Certificate in Literacy is a five course “add-on” featured opportunity to the programs in Intellectual Disabilities/Autism and Developmental Disabilities which leads to NYS Literacy (All Grades) certification.
Student Testimonials
Carousel
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News
Admissions Information
Application Requirements
- Master of Arts
- Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Disabilities (Online)
- Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Adolescence - Grades 7-12) Initial Cert: Students w/ Disabilities (7-12)
- Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Childhood - Grades 1-6) Dual Cert: Students w/ Disabilities (1-6) and Childhood Education
- Intellectual Disability/Autism (Peace Corps Fellows) Transitional B: Students w/ Disabilities (1-6) and Childhood Education
- Severe or Multiple Disabilities: Annotation NYS Annotation: Severe and Multiple Disabilities
- Intellectual Disability/Autism (Teaching Residents) Initial Cert: Students w/ Disabilities (7-12) (TR@TC) [Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle.]
- Master of Education
- Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Early Childhood - Birth-Grade 2) Dual Cert: Students w/ Disabilities (Birth-2) and Early Childhood Education
- Doctor of Education
- Special Education: Intellectual Disability/Autism [Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle.]
- Doctor of Philosophy
Fund Your Degree
Developmental Disabilities
Master of Arts
- Major Code: DDIS
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
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 *
- 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
- Application Supplement (included in online application)
Developmental Disabilities (Online)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: DDID
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
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 *
- 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
- Application Supplement (included in online application)
Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Adolescence - Grades 7-12)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: ITDA-INIT
- Points/Credits: 38
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities 7-12
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 *
- 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)
Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Childhood - Grades 1-6)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: ITDS-DUAL
- Points/Credits: 43
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Dual Certification: NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities 1-6
- NY State Initial: Childhood 1-6
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 *
- 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
- GRE General Test or MAT (Optional)
Intellectual Disability/ Autism (Early Childhood - Birth-Grade 2)
Master of Education
- Major Code: ITDE-DUAL
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
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
- 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 *
- 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)
Intellectual Disability/Autism (Peace Corps Fellows)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: ITDC-TRAN
- Points/Credits: 36
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- Peace Corps Fellows Cohort: NY State Transitional B: Students with Disabilities 1-6 NY State Transitional B: Childhood 1-6
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- 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)
Intellectual Disability/Autism (Teaching Residents)
Master of Arts
- Major Code: ITDA-INIT
- Points/Credits: 44
- Entry Terms: Spring/Summer
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities 7-12
Application Deadlines
- Spring: November 15
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
* *Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- 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)
Severe or Multiple Disabilities: Annotation
Master of Arts
- Major Code: MULT-ANOT
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Annotation: Severe and Multiple Disabilities
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 *
- 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)
- Must hold Initial Certification in Special Education
Special Education: Intellectual Disability/Autism
Doctor of Education
- Major Code: ITDS
- Points/Credits: 90
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
- Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
* *Program is not accepting applications for the 2024 cycle*
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- 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
- GRE General Test
- Academic Writing Sample
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)
Special Education: Intellectual Disability/Autism
Doctor of Philosophy
- Major Code: ITDN
- Points/Credits: 84
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
- Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *
- 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
- GRE General Test
- Academic Writing Sample
- Supplemental application required (included in online application)