Master’s in Special Education Online - Intellectual Disabilities/Autism
An M.A. in special education online with NY State Initial certification: Teaching Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
Broaden Your Impact With a Master’s in Special Education
Are you an educator interested in supporting more students in your classroom or school? Develop the skills to empower students with intellectual disabilities and autism with an online master’s in special education with certification from Teachers College. Our program equips you with the expertise you need to make a meaningful difference in special education, whether it’s developing individualized education plans, supporting inclusive classrooms, or collaborating with families — all in a flexible online format that allows you to balance your commitments while accessing an exceptional graduate education.
Online Master’s in Special Education Program Highlights
At Teachers College, you’ll develop the skills and expertise needed to teach in a variety of educational settings, such as inclusive classrooms, self-contained settings, and specialized schools. Our special education master’s program combines evidence-based teaching methods with practical experience and a focus on equity and inclusion. At TC, you’ll learn how to create meaningful learning experiences, foster student growth, and build inclusive environments where every learner can thrive.
An online master’s in special education from a respected institution
Learn and practice research-driven teaching strategies for supporting students with autism and intellectual disabilities. Our program includes full-time or part-time options, asynchronous learning, and numerous opportunities for virtual research experiences. This format allows you to access the same faculty and quality of instruction as our in-person programs in a way that works best for you and your schedule.
Preparation for special education certification in New York
Build the expertise and skills you need for certification in teaching students with disabilities — in a program that prepares you to work with students with disabilities in pre-K through 12th grade. Our program is designed to meet New York State certification requirements and developed by both researchers and practitioners in the field.
A master’s in special education online grounded in evidence-based practice
Study in a respected program that draws on the latest research, pedagogies, and scientific approaches to teaching students with disabilities. The online master’s in special education is driven by a philosophy of inquiry-driven, individualized instruction that brings together research, reflective practice, and a range of perspectives. This approach equips you with the expertise you need to tailor instruction to students across a range of abilities, educational settings, and living environments.
Teachers College at a Glance
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 33
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Online, Part-Time Online
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Initial: Students with Disabilities (All Grades)
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, 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 | |
|---|---|
| International applicants are not eligible to apply for this program and are encouraged to consider other program options | |
| 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) | |
| Applicants may be asked to meet with program faculty to discuss their practicum after admission and prior to enrollment |
For admission-related inquiries, please contact HAEPadmission@tc.columbia.edu.
Master’s in Special Education Online Faculty
Work with active researchers and practitioners to develop expertise in the latest special education theory and practices. At TC, you’ll learn from the same faculty as our on-campus special education programs, working with leading scholars who can draw on both research and experience to guide you as you develop your own approach to teaching learners with disabilities. Faculty research interests include self-concept and identity, family and teacher partnership, cognitive and linguistic development, and special education teacher induction methods.
Laudan Jahromi is professor and department chair of psychology and education. She is also the associate editor of the American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Her research interests include social-emotional well-being among children and families with complex support needs; emotion regulation and executive function; caregiver coping strategies; and caregiver wellbeing.
M.A. in Special Education - Autism/Intellectual Disabilities Curriculum
At TC, you’ll learn teaching strategies informed by research in the field and aligned with New York special education certification standards. Our curriculum blends foundational courses with specialized courses in autism and intellectual disabilities. Some courses include:
- Instructional Design and Positive Behavior Supports for Students with Disabilities
- Working with Families of Children with Disabilities
- Language, Literacy, and Literature in the Content Areas
- Children’s Development and Individual Differences: Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
Practice Your Skills With Practicum and Research Experiences
To prepare for teaching students with disabilities, you’ll engage in multiple practicum experiences. Working with a cooperating teacher, you’ll identify and complete two practicum placements at a partner school in your local area. Each field experience includes an accompanying course where you’ll engage in pedagogical, methodological, and practical discussions and activities with other students.
At TC, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in research experiences with faculty studying a wide range of topics in special education. As an online student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in virtual research experiences, including data collection, tele-assessments, observations, and more.
Online Master’s in Special Education Program Outcomes
TC’s program prepares you to work with students with autism and a range of disabilities in pre-K-12th grade. Drawing on the empirical foundations of special education and evidence-based teaching methods, you’ll learn to work with people with disabilities, collaborate with families, and approach special education with an ethical lens. You’ll graduate ready to apply teaching strategies across educational contexts.
The Skills You Need to Make an Impact
To prepare for careers in special education, you’ll build the following skills and expertise:
- Research and inquiry
- Collaboration with families and the community
- Working with students with intellectual disabilities and autism
- Inclusive and collaborative teaching
- Individualized instruction planning
- Evidence-based teaching strategies
- Classroom and behavior management
- Assessment
Program FAQ
To become a special education teacher, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some states, including New York, require a master’s degree and certification. Teachers College offers an M.A. in special education online that prepares you for New York State Students with Disabilities All Grades teacher certification, qualifying you to teach students with disabilities from preschool through high school.
Special education teachers require a variety of skills to support students with disabilities, including individualized instruction planning, classroom and behavior management, collaboration skills, communication skills, cultural competence, and problem-solving abilities. At Teachers College, you’ll develop these skills and others, all in a flexible online format.
Yes, you can earn a special education degree online. The online M.A. in special education - intellectual disabilities/autism at Teachers College is designed for educators who desire the same quality of instruction as on-campus programs, allowing you to balance work, family, and other commitments. Our program combines the flexibility of remote learning with the rigorous academic and practical training needed to prepare for certification and a career in special education. You’ll access high-quality coursework, collaborate with expert faculty, and complete field experiences in a partner school in your area.
In New York, special education certification requires completing a state-approved education program, such as the online master’s program at Teachers College, completing supervised practicum or student teaching experiences, and passing the required New York State certification exams. The Teachers College program fulfills these requirements, helping you seamlessly transition into the certification process.
Yes, graduates of the online master’s in special education: intellectual disabilities/autism program are eligible for New York State Students with Disabilities All Grades teacher certification. This certification qualifies you to work in various educational settings, including inclusive, self-contained, and specialized classrooms for students with disabilities.
As a student in our program, you’ll have access to several resources to help you reach your goals during the program and after graduation, including:
- Dedicated academic advisors to guide you through coursework and certification requirements
- Practicum placement support to help you identify and complete field experiences at your practicum site
- Mentorship from expert faculty, who provide personalized feedback and real-time guidance
- Virtual resources, including office hours, discussion forums, research experiences, and peer collaboration opportunities, to ensure a strong sense of community and support. You’ll also have access to the Graduate Writing Center, career support, and several other student resources to help you succeed in and beyond the program.
Program Cost & Aid
Teachers College is committed to creating opportunities for our students to impact more lives in education and beyond. As an admitted student in the master’s in special education online program, you may be eligible to receive various types of aid, including grants, fellowships, and loans. You’ll also be eligible for the Teachers Future Award, which provides a discount on tuition for online students.
For the best chance of scholarship consideration, we encourage you to apply by the priority deadline of January 15th. View cost of attendance or explore types of aid.
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