Overview

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 the Special Education - Intellectual Disabilities, Autism programme from Columbia University.

The programme 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.

Key facts

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.

The special education master’s programme 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.

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

Programme Structure

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

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00 , National
- Apply before 2026-05-15 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

33 SCH

Delivered

Online

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Special Education View 508 other Masters in Special Education in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

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

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Out-of-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

38358 USD / year

≈ 38358 USD / year

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Special Education - Intellectual Disabilities, Autism.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

The Skills You Need to Make an Impact

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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