Ph.D. in Special Education: Intellectual Disability/Autism
Intellectual Disability/Autism is one of the focus areas that may be selected by applicants to either the Ed.D. or the Ph.D. programs in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education.
The doctoral programs in Intellectual Disability/Autism are research-intensive programs designed to prepare graduates for a variety of academic and professional roles in the field of developmental disabilities. Given our programs’ strong research emphasis, all doctoral students will take rigorous statistics and research methods coursework. We practice a research-apprenticeship model of student mentorship and training. As part of this training, all doctoral students will engage in research activities as part of faculty members' research teams, where they will gain experience with all aspects of the research process: data collection in schools and/or research labs, data management, observational coding, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. Past doctoral students have oriented their preparation towards careers as college and university professors, researchers, program directors, or curriculum and instructional evaluators.
Successful doctoral candidates will pass a doctoral certification examination in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education and will complete a doctoral certification project in their area of specialization. Upon achieving official status as a doctoral candidate, students will be eligible to select a faculty committee and begin work on their doctoral dissertation research.
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.
Doctor of Philosophy
- Points/Credits: 84
- Entry Terms: 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 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall | December 1, 2024 | December 1, 2024 | 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 | |
| Academic Writing Sample | |
| GRE General Test is optional | |
| Supplemental application required (included in online application) | |
| Interview (phone, video, or in-person) required |
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.
Research and Evaluation Emphasis:
Students with excellent potential as researchers and theoreticians who are interested in scholarly careers in special education, education, and related social sciences may apply for the Ph.D. degree program, which represents the highest level of achievement in the Arts and Sciences. This degree program is administered jointly by Teachers College and the graduate faculty of Columbia University. Prospective students may obtain information on program offerings by contacting the program office.
Ph.D. in Special Education: Intellectual Disability/Autism
Intellectual Disability/Autism is one of the exceptionality focus areas that may be selected by applicants to the Ph.D. Programs in Special Education. Individuals who are interested in careers as researchers and scholars in the field of developmental disabilities or special education, inclusive education, and related social sciences may apply for the Ph.D. degree program (84 credits).
The doctoral program in Intellectual Disability/Autism is a research-intensive program designed to prepare graduates for a variety of academic and professional roles in the field of developmental disabilities. Given our program’s strong research emphasis, all doctoral students will take rigorous statistics and research methods coursework. In addition, we practice a research-apprenticeship model of student mentorship and training, thus all students will engage in research activities with faculty members. Doctoral students may orient their preparation towards careers as college and university professors, researchers, program directors, or curriculum and instructional evaluators.
Successful doctoral candidates will pass a doctoral certification examination in general special education, and will complete a doctoral certification project in their area of specialization. Upon achieving official status as a doctoral candidate, students will be eligible to select a faculty advisory committee and begin work on their doctoral dissertation research.
Procedures for admission to the Ph.D. program in Special Education in the Department of Health Studies & Applied Educational Psychology at Teachers College are administered jointly by the Office of Admission and the Department. Applicants are evaluated according to the following criteria:
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Strong academic record and potential,
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GRE scores,
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Two to three years of successful teaching experience in special education and/or evidence of strong applied or basic research experience in a related field (e.g., empirical Master’s thesis, conference presentations, and/or peer- reviewed publications),
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Scholarly and professional promise,
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Appropriate fit with faculty research,
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Appropriate career objectives,
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English proficiency (TOEFL score of at least 600), if applicable,
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Non-academic attributes that demonstrate ability to meet the challenges of working with people with developmental disabilities and conducting research with this population,
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Academic or professional writing sample.
Course requirements in each of the following categories must be satisfied in order to complete the 84-credit Ph.D. program:
Master’s-level courses in Intellectual Disability/Autism (30 credits total)
Core Coursework in the Applied Sciences of Learning and Special Education (24)
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HBSE 5010 Study of the philosophic foundations of special education (3)
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HBSE 6010 Advanced study of problems and issues in special education (3)
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HBSE 5901 Problems in special education – Intellectual Disability/Autism (3)
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HBSE 6501-I Advanced seminar in Intellectual Disability/Autism (3)
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HBSE 6501-II Advanced seminar in Intellectual Disability/Autism or seminar in Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Seminar in School Psychology (3)
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HBSE 6001 Research in special education: Group Design (3)
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HBSE 6005 or HBSE 6031 Research in special education: Single Case Design (3)
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HBSE 7500 Dissertation seminar (3)
Coursework in Statistics and Research Methodology (15)
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HUDM 4122 Probability & statistical inference (3)
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HUDM 5122 Applied regression analysis (3)
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HUDM 5123 Linear models and experimental design (3)
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Advanced statistics, research methods, evaluation, or measurement course (3)
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Advanced statistics, research methods, evaluation, or measurement course (3)
Specialization Electives (15)
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Elective coursework (15)
Areas of specialization include:
Health, Neuroscience, Movement, or Communication Sciences Developmental, Counseling, or School Psychology, Educational Policy or Organization & Leadership, Diversity & Multicultural Studies Research Methodology