Master of Arts (M.A.) in Severe or Multiple Disabilities
With New York State for an Annotation in the Teaching of Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities
The M.A. degree in Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities is designed for individuals who already hold initial certification as a teacher of students with disabilities and who are working toward professional certification. Graduates who meet all requirements of the program, and who complete all state requirements, will be recommended to New York State for an Annotation in the Teaching of Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities.
This program prepares teachers to work with students with severe and/or multiple disabilities in inclusive and specialized settings. Through coursework and practicum experiences, the program fosters the acquisition of the specialized knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to provide effective educational programs for students with severe and/or multiple disabilities.
This 32-credit program typically takes one year to complete (Fall through Summer).
Admission Information
Displaying requirements for the Spring 2027, Summer 2027, and Fall 2027 terms.
Master of Arts
- Points/Credits: 32
- Entry Terms: Fall
- Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based, Part-Time Campus-Based
Certification
View Public Disclosure Notification
- NY State Annotation: Severe and Multiple Disabilities
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) | |
| Must hold or be eligible for Initial Certification in Special Education, if certification is in-progress, must be obtained prior to enrollment |
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.