Teaching Students with Multiple or Severe Disabilities
The Teaching Students with Multiple or Severe Disabilities Master of Arts program at Columbia University is a one-year, full-time graduate degree that prepares educators to effectively support learners with significant cognitive, physical, sensory, and medical needs. Rooted in inclusive and person-centered educational philosophy, the program emphasizes individualized instruction, assistive technology, communication support, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students gain a deep understanding of how to assess, plan, and implement educational strategies that promote dignity, access, and meaningful learning across diverse educational settings.
Offered through Teachers College, the program combines evidence-based research, clinical insight, and field-based experience. Students engage with expert faculty in the areas of special education, communication sciences, and developmental psychology, while completing practicum placements in schools and programs serving students with severe disabilities. The curriculum also addresses behavioral supports, family engagement, and inclusive curriculum design. With New York City’s diverse population and specialized institutions, students gain real-world insight into best practices for supporting learners with complex needs. This degree prepares educators to be both compassionate practitioners and advocates for equity and access.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Teaching Students with Multiple or Severe Disabilities
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 July 2026
- Location: Columbia University, United States
- Field of Study: Special Education
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Severe Disabilities and Instructional Support
- Characteristics of Students with Severe Disabilities
- Foundations of Inclusive Education
- Communication Strategies and Assistive Technology
- Educational Assessment for Students with Complex Needs
Semester 2 – Applied Methods and Professional Practice
- Curriculum Design for Functional and Academic Skills
- Behavior Support and Intervention Planning
- Family Collaboration and Transition Planning
- Practicum in Specialized and Inclusive Classrooms
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers as special education teachers, intervention specialists, inclusion coordinators, and support service educators in public and private schools, therapeutic settings, and community programs. Many work in self-contained classrooms, inclusive environments, or hospital-affiliated education units, supporting students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. Others pursue leadership roles in curriculum development, teacher coaching, or disability advocacy. With advanced training in communication systems, behavioral supports, and instructional adaptation, graduates are positioned to make lasting impact in the lives of students and families, promoting independence, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for educators who want to make a profound difference in the lives of students with the most complex learning needs, using knowledge, empathy, and innovation to foster inclusion. Columbia University offers a rigorous, research-informed curriculum taught by leaders in special education, supported by hands-on practicum experiences and access to the university’s collaborative academic network. The program emphasizes the importance of dignity, agency, and high expectations for every learner, equipping graduates with both practical tools and ethical foundations. For those who seek to be transformative educators and advocates in the field of severe disabilities, this degree offers the preparation, mentorship, and vision to lead with purpose.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States
