Master of Education in Special Education in Canada at VIU Canada

Program Overview for Master of Education in Special Education in Canada:

This cohort-based model is designed for students wishing to study full-time on the VIU campus. All formal coursework is completed over two semesters. The Field Inquiry and Major Project components are completed during the second year over two semesters. Students may complete these components with online support and can complete up to one semester early.

VIU's M.Ed. in Special Education embodies an innovative approach to the field of Special Education. Grounded in current research and evidence-based practices, The program challenges each educator to critically examine historical and contemporary Special Education policies and approaches to formulate a best practice specific to their own context.

Faculty bring their expert knowledge and extensive experiences to guide, support, and maximize student learning in each part of the program.

The 40-credit program is nested in four frames of reference:

Learning and development environment: Students consider learning and development environments, including characteristics of people with special needs; social background, cultural perspectives, poverty, psychological and social health problems; and Meaning. 

Informational Assessment: Students pay attention to the purpose, process, and impact of assessment information.  

Responsive Teaching: After consultation with classroom teachers, parents, students, and district and community resource staff, students demonstrate the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate individual education plans (IEPs) for students with various special needs. 

Reimagine Special Education: Students think beyond current practices and examine key issues in special education that affect children with special needs and their families to reimagine the field of special education. The graduates of the program will master content knowledge, develop specific skills and experience as required by the British Columbia Ministry of Education for special education teachers, and have the ability to play a leadership role in the field of special education. 

Ladder Option:
VIU Graduate Diploma in Comprehensive Education graduates can apply for a master's degree in special education. To complete the Master of Education in Special Education (tiered option), students must complete 3 courses (15 credits) to support thesis or project work. The Master of Education in Special Education (layered option) is a cohort-based program that starts in the spring semester and is completed for two years. The plan is available online.

The eligibility for Master of Education in Special Education in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

• A résumé outlining teaching experience (two years preferred).
• A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.
• Official transcripts indicate completing a Bachelor of Education degree with a cumulative grade point average of "B" in the final two years. Two current, confidential assessment reports.
• Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.

Flexible Admission: In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when significant professional experience is relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes to complete a demanding academic course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:

• Provide a personal statement of intent;
• Provide a detailed résumé, including evidence of applicable learning;
• Provide two or more letters of reference;
• Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework

In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:

• Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
• Appear for an interview;
• Take one or more qualifying courses; and/or
• Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application

These are the test eligibilities for the Master of Education in Special Education to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Master of Education in Special Education in Canada.

Domestic graduates of the program will be fully prepared to take up special education positions at school and district levels. The British Columbia School District reported that it is very difficult to hire qualified special education teachers.

This program is also offered part-time. The part-time application deadline differs.