Education Programs

Master of Education in Special Education

• Two–Year Masters Program; 40 credits

• Program Fees

• Apply for Admission

The Program

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, our program challenges each educator to critically examine historical and contemporary Special Education policies and approaches to formulate a best practice specific to her/his own context. Faculty bring their expert knowledge and extensive experiences to guide, support and maximize student learning in each part of the program.

The two–year 40 credit program is nested in four frames of reference:

1. Context for Development and Learning: Students consider the context for development and learning including characteristics of the individual with special needs; issues such as social context, cultural perspectives, poverty, and mental and social health; and implications of research.
2. Informative Assessment: Students focus on the purposes, processes, and implications of assessment information.
3. Responsive Teaching: Students demonstrate the ability to develop, implement, and evaluate an Individual Education Plan (IEP) in consultation with classroom teacher(s), parents, students, and district and community resource personnel for students with a variety of special needs.
4. Re–imagining Special Education: Students think beyond current practices and examine critical issues in the field of Special Education that impact children with special needs and their families in order to re–imagine the field of Special Education.

Graduates of the program will command content knowledge, develop skill–specific competencies and acquire relevant experiences prescribed by the BC Ministry of Education for Special Education specialist teachers, as well as, have the capacity to offer leadership in Special Education areas.

The M.Ed. program is offered as a cohort–based model for practicing teachers. Classes meet Friday night and Saturday up to eight times during the fall and spring semesters and the month of July for the summer session.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be well–poised to assume Special Education positions at the school and district level. School districts in British Columbia report great difficulty in recruiting qualified Special Education teachers.

Admission Requirements

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of "B" in the final two years.
• A record of at least two years of successful teaching.
• Two current, confidential assessment reports.
• A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area.

Notes on Admission

• Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program. Applicants will be required to submit a resume outlining teaching experience.
• Applicants may apply to the Dean for possible transfer credits from other accredited Master's degree programs.
• Graduates of the Special Education Teacher Specialty Post Degree Diploma program will be granted exemptions from some courses.
• This program is not currently available for international students.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and May 31. For further information regarding late applications and program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

* Graduates of the Special Education Teacher Specialty Post Degree Diploma program will be granted the following:

• Year 1: Full exemption for MEDS 510.
• Year 2: Three–credit exemption for MEDS 620. Students will complete MEDS 621 for two credits instead.
• Year 2: Three–credit exemption for MEDS 610. Students will complete MEDS 611 for two credits instead.

Students who have previously completed SETS EDTE 619 will be granted the following:

• Year 2: Three–credit exemption for MEDS 610. Students will complete MEDS 611 for two credits instead.

Updated February 21, 2012