Master of Education in Special Education

Program Outline (Part-Time Option)

Program Outline (Full-Time Option)

* These courses may be completed on-campus or online.

Program Outline (Laddering Option) 

Program Progression Requirements

• Students must maintain a minimum average of ‘B’ (3.0) in each semester of the program 
• Students must receive a ‘CR’ grade in each course (where applicable) 
• Any student that receives a grade below a ‘C+’ in an individual course is required to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or the Program Chair to create an action plan to improve academic performance. 
• Should students receive a failing grade, they may retake up to 2 individual courses. If they are unsuccessful in a third course, or in a second attempt of the same course, they will be required to leave the program. 
• To be eligible to progress into MEDS 630 and 640, the following requirements must be met: 
  • a minimum grade of ‘B’ (3.0) or ‘CR’ in MEDS 540 
  • an approved proposal 
• Students are permitted one attempt at MEDS 640. 
• Students who find it necessary to interrupt their program may request a leave of absence and are advised to meet with their Program Coordinator and/or the Program Chair in support of completing the Graduate Studies Leave of Absence process. 
• Students returning to the program after an absence of five years or longer will have their course work reassessed for relevancy and may be required to retake courses and resubmit a proposal (if applicable).

Program Completion Requirements

• Graduation requires the successful completion of all required courses and M.Ed. graduate work (i.e. Thesis, Major Project, etc.) as agreed upon in an approved proposal.
• Students requiring extra time to complete MEDS 630 and/or MEDS 640, must maintain continuous enrollment in EXTN 500 at an additional cost for up to three (3) additional consecutive terms.

To be admitted into the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university and acceptable in content by the Faculty of Education with either:
  • a cumulative grade point average of "B" in the final two years and/or
  • demonstration of academic excellence
• 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. 
• Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Admissions Committee:
  • A résumé outlining teaching experience (two years preferred). 
  • A letter of intent explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate work in this area. 
  • Two current, confidential assessment reports (reference letters are not acceptable in lieu of the confidential assessment reports).

For Laddering Option applicants: 

In addition to the above, graduates from the Inclusive Education Graduate Diploma (IEGD):

• Must have taken GDSE 590 (Conference Related Special Project) as one of their electives. 

Conditional acceptance may be offered to students who are enrolled in IEGD courses at the time of application; however, successful completion of all IEGD coursework is required before students can be registered in the Master of Education in Special Education. 

In addition to the above, graduates from the Literacy, Language and Learning Graduate Diploma (LLLGD):

• Must have taken GDSE 692 (Individual Intervention Planning) and GDSE 693 (Individual Assessment) as part of their electives.

Conditional acceptance may be offered to students who are enrolled in final LLL program courses at the time of application; however, successful completion of all LLLGD requirements is required before students can be registered in the Master of Education in Special Education.

Flexible Admission

In exceptional circumstances, an applicant may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to 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 letter of intent explaining why they wish to pursue graduate work in this area;
• Provide a detailed résumé, including evidence of applicable learning;
• Provide two current, confidential assessment reports;
• 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.

Notes on Admission

• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• For application review, applicants must submit all admission documents, including official transcripts for all post-secondary coursework/studies within two weeks of the admissions deadline. Applicants are advised to submit documents as early as possible.
• Students who have completed the former Special Education Teaching Specialty Post Degree Diploma Program (SETS) should contact Graduate Programs in the Faculty of Education to determine their eligibility for the Master of Education in Special Education (laddering option). 

Transfer from other Institutions

Applicants may apply to the Program Coordinator/Program Chair for possible transfer credits from other accredited Master's programs.

Domestic 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.

Domestic (Canadian)