Master of Education in Special Education at Vancouver Island University

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.

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.

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 Chair for possible transfer credits from other accredited Master's programs.