8 Special Education Degree Programs in Canada

Teachers with a passion for supporting students in the special education classroom can pursue a Masters of Education at VIU to dive deeper into teaching and learning strategies that address unique learning challenges. This Master of Education in Special Education (MSED) is offered as a part-time online Master program or full-time in-person cohort, making it flexible and accessible for practicing teachers to undertake their Master's of Education while working. The VIU Special Education Master’s program is designed as a highly experiential learning environment. Graduate students are able to personalize their learning and build meaningful connections with the school communities they live and work in.

VIU's Inclusive Education (Special Education) Graduate Diploma embodies an innovative approach to the field of Inclusive Education. Grounded in current research and evidence–based practices, our program challenges each educator to critically examine historical and contemporary Inclusive Education policies and approaches to formulate a best practice specific to their context. Faculty bring their expert knowledge and extensive experiences to guide, support and maximize student learning in each part of the program.

In this two-year program, you will specialize in primary and secondary education for students with special needs. You will learn how to give them the support they need to flourish and become active community members.

If you're a student living with a learning differences or a social, physical or mental health challenge we can help you transition from high school to post-secondary education or meaningful employment. This certificate program helps students learn skills to succeed in their future education and/or vocational goals. Students will finish with a personal portfolio, educational and employment-related certifications, strategies for success in first year courses, and current work experience in a sector related to their vocational interests.

The Accessible Education Certificate program supports level two students to achieve their educational and personal development goals. This program is for students who wish to work on academic skills and independent living skills. Program content includes courses which focus on literacy and numeracy, interpersonal and self-management skills, creativity and self-expression, workplace awareness, and skills for increasing independence.

The Education and Skills for Employment program is designed to increase the success of people with cognitive disabilities in a variety of areas of employment. Through individual learning plans, courses introduce students to workplace skills, provide the opportunity to demonstrate employment readiness and open the door for future learning and employment in our communities and beyond. This program combines an interactive classroom experience with work placement within the community.

Disability Studies explores the ways in which the lives of people with disabilities are shaped by patterns of injustice, exclusion and discrimination and social, cultural and aesthetic “norms.” This part-time program allows you to utilize a previous college diploma in a disability-related field, or other relevant post-secondary credentials, to earn a bachelor’s degree through a combination of online, intensive and hybrid courses. An applied independent thesis project and practical experience in schools and community organizations will ensure you graduate understanding new theoretical and methodological approaches in this relatively new and expansive interdisciplinary field. You will be prepared to make a difference.

The Educational Assistant Program will prepare you for a rewarding career making a difference in students’ lives. Educational Assistants are a vital part of the educational team in today’s schools and classrooms. Educational Assistants work alongside teachers and other professionals to support student learning. With a focus on working in inclusive settings,