- Program Length18 Months
- CredentialPost-Degree Diploma
The Special Education Teacher Specialty Post-Degree Diploma Program
Note: Applications are no longer being accepted to this program. You may be interested in the Inclusive Education (Special Education) Graduate Diploma.
This program is designed for certified teachers who wish to increase their understanding of the diverse needs of the students in the classroom. Teachers with this credential will be well prepared for positions in school-based support services for students, such as Learning Assistance and Student Support.
Courses are offered in various locations on Vancouver Island, and some are offered online. Courses are offered on weekends and during the summer months.
Program Outcomes
This program provides professional educators with the following opportunities:
- To provide professional educators an opportunity to systematically investigate a significant aspect of their practice.
- To provide professional educators an opportunity to examine what are currently considered best practices in the field of Special Education.
- To provide professional educators an opportunity to expand their areas of expertise into the field of Special Education.
Program Outline
|
Year 1 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
EDPD 583 - (Social, Emotional and Behavioural Needs: Foundations and Exemplary Practices) |
3 |
|
EDPD 584 - (Assistive Technology: Foundations & Exemplary Practices) |
3 |
|
EDPD 585 - (Collaborative Planning for Student Success) |
3 |
|
EDTE 620 - (An Introduction to Special Education) |
3 |
|
Year 1 Credits |
12 |
|
Year 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
EDPD 591 - (Literacy/Numeracy: Foundations & Exemplary Practices) |
3 |
|
EDPD 592 - (Norm and Criterion Referenced Assessment and Intervention) |
6 |
|
Year 2 Credits |
9 |
|
Total Program Credits |
21 |
|
Year 2 – Optional Coursework * |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
EDPD 582 - (Special Topics: Investigation of Practice) |
3 |
|
EDPD 586 - (Gifted Learners: Investigation of Practice) |
3 |
|
EDPD 587 - (Developing Functional Curricula: Investigation of Practice) |
6 |
|
EDPD 588 - (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Investigation of Practice) |
3 |
|
EDPD 589 - (Autism Spectrum Disorders: Investigation of Practice) |
3 |
|
EDPD 590 - (Conference Related Special Project) |
3 |
|
EDPD 593 - (Differentiating Curriculum in the Inclusive Classroom: Investigation of Practice) |
3 |
|
Total number of Optional Credits |
24 |
* The optional coursework is not required for completion of the diploma.
Admission Requirements
- Possession of a valid Canadian teaching credential
- Relevant experience as a professional educator
Notes on Admission
Content and assignments are closely connected to the daily realities of schools. Therefore, students would benefit from having access to classrooms and school communities.
Domestic Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
Cost per course* |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition (3 credits x $263.63 per credit) |
790.89 |
|
Student Activity fee (3 credits x $9.04 per credit) |
27.12 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $20.32 per month) |
81.28 |
|
Total |
899.29 |
* Fees may vary slightly depending on location of course offerings.
The Health and Dental Plan fee is in effect only for full-time students at the Nanaimo Campus.
Textbooks and/or course packages are required for each course. Contact the Education Department at 250-740-6223 for further information regarding books and supplies.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
UpdatedClasses are offered from September to December (weekends), January to March (weekends), April to June (weekends), and during the months of July and August (one week intensive classes). For more information contact the Education Department at 1-888-920-2221, Ext. 6221.