Educational Studies - Special Education (Advanced Entry)
Overview
This college-to-university pathway program results in a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies with a specialization in Special Education, preparing leader-experts with the flexibility to apply innovations to a variety of educational settings. Our Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies (Advanced Entry) is a fully online program designed for students who have completed an Ontario college diploma, Ontario college advanced diploma, or equivalent. You will develop critical knowledge and skills in educational studies, including foundations of learning, creating digital tools for education, assessment for learning and foundations of equity, diversity and inclusion.
This specialization in Special Education is designed to cultivate experts equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. Students will be introduced to the foundational principles of Special Education, exploring topics such as the historical context, ethical considerations, models of inclusion and assistive technologies. Through real-world inquiry and problem-based learning, this specialization aims to produce professionals who are adept at creating inclusive and accessible spaces across a range of educational contexts.
If you are interested in becoming a teacher after completing this degree, you should also apply to the Concurrent Education program (see Admissions below for details on the application process).
Specialization courses
To specialize in Special Education during the Educational Studies program, you must complete four of the following courses in addition to other program requirements:
- EDST 2700U – Foundations of Special Education
- EDST 3700U – Models of Inclusion
- EDST 3710U – Understanding the Diversity of Educational Needs
- EDST 4700U – Technology and Assistive Tools for Special Education
Outcomes
After completing the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies with a specialization in Special Education, you will be prepared to:
- Provide consultation, training, and program development for issues related to educational needs across a range of youth and adult learning contexts.
- Pursue a Bachelor of Education program to teach K-12.
- Pursue graduate school in our Master of Education program.
In my early 30s, I decided to go back to school—the college-to-university transfer Educational Studies program at Ontario Tech called out to me. Not only was the program incredibly flexible with its online delivery, but the learning community was also a safe space for my peers and I to share our experiences, and grow together. I am so grateful that I made the leap to attend this university; I can honestly say that it has been the key to my current and future success. Violet Bell Hogan Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Educational Studies, Class of 2020
Admissions
Admissions
An Ontario college diploma or Ontario college advanced diploma (or equivalent*) with a minimum mid-70s average.
*Graduates who hold a two or three-year diploma or university degree from outside Ontario should contact the Admissions office to determine their eligibility.
Note: Admission is competitive. Regardless of educational background, all applicants to undergraduate programs must have specific prerequisite subject knowledge for their intended program of study. The specific average or standing required for admission will vary from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria, including school marks, distribution of subjects taken and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.
| Last year's cut-off | 70 per cent |
|---|---|
| Expected cut-off | Low-70s |
Applicants interested in the Educational Studies (Advanced Entry) - Special Education specialization will apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) using application code DET.
Those interested in becoming a teacher can select the Concurrent Education option on the OUAC program selection page when applying. For more information on Concurrent Education, please see our program website.
Important notes about the Concurrent Education option
- Applicants accepted into the Concurrent Education program alongside their undergraduate degree are required to complete their degree requirements by the end of the winter semester of the year they intend to begin the Bachelor of Education program.
- Applicants who start an Educational Studies (Advanced Entry) program in May and pursue studies full-time will not graduate by the winter deadline mentioned above and will be required to wait until the following intake of the Bachelor of Education program.
The application process and important dates/deadlines are outlined on our college-to-university transfer applicant page.
Career opportunities
- Assistive technology specialist
- College Educator
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Instructional Designer
- Policy development
- Service Organization Educator
- Support services specialist
- Transition specialist
Did you know?
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Sample courses
- EDST 1000U – Foundations of Learning
- EDST 1000U – Foundations of Learning
- EDST 1130U – Writing and Information Literacy in the Digital Age
- EDST 1230U – Design Thinking and Visual Design for Educational Contexts
- EDST 2110U – Assessment and Evaluation
- EDST 2140U – Creating Digital Tools
- EDST 2150U – Teaching to Facilitate Learning
- EDST 2500U – Foundations of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Education
- EDST 3000U – Instructional Design
