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Educational Psychology - Mental Health & Special Education

Overview

students studying on campus Our Mental Health and Special Education program emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotional well-being and learning. It prepares students for careers in psychometry, guidance counseling, school social work, education, and other fields dedicated to supporting diverse learners and promoting inclusive mental health practices in educational settings.

Our Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology with a specialization in Mental Health & Special Educationis the study of how people learn, focusing on the biological, cognitive, emotional and social factors influencing knowledge acquisition, retention and application in typical and atypical populations. It informs the effective development of innovative teaching methods, learning environments and interventions for diverse learners and explores factors that can impact educational
success.

The Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology is Canada’s first undergraduate program dedicated exclusively to Educational Psychology. The program addresses the unique needs of students pursuing careers in psychometry, guidance counseling, school social work and education, addressing mental health and developmental needs across the lifespan.

You will explore the theories, research and applications of work on cognition, development, learning theories, assessment practices, inclusive education and technology-enhanced environments. The program offers flexible learning modalities (in-person, online, hybrid-flex) and advanced entry pathways. This unique design allows students to align academic experiences with career goals, preparing them to address complex challenges in education and mental health.

*Pending ministry approval


Admissions

Admissions


Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U).

Note: Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies 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. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.


Program details

Faculty
Education

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Delivery method
In-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DPZ

Contact information

Career opportunities

  • K-6 primary school teacher (with a Bachelor of Education Degree)
  • College Instructor (with a Master’s Degree)
  • Adult Educational Trainer in government, military, public or private sector
  • Service Organization Educator
  • Workplace/Corporate Educator
  • Early childhood learning environment design
  • Education counselors
  • Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
  • EDI Policy Consultant
  • Special Education Consultant
  • Instructional Designer
  • Multimedia Specialist
  • Human Resources
  • Policy Development
  • Social policy researcher consultants and program officers

Did you know?

of students are employed within six months of graduation
median upper year class size
  • Sample courses
    • EDST 1000U - Foundations of Learning
    • EDST 1100U - Problem and Inquiry-Based 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
    A full program map is available in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar. Courses are subject to change without notice.