Educational Psychology - Mental Health & Special Education
Overview
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 Education* prepares students to address the diverse needs of individuals with exceptionalities while integrating key aspects of mental health. This combined approach explores foundational topics such as historical context, ethical considerations, inclusion models, and the use of assistive technologies in special education. It also incorporates psychological perspectives on emotional development, behavioral challenges, and mental health concerns, emphasizing how these factors influence learning and development. Students will be equipped to identify mental health challenges, creating inclusive, supportive environments that meet the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with exceptionalities. Through real-world inquiry and problem-based learning, this specialization equips professionals with the tools to create accessible and effective educational spaces for students in both mental health and special education contexts.
*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.
The application process and important dates/deadlines are outlined on our admissions website:
• Ontario secondary school applicants
• Ontario secondary school graduates
• Canadian out-of-province high school applicants
• International applicants
• Mature applicants (over 21 and never attended post-secondary)
• Transfer applicants
• General Arts and Science (GAS) applicants
• Home-schooled applicants
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?
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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