Educational Studies - Special Education
Overview
Through real-world inquiry and problem-based learning, this specialization in Special Education aims to produce professionals who are adept at creating inclusive and accessible spaces across a range of educational contexts.
Our four-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Educational Studies is an innovative hybrid program (online and in-person courses) designed to provide maximum flexibility and choice. 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.
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.
| Last year's cut-off | 70 per cent |
|---|---|
| Expected cut-off | Low-70s |
Applicants interested in the Educational Studies - Digital Technologies specialization will apply through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC) using the application code DEK.
Applicants also interested in becoming a teacher must select the Concurrent Education option from the subject of major interest dropdown box.
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
- 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 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
For full program requirements, including required number of credits for completion, program maps and course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Academic Calendar and course selection for the Special Education specialization. Courses are subject to change without notice.
