A program designed for working professionals

The program combines condensed two-week summer classes with 12-week online classes in fall and spring—allowing you to continue your teaching employment throughout the program.

Program at a Glance

In this 35 semester hour program, students can expect to:

  • Remain employed.
    • A blended model of online and on campus courses enables learners to remain employed throughout the program.
    • Students participate in two, two-week summer classes in year 1 and year 2, and 12-week online classes in fall and spring.
  • Finish in a timely manner.
    • Most students complete the program in three years.
  • Receive a pay increase.
    • Students are eligible for BC Category 5+ once they’ve completed 30 semester hours.
  • Complete a capstone project.
    • During the final year, students enroll in a capstone course followed by work on either a major project or thesis.
  • Pay per course (rather than for an entire year).

Program timeline

The MAES-SPED program is completed over the course of two years plus one additional summer. The third summer involves a capstone course followed by work on either a major project or thesis.

PREREQUISITES - 3-6 Semester Hours
Course No. Course Name S.H. Notes
EDUC/PSYC 310 Introduction to the Exceptional Child in the Classroom 3 Offered each semester. May be waived if sufficient experience.
EDUC/PSYC 412 Strategies for Teaching Exceptional Students 3 Offered alternate semesters. May be waived if sufficient experience.
Year 1 (July - April) - 12 Semester Hours
July
EDUC 504 Evaluating Statistics and Research 3 On campus.
EDUC 513 Current Issues and Research in Educating Students with Diverse Learning Needs 3 On campus
September - November
EDUC 516 Educating Students with Diverse Cognitive Needs 3 Online
February - April
EDUC 517 Educating Students with Diverse Emotional and Behavioural Needs 3 Online
Year 2 (July - April) - 16/17 Semester Hours
July
EDUC 514 Assessment of Students with Diverse Learning Needs 3 On campus
EDUC 601 Research Design 3 On campus
September - November
EDUC 515 Lab: Field Based Assessments and IEP Development 2 Online. Learners will require access to students in their educational ecology.
EDUC 602 Advanced Statistics 3 Online. Thesis students.
EDUC 698 Thesis 1 3 Thesis students
EDUC 519 Special Topics in Diversity 3 Online. Non-thesis students
EDUC 697 Major Project 2 Non-thesis students
Note: students may commence the Capstone project in the fall term
February-April
EDUC 518 Educating Students with Diverse Sensory and Physical Abilities 3 Online
EDUC 697 Major project 2 Online. Non-thesis students.
EDUC 698 Thesis 1 3 Online. Thesis students
Completion - July (3 semester hours, plus project/comprehensive exam or thesis)
EDUC 599 Ethical Issues in Diversity 3 On campus. All.
EDUC 603 Comprehensive Exam 2 On campus. Non-thesis students. *To be scheduled when all coursework is at or near completion. Does not have to be in July.
EDUC 697 Major Project 2 Non-thesis students
EDUC 699 Thesis II 3 Thesis students
6/7
Total Semester Hours 35