The bachelor of special education program is for those who hold a prior degree in education. The program is designed to prepare teachers of kindergarten to grade 12 who specialize in accommodating learner diversity and exceptionalities in the school system. This 36 credit hour professional program is available through part-time or full-time study. A number of courses are available through online learning.

Admission requirements

To apply for admission into the Faculty of Education, indicate your desired degree option in the appropriate place on the undergraduate application for admission. 

To be considered for admission to the bachelor of special education program, you must have:

• been awarded a degree in primary and/or elementary education, music education, or intermediate/secondary education from Memorial University or another recognized institution
• completed EDUC 4240 (or equivalent) and EDUC 3312 and 3543, or 4350 (or equivalent)
• successfully completed a professional internship in education or have equivalent teaching experience prior to admission
• A minimum 65% average in the last 20 attempted three credit hour courses (not including the internship) 

Consideration will be given to the courses for which you are registered at the time of application. Provisional acceptance may be granted if you will have successfully completed all prerequisites prior to the commencement of the program. A percentage of program spaces will be allocated to applicants having relevant teaching experience.

Additional documents required for admission

Your application to the bachelor of special education will require you submit the following:

• two references
• teaching experience form
• official transcript(s)

The Faculty of Education provides full details on supporting documents required for admission.

Sample courses

ED 3040 - The Assessment and Development of Children's Language Abilities
ED 3600 - Academic and Behavioural Assessment
ED 3610 - Nature and Characteristics of Intellectual Disabilities

Career opportunities

In addition to being qualified as a special education teacher, graduates of the program are often seen as having an advantage for both regular classroom and leadership positions in the school system. The skills learned, including organization and planning, conflict resolution and interagency collaboration, also provide graduates with the background for a variety of industry-based positions.