M.Ed. in Education Psychology/Special Education

The Educational Psychology/Special Education core focus area is research intensive with a strong applied focus in the following areas: cognitive processes and structures particularly in writing, reading, science and mathematics education; the study of students who are gifted and talented; developmental disabilities and autism; psychosocial aspects of schooling and prejudice during childhood; and inclusive education.

A number of our applicants are teachers but not all have teaching certificates. These students have in the past come from areas such as Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Kinesiology and are interested in the more applied educational or special education focus of our program.

Graduates of our program have secured positions of leadership in school boards and health science centers, international teaching, private organization teaching, community and social service employment, doctoral studies and university faculty positions.

Click here for the M.Ed. (Educational Studies) in Educational Psychology/Special Education program overview.

Faculty Research
Study Routes
Full-time/Part-time
On-line Study
Typical Program of Study
Courses

Faculty Research

Faculty conducting research in the area of Educational Policy Studies:

Alan Edmunds	Peter Jaffe	Perry Klein
Alan Leschied	Jamie Metsala	Elizabeth Nowicki
Susan Rodger	Robert Sandieson	Jacqueline Specht

Study Routes

Academic Route (Thesis Option)
- 4 Core Courses
  - 9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices
  - 9621 Introduction to Statistics in Education
  - 9622 Research Design in Education
  - 9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices
- 2 Elective Courses
- 9693 Individual Proposal Preparation (IPP)
- 9590 Master's Thesis.
  
  This option is recommended for students with an interest in research or anticipating graduate work at the doctoral level.
  
  Thesis Supervisor: Prospective students are not required to secure a Thesis Supervisor at the time of application; however, those wishing to ensure there are faculty members on staff who research in their area of interest are invited to review the Faculty Research page. At the time of admission, students are assigned an Academic Advisor who will guide them through course and program planning. When students are ready to begin work on their IPP, they may approach any Faculty of Education faculty member to act as Thesis Supervisor. For more information about securing a Supervisor, please see the MEd Thesis Guide and the Program Policies web page.
  
  9683. Individual Proposal Preparation: This provides a structure for the writing of a thesis proposal. An initial review of relevant research provides the background for the proposed study. The methodological framework and the method to be employed are studied and developed. Ethical considerations are investigated and, where appropriate, an ethical review document prepared. This is not a course but a milestone and compulsory element for those writing a Thesis.
  
  9590. Master's Thesis:
  MEd Thesis Guide
  The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Thesis Regulation Guide
Professional Route (Course-based Option)
- 3 Core Courses
  - 9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices
  - 9622 Research Design in Education
  - 9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices
- 4 Elective Courses
- 9691 Master's Seminar

Full-time/Part-time

The Educational Psychology/Special Education program is offered on a part-time or full-time basis. M.Ed. Educational Studies on-site courses are offered in the evenings to accomodate in-service teachers.

Full-time - minimum three terms of registration. The Academic (thesis) route normally takes 4-6 terms to complete the program and the Professional (course-based) route normally takes 3 terms to complete the program . A typical full-time course load is three courses per term.

Part-time - normally takes 6-8 terms (2-3 years) to complete the program. A typical part-time course load for those working full time is one course per term. Where opportunity allows, part-time students may seek permission to take two courses per term maximum.

On-line Study

Online study - Students registered in onsite programs may request to register for an on-line elective course if space permits after on-line students have registered.

WebCT OWL - both on-line and onsite courses are accessible via the WebCT OWL platform, although instructors of onsite courses use this tool to varying degrees (some not at all). Access to a course in WebCT OWL is opened on the first business day of each term, but please note class start dates on the applicable timetable on the Graduate Programs & Research web site. Content may not be posted until closer to the first scheduled day of a class.

Typical Program of Study

Term	Academic (Thesis) Full-Time	Academic (Thesis) Part-Time	Professional (Course-based) Full-Time	Professional (Course-based) Part-Time
1-Fall	9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices 9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices 1 Elective Course	9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices	9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices 9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices 1 Elective Course	9526 Psychology in Education: Issues, Theories and Practices
2-Winter	9621 Introduction to Statistics in Education 9622 Research Design in Education 1 Elective Course	9621 Introduction to Statistics in Education	9622 Research Design in Education 2 Elective Course	1 Elective Course
3-Summer	9683 IPP	2 Elective Courses	1 Elective Course 9691 Master's Seminar	2 Elective Courses
4-Fall	9590 Master's Thesis	9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices		9657 Exceptional Students in the Classroom: Issues, Theories and Practices
5-Winter	9590 Master's Thesis	9622 Research Design in Education		9622 Research Design in Education
6-Summer		9683 IPP		1 Elective Course 9691 Master's Seminar
7-Fall		9590 Master's Thesis
8-Winter		9590 Master's Thesis

IPP = Individual Proposal Preparation (calendar description above in "Study Routes")

Timetables are posted on-line one at a time a month before the start of each new term. Classes generally meet as follows:

Fall Term/Winter Term:

Onsite courses meet one evening (6:30 pm - 9:30 pm) per week for 12 weeks
On-line courses run for 12 weeks

Summer Term

Intersession (onsite): Two evenings per week for 6 weeks beginning in May
Summer Session (onsite): 3 mornings or afternoons per week for 4 weeks in July
Summer On-line: courses run for 12 weeks on-line beginning in May

Courses

Course Descriptions