Overview

The Special Education programme at the University of Northern British Columbia provides advanced academic training for professionals working with exceptional learners. This comprehensive course-based degree focuses on the signature pedagogy of people, place, and land to inform policy and practice within local and rural contexts.

Students engage in a structured learning journey that emphasises decolonisation, inclusivity, and reflective practice. The curriculum is designed to be provocative and experiential, encouraging practitioners to lead systemic transformation. Throughout the six semesters, participants maintain an e-portfolio to document their professional growth and demonstrations of learning.

Why Special Education at the University of Northern British Columbia?

The University of Northern British Columbia offers a distinctive teaching feature through its focus on the signature pedagogy of People, Place, and Land. This framework allows students to situate their learning within rurally and remotely focused contexts, making the programme highly relevant for practitioners in diverse geographic locations.

The School of Education provides a supportive environment where students are encouraged to act as public intellectuals. The programme's structure is designed for professionals and practitioners who hold relevant Bachelor degrees, offering a pathway to enhance their expertise in exceptionality education. Facilities and resources at the Prince George campus and beyond support this advanced level of study.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 3622 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2587 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of four required cohort courses and six specialization courses. Modules may include:

Full Cohort Required Courses

• Reconciling Space and Practice: Ways of Knowing and Being
• Reflective and Transformative Practices in Educational Contexts
• Using Research to Inform Practice and Policy
• 'En Cha Huná: Living our Learning

Specialization Courses

• Psychoeducational Assessment
• Human Development: Implications for Education
• Educating Exceptional Children
• Language and Learning Disabilities
• Interventions for Literacy Disorders
• School-Based Teams, Consultants, and Families
• Focus on a Selected Disability
• Mental Health Disorders in Exceptionality Education

Careers with Special Education

Graduates of this programme are prepared for leadership roles within the education sector, community services, and healthcare environments. The degree equips professionals to work as specialists in exceptionality education, informing policy and practice for inclusive learning. Many graduates pursue careers as teacher-leaders, consultants, or administrative leaders within their respective organisations.