The Memorial University Faculty of Education is pleased to announce the launch of its newest graduate degree program, the Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education.

The new program replaces and improves upon the former Bachelor of Special Education degree offered by the faculty. The B.Sp.Ed. program was redeveloped into a graduate-level pathway to better meet the evolving needs of educators and school systems in Newfoundland and Labrador. The transition to a Master’s level program brings Memorial into alignment with other Canadian universities and addresses broader trends in teacher professional development and credentialing.

Now Accepting Candidates

Intake is now open for the program’s first cohort starting in Fall 2026. This cohort is intended for graduates of Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Music Education programs. Candidates are encouraged to apply before the April 15, 2026 priority deadline. Applications received prior to the final deadline of May 15, 2026 will be considered if space remains available.

There will also be a special cohort for graduates of Bachelor of Special Education programs starting in Fall 2027. These students will complete the M.Ed. program by following an accelerated pathway. Intake for this cohort is expected to open in the Fall of 2026.

Inclusive and Special Education

The Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education program is designed to prepare educators to support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings, with a focus on areas such as neurodivergent learners, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, giftedness, and inclusive teaching practices.

While the program is open to any educator seeking to deepen their knowledge of inclusive and special education, it is of particular relevance to those planning to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.  

Locally Relevant Content and Qualifications

Having a homegrown option for graduate studies in the field of Inclusive and Special Education means that M.Ed. students are prepared for the realities of working in NL schools. Course materials reflect the programming, policies, and practices that shape the work of Newfoundland and Labrador educators. This local relevance ensures graduates are trained in the curriculum and best practices they will be utilizing in their own classrooms.

The program also aligns with the Newfoundland and Labrador teacher certification and remuneration system. Graduates of the M.Ed. program will be fully qualified to hold Instructional Resource Teacher (IRT) positions and will receive the Special Education Specialist designation on their Teacher Certificate, all while greatly improving their career and salary potential.

Addressing the Needs of NL Schools and Students

With the credentials to hold IRT and similar positions, graduates will be well positioned for successful and rewarding careers in the Newfoundland and Labrador school system. However, it is the province itself that will truly benefit from the new M.Ed. program.

There is currently a critical need for Instructional Resource Teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador, with qualified educators in short supply. These professionals play a central role in NL’s inclusive education model, providing leadership and expertise in assessment, program planning, and the delivery of evidence-based interventions for learners with exceptionalities.

The new Master’s program is designed to address this shortage. By including Level A and B assessment courses with in-person practical experience, the program covers the core competencies for Instructional Resource Teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador. This ensures a steady supply of graduates with the high-quality, locally relevant training necessary to meet the specific needs of schools and support equitable access to education for all students.

Collaborating for Success

The new Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education degree was not developed in isolation. Throughout the process, consultations with key partners ensured the program would address key areas in inclusive special education, align with offerings in similar programs across the country, and respond to the needs of the school system and students in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Faculty of Education would like to express its sincere gratitude to those who participated in the process, including the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Teacher Certification Division, NLSchools, the conseil scolaire francophone provincial, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA), the Learning Disabilities Association of NL, Inclusion NL, and other organizations and individuals who informed the development of the program.

These partnerships will help ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of the M.Ed. program and provide guidance as the faculty explores additional pathways for enhanced offerings in the field of special education.

 

Please visit the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) webpage for more information on the M.Ed. program.