Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education)
The Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program is new for Fall 2026. Click here to read the program launch announcement.
Table of Contents
Program Information
Program Pathways
Program Details
Current Offerings
Cohort and Pathway Details
Program Requirements
Program Cost
Tuition Fees and Payment Plans
Special Fees
Admission
Application Deadline
Admission and Application Information
Interested?
Submit Application
Admission Inquiries
Program Information
The Master of Education (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 emotional and behavioural disorders, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, giftedness, and inclusive teaching practices.
This program is open to any educator seeking to deepen their knowledge of inclusive and special education; however, it is strategically designed to prepare educators for roles as Instructional Resource Teachers (IRTs) or equivalent positions.
Graduates of this M.Ed. program, who plan to work in the Newfoundland and Labrador school system, will be eligible to receive the Special Education Specialist designation recognized by Newfoundland and Labrador schools, an important credential that supports both professional advancement and formal recognition of expertise within this system.
Application Deadline
The priority deadline is April 15th, 2026 for the first program cohort commencing in Fall 2026.
Applications received prior to the final deadline of May 15th, 2026 will be considered if cohort seats remain available.
Program Pathways
| Program Pathways | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pathway | Description | Commences | Intake |
| Standard Pathway Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) |
A cohorted three-year M. Ed. program, with both course-based and thesis-based routes. This program is open to any educator seeking to deepen their knowledge of inclusive and special education; however, it is strategically designed to prepare educators for roles as Instructional Resource Teachers (IRTs) or equivalent positions. | Fall 2026 |
Now open.
Priority Deadline: April 15th, 2026
Final Deadline: May 15th, 2026 |
|
Accelerated Pathway
Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) |
A cohorted two-year version of the M.Ed. program for graduates of a Bachelor of Special Education program, allowing them to earn their Master’s by taking eight additional courses not included in their undergraduate training. | Fall 2027 |
Not yet open.
Intake is anticipated to open in the Fall of 2026. |
|
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Diploma of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) |
A four-course program designed for in-service teachers who wish to enhance their capacity to support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive classrooms.
[More information on the Graduate Diploma will be released at a future date.] |
Fall 2028 |
Not yet open.
Intake is anticipated to open in the Fall of 2027. |
Intake for the standard and accelerated pathways will be staggered to accommodate the program options offered by the faculty. The staggered admission schedule will be reevaluated as enrollment trends emerge and cohorts progress through the program.
Standard Pathway:
- Fall 2026 start date.
- For students entering with a Bachelor of Education or Bachelor of Music Education degree.
Accelerated Pathway:
- Fall 2027 start date.
- For students entering with a Bachelor of Special Education
Program Details
Current Offerings
The first cohort of the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program starts in Fall 2026.
The 2026 cohort will follow the Standard Pathway, which is a nine-semester, part-time program offered through a blended model of online/remote classes with a mandatory on-campus summer session during the second year.
The 2027 cohort will follow the Accelerated Pathway and is intended for graduates of a Bachelor of Special Education program. The Accelerated Pathway is a six-semester, part-time program offered entirely online. Intake for the Fall 2027 cohort is expected to open in the Fall of 2026.
Please see the table below for key details about each cohort and pathway.
Cohort and Pathway Details
| Cohort and Pathway Details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pathway | Standard Pathway | Accelerated Pathway |
| Degree Prerequisites | Bachelor of Education OR Bachelor of Music Education | Bachelor of Education AND Bachelor of Special Education |
| Start Date | Fall 2026 | Fall 2027 |
| Cohort Type | Part-time | Part-time |
| Enrollment Type | Part-Time OR Full-Time* | Part-Time OR Full-Time* |
| Program Duration | 9 semesters over 3 years | 6 semesters over 2 years |
| Program Delivery | Blended | Online |
| Program Routes |
Course-based: 12 courses (36 credit hours)
Thesis-based: 9 courses (27 credit hours) plus a thesis (12 credit hours) |
Course-based: 8 courses (24 credit hours)
Thesis-based: 6 courses (18 credit hours) plus a thesis (12 credit hours) |
| Details |
Classes will be fully online/remote, except for the six-week summer session during the second year.
Online courses may include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous components. Synchronous components are most often scheduled during the evening hours.
Attendance on-campus is mandatory during the six-week summer session of the second year. Students will also be required to complete a Practicum during their final year. |
Classes will be fully online/remote.
Online courses may include a mix of synchronous and asynchronous components. Synchronous components are most often scheduled during the evening hours. |
| Application Deadline |
Priority Deadline:
Final Deadline: May 15th, 2026 |
February 1st, 2027. Intake for the Fall 2027 Accelerated Pathway cohort is anticipated to open in Fall 2026. |
* Please see below for the criteria and benefits of full-time enrollment.
Full-time status allows a student to apply for scholarships and other forms of funding.
However, it is important to note that full-time status will not change the duration of the program.
A full‐time graduate student is one who:
- registers as such,
- devotes full‐time to his or her academic program,
- does not commit more than 24 hours a week working time, including teaching assistant or research assistant duties, to matters other than the degree program.
Program Requirements
Please visit the links provided in the table below to learn more about the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program requirements.
| Program Requirements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) | |
| Pathway | Standard Pathway | Accelerated Pathway |
| Route |
|
|
During the six-week summer session of the second-year, students following the Standard Pathway will complete ED 6724 Assessment of Learning and Achievement for Counsellors (Lab). This in-person requirement ensures the development of essential applied skills in psychoeducational assessment and instructional support.
In the final year of study, students following the Standard Pathway will be expected to complete the Practicum (ED 6481 A/B - Practicum in Inclusive and Special Education).
- The practicum is expected to be conducted outside of the normal teaching day.
- This course will be over the Fall (Part A) and Winter (Part B) semesters. Successful completion of Part A (ED 6481) is required before students are permitted to register for Part B.
- Students are required to submit a current police and vulnerable sector certificate prior to registration in the practicum.
- Students may be required to submit a letter of good standing from an employer prior to registration in the practicum.
Practicum placements are a shared responsibility between the student and the Faculty of Education. The faculty will work with you to secure a placement but we can not guarantee you will secure a site or finish a placement.
Program Cost
A $9,500 special fee applies to the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program. Special fees are in addition to regular tuition fees.
Tuition Fees and Payment Plans
| Tuition Fees and Payment Plans | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) | Program fee per semester |
# of semesters fees must be paid | ||
| NL Students* | Other Canadian Students | International Students | ||
| Master's Payment Plan A | $953 | $1,239 | $1,611 | 6 |
| Master's Payment Plan B | $635 | $826 | $1,074 | 9 |
* Details on the criteria to qualify as a Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) student can be found on the Financial and Administrative Services website.
Special Fees
In addition to the base tuition fees above, this program also charges a special fee (also known as a differential tuition fee).
| Special Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Program | Special Fee | Payment Schedule |
| Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) | $9,500 | Plan A - to be paid $1,583 in each semester 1-6. |
| Plan B - to be paid $1,055 in each semester 1-9. | ||
Students must pay the full program fee and any special fees. If you complete a program in an accelerated format (i.e. in fewer semesters than the number of semesters listed above), the remaining fees must still be paid, either as a lump sum payment or by continuing the established payment plan. All fees must be paid in full before the degree can be conferred.
Admission
Application Deadline
The priority deadline for application to the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program is April 15, 2026 for the Fall 2026 cohort. Applications received prior to the final deadline of May 15, 2026 will be considered if cohort seats remain available.
Note: The April 15th and May 15th application deadlines apply only to the very first Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) cohort, which begins in Fall 2026. The application deadline for subsequent years is anticipated to be February 1st for the Fall semester.
Admission/Application Information
Please visit the links provided in the table below to learn more about the admission/application regulations and requirements for the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program.
For admission, students must meet the requirements specified by each of the School of Graduate Studies, the Faculty of Education, AND the Master of Education (Inclusive and Special Education) program.
| Admission Requirements |
|---|
| School of Graduate Studies Admission Regulations |
| Faculty of Education Admission Requirements |
| Program Admission Requirements |
Interested?
Submit Your Application
Students are required to apply online to have information formally assessed. Applications and official supporting documents are to be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies by the application deadline. Complete detailed application packages are expected by the deadline date. Applications may be submitted online by following the process outlined at School of Graduate Studies-Application Package.
Admission Inquiries for Graduate Programs
Address:
Faculty of Education, Office of Academic Programs
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John's, NL
A1B 3X8
Email:
edgradadmiss@mun.ca
Telephone:
(709) 864-8587