FAQs:
What
is the difference between the M.Ed. and the M.A. programs/degress?
In the area of visual impairment you can choose to complete a M.Ed (Masters of Education) or a M.A. (Masters of Arts) degree. Traditionally the M.Ed. has been seen as a degree more concentrated on practical strategies and designed for teachers who wanted additional training but who were not considering pursuing a Ph.D. degree at any point. An M.A. degree, on the other hand, was more research-based and designed to prepare students to be researchers.
This is still somewhat true, but it is important to note that both the M.Ed. and the M.A. degree value and highlight the importance of research and scholarly activity. Students who complete the Masters of Education degree will likely become leaders in their school districts, may participate in research activities but are certainly expected to be reflective teachers who use current research to inform their practice throughout their careers.
Students who complete an M.A. degree are also well-qualified to become leaders in their schools, participate and conduct research themselves and excel as reflective teachers. But in addition, students who complete an M.A. degree may have a short- or long-term goal to complete a doctoral degree. While it is not impossible to go on for a terminal degree without completing a M.A. degree, it is often more difficult to do so.
Practically, there are differences in the requirements for an M.A. degree and a M.Ed. degree (see the chart of requirements listed under the program in visual impairment for a delineation of the requirements). In addition to slight differences in course requirements, the two degrees also have a different culminating experience. Students who complete a M.Ed. degree will finish their program by compiling an electronic professional portfolio as a part of their final summer course (EPSE 590). This course is designed to highlight the students' accomplishments and requires students to synthesize information from all of their courses into a portfolio and presentation.
Students who complete an M.A. degree are required to complete a thesis. This is typically completed after coursework is finished, or at least during the final third of the student's program.
How long do these two programs take?
The M.Ed. program takes three
summers and the intervening academic years
(in other words, this program takes approximately 27 months to complete).
Coursework for the M.A. program takes the same amount of time, but
students who are completing a thesis find that the completion of
their master's thesis may take from three additional months up to
a year or more. Determined students who are focused can comfortably
complete their thesis in an additional 3-6 months after completion
of their course requirements.
What is the minimum GPA required for admission?
Admissions requirements are uniform across the University and are established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. See their website for more details.
Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required?
The GRE is not required for admission to special education Masters programs but it is required for the Ph.D. program.
Is a foreign language test required if English is not my first language?
If you graduated or are currently enrolled in a university outside of Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a passing score. Take a look at the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for information
about the TOEFL and how to take it and information about other documentation requirements for foreign students.
TOEFL Minimums:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/calendar/index.cfm?tree=12,204,345,0
How do I apply? What about financial aid? What is the application deadline?
Additional information and links about these and other topics can be found here.
The application deadline is December 1 for admission the following summer.
In rare occasions, late applications may be considered. Please contact the
departmental Graduate Program Assistant or Cay Holbrook to discuss late applications. Please indicate VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
as area of specialization on application form.
For application or course registration information, contact us by email at alex.allen@ubc.ca or by telephone at 604-822-5351.
For additional questions, contact Dr. Cay Holbrook, 604-822-2235 or cay.holbrook@ubc.ca.
I did not graduate from UBC – how do I know if I have the prerequisite courses? What if I don’t?
The prerequisites for this program are EPSE 481--Introduction to Research In Education and 482--Introduction to Statistics for Research In Education (although now students can complete EPSE 483--Statistics In Education in lieu of EPSE 481 and 482) and EPSE 312--Introduction to the Study of Exceptional Children or EPSE 317--Development and Exceptionality in the Regular Classroom. Some Universities have equivalent courses for EPSE 481 and 482; we have many of them listed here. There is no equivalency list for EPSE 312 or 317 (only one these is required); these are assessed on an individual basis from your transcript.
If you are unsure about whether or not you have the prerequisite but know that you meet all of the other admissions requirements, we suggest that you complete an application anyway. During the adjudication process, the admissions committee will determine whether the courses on your transcript meet the prerequisite criteria and if they do not, you can simply add the missing courses to your graduate program, if you are admitted.
Do I need to know braille before I begin the program?
No. You will be taught the braille code during your first summer on-campus. Even if you do know all or part of the braille code, you will be expected to attend the braille course and participate in discussions about teaching braille and learning braille. If you are a proficient braille reader, you may be given additional activities to substitute for learning the braille code but you will still participate in this foundational course.
Do you accept students who are visually impaired themselves?
Absolutely. Students with visual impairments who meet all eligibility requirements for admission are encouraged to apply.
Should I have a valid BC teaching certificate to start the program?
In order to be enrolled in this program you must have a teaching certificate. You do not have to have a BC teaching certificate, but you must have a teaching certificate from some recognized organization. We accept teaching certificates in a wide range of fields (secondary, elementary and special education). If you do not have a teaching certificate in elementary education we strongly recommend that you take a basic course on teaching reading and a basic course on teaching mathematics. When you complete this program you will support students in all areas of the core curriculum and will provide instruction in the expanded core curriculum (a group of skills needed by students because of their visual impairment).
Where can I find information about scholarships?
Please click here for scholarship info:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=000,000,000,000
For
specific scholarship inquiries, please contact Joanne Tsui at joanne.tsui@ubc.ca
Can the program be taken through on-line or part time studies?
Students are accepted into this program in cohort groups and progress through the program in the same courses at the same time. The program is offered through a combination of on-campus summer coursework and part-time, on-line study that allows students to remain in their home communities and maintain work during the school year. Students will be required to attend on-campus courses during the months of July and August for three successive summers, while the remaining program specialty courses will be offered in a part-time, online format during the school year.
For complete details on course schedule and distance education offerings, applicants to the M.A. program should refer here and M.Ed. applicants should refer here.
What are the fees for the program?
The payment schedule and fees can be found at:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/apply/tuition/
