Master of Education in Special Education

at Vancouver Island University - Nanaimo Campus Canada

Fisheries and Aquaculture has long been an area of specialization at Vancouver Island University. VIU has an international reputation in fisheries and aquaculture applied research, technology transfer, training, and education. VIU boasts an extensive array of facilities and equipment: three cool-water hatchery complexes; a warm-water hatchery; salt-water system; fish disease laboratory; lake study field station; oyster farm; sturgeon, trout, and wild and cultured salmon research programs. The proximity of VIU to fresh-water lakes and streams, as well as to the ocean and estuaries, allows fieldwork in these habitats to be a central part of students’ education.

The new Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR), located beside the Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, was created to facilitate the emergence of the B.C. shellfish aquaculture industry as a sustainable economic engine for healthy, vibrant coastal communities. CSR faculty teach upper-level courses in fisheries and aquaculture, and there are many opportunities for students to participate in CSR research projects.

Furthermore, the federal government’s Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo provides access to numerous acclaimed fisheries scientists and one of Canada’s best libraries in this field. Fisheries (sports and commercial), and aquaculture are immensely important throughout the world and are key to the economy (and employment) in British Columbia.

The B.Sc. in Fisheries & Aquaculture has been designed to offer students a great deal of flexibility, and there are several routes through this program. Students may begin in year one and complete the program at the end of year four, or they may enter at year two or three from Vancouver Island University or from other institutions. They may also complete the two-year Fisheries & Aquaculture Technology diploma program and then proceed to the B.Sc. with up to two years (60 credits) of advance credit. Some students elect this pathway after completing the Technology program and then working in industry for a few years.

Applied Technology
The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture is an applied technology degree program. In association with the two-year Fisheries & Aquaculture diploma program and the Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology degree program, the B.Sc. in Fisheries & Aquaculture degree provides a mix of a broad science background and applied, hands-on, technical skills. Graduates will be well schooled in scientific principles, have an understanding of the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of science, and will be trained in the practical skills required to enter employment in industry or government.

Program Format and Courses
The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture degree program is a four-year degree program requiring 130 credits of study. Of these 130 credits, a minimum of 42 must be upper-level. Students will take the Core program (109 credits), a minimum of six credits of Fisheries or Aquaculture electives, plus a minimum of six non-Science elective credits.

A variety of elective courses allow students to create a program suitable to their particular interests.

This degree is closely tied to the Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology. Students take core courses in Biology and are encouraged to take upper-level electives in Biology. Students may switch between the two degrees if their areas of interest change.

Undergraduate Research Project
In fourth year, students may choose to complete an Undergraduate Research Project in FISH 491. For this course, students will have a Faculty Project Advisor (in some cases faculty may be from another institution) and will carry out their research under the direction of this Advisor. Students not wishing to pursue a research career may take a Directed Study FISH 490 and one upper-level Science elective or two upper-level Science electives.

This program is designed for university graduates who have earned an appropriate discipline-based undergraduate degree and who wish to become professionally certified teachers. This is a 1½-year post-degree, 62 credit professional program leading to a Bachelor of Education that can only be earned as a second degree. The Secondary option is also available to applicants without an undergraduate degree who hold Red Seal certification in acceptable teaching areas. Course work and field experience is completed over three full-time semesters with intake only occurring in the Fall of each academic year. All academic courses are delivered on campus in Nanaimo and does not run during the summer months.

Applicants can apply for the elementary and/or secondary teaching option(s). Coursework will have either an elementary or secondary focus with supporting practicums. Either option will prepare applicants for teaching at the middle school level.

The program is designed to prepare graduates to be well-qualified beginning teachers. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be recommended to the Teacher Certification Branch (TCB) at the BC Ministry of Education for ‘professional certification’. This certification is required for employment in any BC public, independent or BC Offshore school.

This is a very popular program for students that already have a B.Sc. in a related biological/environmental science. Students take applied, lab-oriented courses in fisheries and aquaculture. These courses are taught in conjunction with weekly practicum (work) placements in a wide range of situations (government research labs, fisheries habitat and management agencies, shellfish and finfish aquaculture hatcheries & farms, salmon enhancement hatcheries, environmental consulting firms, etc.). Graduates find the knowledge, practical skills and work experience gained to be excellent direct gateways to careers and graduate school.

The post degree diploma is comprised of a subset of courses offered in the 2-year diploma  and B.Sc. programs.  The specific subset of courses taken is tailored to meet individual student's career interests, usually with either a fisheries management or aquaculture emphasis. Students must complete a total of 30 credits which must include 2 semesters of practicum and 2 semesters of AQUA 191T Husbandry Project I.

Help brighten people’s smiles every day with a career as a dental assistant. Vancouver Island University’s Dental Assistant Certificate program offers students hands-on training with knowledgeable instruction to prepare them for this fast-paced, growing industry.

After completion of the nine-month Dental Assistant program, students must write a national board exam to be eligible to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

The Dental Assistant Certificate Program
This program, recognized by the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC), and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to be a member of the dental team; providing care, support and services for individuals of all ages.

Upon successful completion of the Dental Assistant program, students will be granted a certificate. Students must then write a National Board exam which, upon successful completion and combined with the certificate, makes them eligible to apply for registration and licensure with the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. as a Certified Dental Assistant (CDA – Level II).

The Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate program is geared toward professional therapists (or equivalent) and clinicians who aim to train in and support psychedelic-assisted therapies.

The program model centres on coming to know the opportunities and challenges inherent in this advanced practice area, followed by the practice of collectively navigating complexities within a community of practice environment.  The small group interdisciplinary learning environment is designed to augment one’s therapeutic capacity to provide safe and inclusive care.

Professionals who apply for the certificate program will join a cohort that begins in September and moves through the courses in sequence. The first three theory courses in the program are online theory courses. PAT 504 (6 credit) is a hybrid (online and in person) practicum course for professionals to engage in supervised practice in a program that delivers psychedelic-assisted therapies. The full program can be completed from a distance if an approved practicum site is available near the trainee's place of residence.

Hone your critical thinking, legal analysis, project management, communication, conflict mediation, research and analysis skills with VIU’s Criminology program.

Criminology is an exciting, dynamic field of study that looks at the social and psychological factors that contribute to criminally deviant behaviour and its consequences. Students interested in current events, psychology and social justice will find their stride with our degree in Criminology.

Criminology studies grads are attracted to a range of careers in the criminal justice system, with Crown corporations and in the private sector, such as bailiff, correctional officer, court reporter, criminal investigator, legal assistant, parole officer, police officer, research, victim services specialist, and many more. Check out the careers page on the Criminology program website for more options.

In fourth year, Criminology Majors have the option of either conducting an applied research project or participating in a field placement.

The Criminology (BA) Program:-
Criminology is an interdisciplinary science that focuses on law and its interpretation by the courts, patterns in crime, the explanation of deviant and criminal behaviour, and society’s reaction to law-breaking. The program introduces students to criminal law, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and case-law decisions made by the courts. Students will examine in separate courses the three main components of the criminal justice system—police, courts, and corrections—that form an organized response to crime. The program addresses the trends and correlates of crime, including the influences of age, ethnicity, gender, and social class. The major explanations for crime try to account for these patterns by looking at historical, individual, and social causes. The criminological focus is broadened with courses from other disciplines in the Social Sciences and Humanities. 

The program aims to provide students with conceptual, critical, and applied skills to work in fields where a legal/justice focus is beneficial. The curriculum emphasizes the development of professional and applied skills through training in professional ethics, conflict mediation, use of information technology for researching relevant topics, writing, presenting data, and working in small groups on specific tasks. In the fourth year, Criminology Majors have the option of either conducting an applied research project or participating in a field placement.

Although the core of the curriculum is centred on justice-related issues, students will find the degree program applies equally to areas in the private sector where research competence, project management, legal analysis, and communication skills are essential.

Put your plans for a career in business into action with the valuable knowledge and skills gained from Vancouver Island University’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program. Through innovative instruction and real-world research projects, students are challenged to think creatively and adapt easily to an ever-changing global environment to give them the tools necessary to become leaders in their field.

A Bachelor degree in business offers diverse career opportunities in global management, administration, and entrepreneurship. With small class sizes, available instructors, and meaningful real-world projects, graduates leave this business degree program with high-level skills and foresight giving them that competitive advantage as they climb the corporate ladder or pursue their own business goals.

The Bachelor of Business Administration Program
ACBSP Accredited
Business plays a major role in the structure and functioning of contemporary society. Rapid changes in technology, resource allocation, structural shifts in the economy, changes in consumer preferences, global competition, and shifts in the employment market all necessitate a better understanding of the role and nature of business in today’s society.

The BBA provides a well-rounded business education with a focus on global business operations, emerging markets, and technology-enabled organizations. Students develop an in-depth understanding of one of the business majors and learn a broad range of managerial capabilities, problem solving and communication skills. Electives allow flexibility, adaptability and creativity and prepare graduates for diverse careers in global management, administration, and entrepreneurship, as well as a range of postgraduate opportunities.

VIU’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) allows electives to improve students’ understanding of the intellectual and applied linkages between Social Sciences, Humanities and Business. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of how to achieve organizational objectives in an often diverse and turbulent external environment. Lectures are augmented by seminars, research projects and computer simulations. Students are encouraged to take electives from the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Graduates of the former two-year Business Management diploma program will be able to enter the third year of the BBA and will receive credit for courses completed as part of their diploma.
 

This program provides the technical training required for starting a career in most fields of forest technology. The program emphasizes the recognition and appreciation of all the major values of the forest including timber, recreation, wildlife, range, fish, water, and visual landscapes. The program is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Graduates of this program meet the required standard for membership in the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals (ABCFP) as Registered Forest Technologists (RFT).

Twelve courses in the program are currently recognized by the ABCFP and may be credited toward gaining the status of Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in accordance with the Foresters Act of BC. Credit may be granted towards VIU’s Bachelor of Natural Resource Protection, Bachelor of Science, Major in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture programs, as well as forestry degree programs at UBC, UNBC, and University of Alberta.

In the summer, between the first and second year of the program, all students are expected to obtain a forestry-related job to broaden their knowledge of practical forestry. VIU assists students in obtaining forestry employment, both during the summer months and following graduation.

Students may transfer into the second year of VIU’s Forestry program either from community colleges in BC, or from a recognized forest technology school in Canada or the United States. The qualifications of each student requesting such transfer are adjudicated individually. VIU Students also have the opportunity of transferring to other institutions.

Second year students may participate in international field schools and receive VIU credit while studying at designated forestry schools abroad.
Students are required to complete two one-day First Aid courses (O.F.A. Level 1 & Transportation Endorsement) by the end of September of the first year.

Are you ready to take the next big step in your career and become a global community leader? The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) inspires learners to become professionals able to navigate and meet the challenges of an increasingly complex, digital, interconnected world. With a focus on building the leader of tomorrow, the VIU MBA program is among the most technologically integrated programs in Canada, with data analytics embedded in research courses and four dedicated, technology-focused courses. This approach allows our students to graduate with specialized expertise on how the digital and technological landscape is driving everything from organizational behaviour to industry, exploring phenomena like surveillance capitalism and digital media management.

MBA students are supported by career coaching throughout the program, and work with industry mentors during an internship where they apply their learning to a business project with the full support of experienced, dedicated program faculty.
As a VIU MBA graduate, you will launch your career with the essential disciplinary knowledge, growth mindset and creative and foundational thinking that will make you a confident leader in the broader global business community.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program
Vancouver Island University's Master of Business Administration offers students the opportunity to learn in a dynamic global setting with students from all over the world. Our small class size enables students and faculty opportunities to learn in a collegial setting, while the diversity of our students and faculty provide a relevant global perspective for today's business world. Our MBA faculty bring a unique combination of industry-based expertise and international experience into the classroom, providing academic rigor to real-world examples and cases from their own experience. 

Vancouver Island University's Master of Business Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). 
The MBA program is offered in an intensive 20-month, full-time format which includes a series of well-articulated integrated courses in Management, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Research, and Technology and a 4-month internship and an applied business project. 

All students participate in a 3-week Foundation of blended coursework at the start of the MBA program. The Foundation introduces students to the core principles of the program learning outcomes and rigorous requirements of academic writing and professional representation at the graduate level, setting our students up for success. 

Progression through the coursework in each semester is divided into 1, 2, or 3 modules. Students are provided with down time in between modules to ensure ample opportunity for knowledge retention and career exploration. Each semester ends with a 2 week official break in study. Upon successful completion of course work, students complete an internship. Working with an industry mentor, students identify a significant organizational problem that will be used to write an Applied Business Project under faculty supervision.

Do you have a passion for travelling and connecting with others? Explore a career in the world’s fastest growing industry. Vancouver Island University’s Bachelor of Hospitality Management program prepares students for every facet of the bustling world of tourism and hospitality with a flexible two-year diploma or four-year degree.

In this experiential program, students have the opportunity to develop strong industry connections and gain technical and practical skills in areas of hospitality marketing, accounting, human resources, management and more. The Management of Hospitality program prepares graduates to work in diverse fields such as hotel management, tourism programs, and sales and marketing.

The Bachelor of Hospitality Management Program
VIU offers a four-year Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Students have the option to exit with the Hospitality Management diploma after two years, or go on to complete the additional two years to graduate with the Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree. Hospitality diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions have the option of entering directly into the third year of the Bachelor of Hospitality Management program. Culinary Arts diploma graduates from VIU or other Canadian institutions can enter the third year of the degree program after completing a bridging semester. Admission to the third year of the program is limited.

The program will involve the learner in an internationalized curriculum as well as culturally-diverse professional and social environments. They will be engaged in activities that develop their skills to synthesize and solve problems in a global context. The program balances academic and applied skills by designing learning opportunities where learners apply theories in hospitality business simulated environments as well as in co-operative/internship placements.

Work Placement Opportunities
Students in the third year of the degree will participate in either a Co-operative Education work term or an Internship. In order to receive a Co-operative Education designation, transfer students must have successfully completed two Co-op work terms in their diploma activity. Participation in the third Co-op work term is based on availability of space and academic performance with a minimum 3.0 (“B”) grade point average.