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Certificate in Inclusive Education

Applications to this program are currently suspended until Winter 2026Ìýwhile the program undergoes a brief revision. The program is expected to be open for applications leading up to the Winter 2026 semester (application deadline: November 1st). Revised information on the application process will be available on this website shortly.

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Red Location IconProgram Location

Red Student IconStart Term
Fall, Winter, & Summer Semesters

Red Book IconProgram Type
Coursework & Fieldwork

Red Calendar IconSchedule
Part-Time

Red Clipboard IconCredits
30 Credits

Red Clock IconAverage Duration
1 Year

Red Student IconAdministered by
Educational & Counselling Psychology (ECP)

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Discover ÂÌñÉç’s Certificate in Inclusive Education, a program designed to equip educators and professionals with the tools to support diverse learners. Through practical training and specialized courses, you’ll develop strategies to address learning differences, behavioural challenges, and promote equitable classrooms. Graduates emerge prepared for rewarding careers in different education sectors, including special education, resource support, and community programs, making a meaningful impact on inclusive education practices in a variety of contexts.

Please note that this certificate does not provide Quebec teacher certification. This program serves as professional development for in-service teachers, daycare workers, teacher aides, resource room workers, and community organization administrators. Those interested in teacher certification should consult the Faculty'sÌýteacher education programs.ÌýDue to the fact that the Certificate in Inclusive Education is offered on a part-time basis, we are unable to accept any international applicants.

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Have questions?

ecpinfo.education [at] mcgill.ca (Contact a Student Affairs Coordinator)

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Full Program Details from the Course Catalogue

Inclusive Education (Cert.) (30 credits)

Offered by:ÌýFaculty of Education
Program credit weight: 30 credits

Program Description

The Certificate in Inclusive Education is intended for regular class teachers, special educators, adult educators, and other educational personnel. The program provides a sequence of courses that will ensure a sound foundation for adapting curriculum and instruction for students with varying abilities, learning styles, and special needs. It strives to meet the needs of educators who must adapt to their changing roles in contemporary schools:

  1. for general educators, to educate students with diverse needs in their heterogeneous classrooms, and
  2. for special educators, to collaborate with other professionals working with exceptional students.

Required Courses (24 credits)

Course Title Credits
EDPI 309Diverse Learners.3

Diverse Learners.

Terms offered: Winter 2026

Inclusion debates; review of the evolution of the history of inclusive education; models of development ( eco-systemic models); characteristics, teaching practices; teachers' roles in inclusive classrooms. Overview of characteristics, causes, needs, and teaching strategies for diverse and exceptional students, teaching and learning for differences in intellectual, emotional, behavioural, sensory, physical and learning domains found in effective inclusive classrooms. Working with families.

EDPI 341Instruction in Inclusive Schools.3

Instruction in Inclusive Schools.

Terms offered: Summer 2025, Fall 2025

Developing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective learning programs for diverse learners, and consideration of their more general applicability. Adapting curriculum and instruction for learners with varying abilities, learning styles, and needs. Collaboration with students, families, and other educators (or stakeholders) in the instructional process. Application of adaptations at the classroom and school level for all students in inclusive schools.

EDPI 344Assessment for Instruction.3

Assessment for Instruction.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Assessing student strengths, problems and needs; functions and use of different types of student assessment (traditional and alternative assessments); assessing the classroom environment; issues in assessment. Application component: application of assessment process with exceptional students, and use of results for planning and adapting instruction.

EDPI 440Managing the Inclusive Classroom.3

Managing the Inclusive Classroom.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Comprehensive approach to classroom management, including management of student learning and behavior, classroom environment, material and human resources, and teacher growth. Focus on research-based practices, including behavioral approaches, for effectively managing a classroom with diversity of students. Application component: application of classroom management principles in the field.

EDPI 441Students with Behaviour Difficulties.3

Students with Behaviour Difficulties.

Terms offered: Winter 2026

Theoretical approaches and specific teaching methods appropriate to the needs of students with emotional or behaviour problems, including students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Multimodal team intervention approaches are emphasized. Application component: application of teaching methods with students experiencing behaviour difficulties.

EDPI 442Students with Learning Difficulties.3

Students with Learning Difficulties.

Terms offered: Winter 2026

Commonalities and differences between students with specific learning disabilities, and related teaching approaches. Emphasis on methods, materials, and technology for teaching academic content as well as social skills. Application component: modifying and teaching content areas to students experiencing learning difficulties.

EDPI 526Supporting Students' Strengths and Talents.3

Supporting Students' Strengths and Talents.

Terms offered: Winter 2026

The psychology and practice of supporting the strengths and talents of all students across educational and community settings . Strength and talent-based programs and activities, assessments to discover student strengths and talents, classroom adaptations, application of strength and talent-based approaches to curriculum design.

EDPI 543Family, School and Community.3

Family, School and Community.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Focus on the examination of three important systems in a child’s life; namely family, school and community, as well as societal influences on student growth, development, and adjustment. Emphasis will be on evidence-based practices in collaborating with families and community organizations to form partnerships, classroom interventions and school-based initiatives to enhance well-being.

Complementary Courses (6 credits)

6 credits from:

Course Title Credits
EDPE 496Individual Reading Course.3

Individual Reading Course.

Terms offered: this course is not currently offered.

Supervised individual reading course on an approved subject.

EDPI 527Creativity and its Cultivation.3

Creativity and its Cultivation.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Recent research, theory, and educational practice concerning creativity, with special attention to creativity in students and educational settings.

EDPI 539Field Work 1.3

Field Work 1.

Terms offered: Fall 2025

Supervised experience in an approved relevant educational setting.

EDPI 540Field Work 2.3

Field Work 2.

Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Supervised experience in an approved relevant educational setting.

Other courses may be approved by the Program Director. Further information may be obtained by emailing . Courses listed above are not necessarily offered on a regular basis. Check Minerva for course availability.

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Eligibility (Admission Criteria)

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

  1. Possess anÌýundergraduate degree and a Quebec teaching certificate (BrevetÌýd'ensiegnment).ÌýApplicants who do not have an undergraduate degree or who do not have a Quebec teaching certificate are invited to emailÌýecpcont.education [at] mcgill.caÌýto discuss their eligibility to the program.
  2. AÌýminimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.0.
  3. Proficiency in English.ÌýApplicants to graduate studies whose mother tongue is not English and who have not obtained an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognized foreign institution where English is the language of instruction, or from a recognized institution in Canada or the US (anglophone or francophone), must submit documented proof of proficiency in oral and written English.

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Application Process & Required Documents

All applications are done throughÌý. The application steps and instructional video are on the University'sÌýFuture Graduate Students website. The following documents must be part of your application: (Note that all uploaded documents to the portal must be in PDF format.)

  1. A completeÌýapplication formÌý(accompanied by your application fee payment).
  2. A copy of yourÌýunofficial transcriptsÌýfrom all previous university-level studies (undergraduate and graduate).Ìý Official transcripts are required to be submitted byÌýthose who gain admission to the program. (Instructions on sending official transcripts will be sent upon acceptance.)
  3. ÌýA copy of yourÌýQuebec teaching certificate (Brevet d'ensiegnment).ÌýApplicants who do not have a teaching certificateÌýmay submit a formal letter from an educational institution indicating applicant's employment as a teacher, non-teaching professional, or teaching assistant; or the applicant's school involvement as a parent, volunteer, or community member.
  4. LetterÌýof Reference:ÌýWithin the online application, applicants must provide valid institutional e-mail addressÌýforÌýone (1) referenceÌýwho can speak toÌýyour academic ability and/or qualifications for working with youth in a helping role, and general character. ÂÌñÉç will contact the refereeÌýdirectly to submit their letterÌýof reference.
  5. Personal StatementÌý(3-page maximum, double-spaced) in APA style. Please include the following information:
    • Relevant experience: Describe your past and current experience working with children and/or adolescents.
    • Objectives: Why are you applying to this program? How does this program matchÌýyour general career or skills-acquisition objectives? Which knowledge would you like to gain?
    • Optional topics:ÌýYour personal trajectory, personal challenges along your scholastic/professional/personal journey, experiences or challenges you've encountered related to identity. Note that students who identify as being part of a minority group are encouraged to self-identify to facilitate access to any applicable financial aid and/or awards, as part ofÌýÂÌñÉç's Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) mandate. All personal data submitted will be kept confidential and used only for operational decision-making.
  6. English Language Proficiency Test Score (if applicable):ÌýPlease arrange for test scores (TOEFL, IELTS) to be sent to ÂÌñÉç directly from the testing agency. You must indicate the ÂÌñÉç institution code: 0935.

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Application Deadlines
Complete applications must be received by the dates indicated below.
  • Fall Admission: May 1
  • Winter Admission: November 1
  • Summer Admission: January 1

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What to Expect After Submitting your Application

An automated notice from ÂÌñÉç acknowledging receipt of your application will be sent to the email address indicated in your submission.

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