Domestic applications
Second-year applicants (with an EAI Certificate):
Fall 2026:
First-year applicants: Apply for the Education Assistance and Inclusion Certificate program.
Program
Inclusive Education and Disability Studies (Diploma)
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Department
Disability & Community Studies
Credits
60.00
Length of program
Two years
Credential type
Diploma
Campus
Coquitlam
Learning format
Full-time
Part-time
Admission type
Limited Enrolment
Offered
Fall
Overview
Gain in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge so you can be a part of building more inclusive schools and communities with the Diploma in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies. This program equips you with the tools to support the development, learning, well-being and full participation of children and adults with disabilities. You'll explore foundational theories and current research in areas such as advocacy, disability studies, inclusive education, teaching strategies and employment supports, preparing you to lead and contribute meaningfully to inclusive settings.
Practical experience during your education
During the first year of the program, you’ll complete two workplace practicums where you'll gain hands-on experience in schools and community settings supporting individuals with disabilities.
Teaching career pathway
If you are interested in becoming a teacher in a K-12 school, this diploma transfers seamlessly into (up to 45 transfer credits). This pathway is also open to education assistants who need additional education to meet SFU’s prerequisites.
If you're interested in teaching adults, all 60 credits of this diploma transfer to the , which offers most classes online and in the evenings, making it accessible for those who need flexible schedules or live outside the Lower Mainland.
Further education
Your credential may also transfer to human services programs at other post-secondary institutions. Visit the and your transfer university’s website regularly to confirm which courses transfer.
Admissions Requirements
This is a second-year entry program. Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
- General College Admission Requirements
- Completion of the Education Assistance and Inclusion Certificate or approved equivalent (note 1)
- The following are required to determine suitability for the program:
- Two professional reference letters attesting to the applicant's suitability to the program.
- A current resume.
- A letter of intent from the applicant, stating the reasons for choosing the program, long and short-term goals, and the applicant's related strengths and limitations.
- Applicants may be required to participate in an interview with the department to further determine suitability to the program.
- A Criminal Record Check (information will be provided by Enrolment Services following an offer of admissions into the program).
Notes
- Applicants with related post-secondary education and/or a minimum of two or more years of work experience in the field may be considered on an individual basis.
Cost
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at °µÍø51 with the tuition and fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Program Requirements
Curriculum framework
Graduation Requirements:
- Successful completion of 60 credits.
- In good academic standing.
- Up to 50% (30.00 credits) of coursework used towards a previously received credential can be used to meet graduation requirements (see the Credentials Awarded Policy)
- Time limit to complete the program graduation requirements: 7 years. Any courses completed outside of that time limit will not be usable. Students may seek the permission of the Department/Program to complete a credential outside the approved time limits.
Course Requirements (see note 1):
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Credits |
|
Change and Development Lifespan |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Disability Studies |
3.00 |
|
|
DACS 2152 (see note 2) |
Supporting Social and Emotional Learning and Development |
3.00 |
|
Teaching and Learning: Universal Design for Learning |
3.00 |
|
|
Positive Behaviour Support |
3.00 |
|
|
Supporting Communication |
3.00 |
|
|
Personal Assistance |
3.00 |
|
|
Working with Others |
3.00 |
|
|
Education Assistant Practicum 1 |
3.00 |
|
|
Education Assistant Practicum 2 |
3.00 |
|
|
Person-Centred Planning & Community Building |
3.00 |
|
|
Theories and Principles of Equitable Learning Communities |
3.00 |
|
|
Social Policy & Citizenship |
3.00 |
|
|
Autism Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan |
3.00 |
|
|
Disability in Context |
3.00 |
|
|
Introduction to Issues in Disability Employment |
3.00 |
|
|
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace |
3.00 |
|
|
Inclusive Leadership and Change Management |
3.00 |
|
|
Writing Elective (see note 3) |
3.00 |
|
|
Elective (see note 4) |
1000 or 2000 level UT course |
3.00 |
|
Total Credits |
60.00 |
|
NOTES:
1) Courses are listed in the recommended sequence. Most students will have taken the first ten courses as a part of their admission to the program. The last ten courses are usually taken in the second year.
2) Students who entered the program prior to Fall 2024 may use DACS 1152 instead of DACS 2152.
3) Students considering degree work after this program are encouraged to take ENGL 1130.
4) This course needs to be University Transferable (UT) courses. A University Transferable course is a course that transfers to one of the Research Universities - SFU, UBC (UBCV or UBCO), UNBC, or UVIC in the BC Transfer Guide.
Program Guidelines
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
More Information
The "Flexible Options" - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and transfer credit
The Inclusive Education and Disability Studies program prides itself on its ability to recognize the skills and qualifications of experienced practitioners. If you:
- have at least two years of full-time equivalent experience working with children or adults with an intellectual disability, and/or
- are an experienced practitioner in a related field, and/or
- have applicable public post-secondary credits
then the flexible options (our transfer credit and prior learning assessment process) may be for you.
Experienced practitioners may earn up to 75 percent of a credential (up to 45 academic credits) based on assessment of their previous work/life learning. Transfer credit from approved university transfer and non-university transfer courses can also be used towards a credential.
Individuals interested in the flexible options should contact the Inclusive Education and Disability Studies department for more information.
Tuition deposit
When offered a full-time seat in this program a non-refundable, non-transferable $350 tuition deposit is required.
Career Pathways
Career opportunities include:
- Classroom Support Worker
- Community Program Supervisor
- Community Support Worker
- Education Assistant
- Employment Specialist/Job Coach
- Inclusive Education Assistant
- Indigenous Education Assistant