Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Certification

The visual impairment/orientation and mobility programs use a cohort training model. Candidates typically are admitted one time each year. Applications are accepted from September through March, and students begin their training in the first summer session. A limited number of candidates may be approved for admission out of sequence on a case-by-case basis upon review by the program faculty members. In order to be admitted to the vision impairment program, a prospective student must complete the following steps:

• Complete an online Office of Research and Graduate Studies application through ApplyTexas indicating intention to pursue a graduate degree.
• Complete the visual impairment/orientation and mobility program application. Admission information can be found on the James I. Perkins College of Education’s Graduate Programs: Special Education webpage.
• Provide three letters of recommendation. One should be from a direct supervisor in the applicant’s current position.
• Submit a three- to five-page paper distinctly describing: the applicant’s philosophy of education, understanding of the role of the teacher of the visually impaired or certified orientation and mobility specialist, and reasons for pursuing the field of visual impairment as a degree and/or career change.
• Have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better, or a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of work completed.
• GRE is not required.