Special Education, Visual Impairment Concentration, M.Ed.

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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 Office of Research and Graduate Studies application indicating intention to pursue a graduate degree. Apply online at applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX.
Complete the visual impairment/orientation and mobility program application, available at sfasu.edu/visual-impairment.
Provide three letters of recommendation; one from a direct supervisor in 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 2.75 or better, or a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of work completed
GRE is not required.

Requirements

M.Ed. in special education with an endorsement as a teacher of students with visual impairments requires a valid Texas state teaching credential and successful completion of the following:

Passage of the Braille and visually impaired TExEs professional exams (TExEs 182, 183)
Passage of comprehensive examinations

SPE 515 - Programs and Services for Individuals with Visual Impairment Credit(s): 3
SPE 516 - Anatomy and Function of the Visual System Credit(s): 3
SPE 517 - Communication Skills for Visual Impairment Credit(s): 3
SPE 518 - Basic Orientation and Mobility Credit(s): 3
SPE 551 - Working with Academic Students Who Have Visual Impairments Credit(s): 3
SPE 552 - Instructional Strategies for Individuals with Multiple Disabilities and Visual Impairments Credit(s): 3
SPE 558 - Practicum in Special Education/Visual Impairment Credit(s): 1-3
SPE 570 - Special Studies in Special Education Credit(s): 3-6 (six hours)

Twelve semester hours from the following:

SPE 519 - Low Vision Credit(s): 3
SPE 520 - Tactual Reading Skills for VI Credit(s): 3
SPE 521 - Expanded Core in Visual Impairments Credit(s): 3
SPE 553 - V I Technology Credit(s): 3
SPE 556 - Research and Practice Infants/Children Credit(s): 3
SPE 573 - Leadership in Visual Impairment Credit(s): 3

Advising

Additional information about the program can be found at sfasu.edu/visual-impairment and sfasu.edu/humanservices/123.asp.

Program applicants are encouraged to consult with an advisor in the visual impairment/orientation and mobility program as early as possible in the application process. For information or assistance, please contact our visual impairment/orientation and mobility office at (936) 468-1145.