Visual Impairment Concentration

Both the visual impairment concentration and the orientation and mobility concentration use a cohort training model. Candidates typically are admitted one time each year and begin their training in the first summer session of each academic year. Applications are accepted year-round. Candidates may be approved for admission out of sequence on a case-by-case basis upon review by the special education faculty members. In order to be admitted to the vision impairment preparation concentration or the orientation and mobility concentration, 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 concentration or the orienation and mobility application, available at https://sfasu.edu/edstudies/academics/masters/med-sped.
• Provide three letters of recommendation. One must be from a direct supervisor in the applicant's current position.
• Submit a three- to five-page paper 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 or orientation and mobility as a career change.
• Applicant must have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better or a 2.50 GPA on the last 60 hours of work completed.
• GRE is not required.