Special Education, MEd | Visual Impairment, grades EC-12

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Teacher working with a student to learn braille alphabet

Overview

This concentration is offered within the Special Education, MEd program.

Empower students to navigate their world

Children with visual impairments across the full developmental range are trying to find their way in a world designed for sighted people. The primary barrier for students with visual impairments is not an inability to learn, but a lack of access to the visual environment.

SFA offers one of the few Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments programs in the nation. Come learn how you can change the trajectory of someone's life from infancy through young adulthood.

An unparalleled impact

As a vision professional, your expertise in providing direct instruction and adaptive tools will empower students to lead meaningful, fully integrated lives. Your work will directly contribute to:

fostering true independence
enhancing employment and quality of life
and building unshakable self-esteem.

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Curriculum requirements

Do I need a Texas teaching certificate?
Yes, you must already be certified to teach in Texas.

Is this an online program?
Yes. Courses are offered in interactive distance-learning formats.

How long will it take to complete?
36 credit-hours.
This includes 30 credit-hours of coursework, followed by completion of a six-credit-hour independent research project.

When does the program start?
Late May, during the first summer term.

Is there a capstone?
Yes, comprehensive exams in your final semester.

Part of the James I. Perkins College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Apply to the special education master's program

The Special Education, MEd application is a two-part process. Your acceptance into the program is contingent upon successful admission to SFA's graduate school. You should complete all pre-admission requirements for your degree path prior to submitting your graduate studies application to the university.

All the information you need is below, or you can contact us with specific questions.

Before applying to the graduate school, you must email the department to get access to a shared Microsoft OneDrive folder. You will upload the following pre-admission items there:

Practicum letter: A signed letter from your district's special education director approving a future 160-hour practicum (spread over two semesters).
Professional documents: A copy of your official teacher service record, current résumé, and undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
Certifications and forms: A copy of your current teacher certifications and a completed advanced certification-seeking tracking form.
Letters of recommendation: Three signed letters (two professional, one community member).
Written statement: A 3-to-5 page typed, double-spaced essay detailing your experience, teaching philosophy, and why you are a strong candidate.
Introduction video: A maximum 5-minute video introducing yourself, your teaching experience, your certifications, and your motivation for the program.

Note: After reviewing these items, faculty may invite you to a short online video interview. Once formally accepted by the program, you will be cleared to submit your official graduate school application.

The program coordinator will advise you on next steps and whether to continue your application through the graduate school.

These paths use a cohort model with classes starting in the summer.

To apply, you must:

Complete the graduate school application.
Send the following items directly to the program coordinator:
- Pre-admission items indicated through online interest form.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a direct supervisor in your current position.
- Three- to five-page paper distinctly describing your:
  - philosophy of education
  - understanding of the profession you're seeking
  - and reasons for pursuing the field of visual impairment.
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.