Special Education, MEd | Orientation and Mobility

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Overview

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

Guiding independence

Orientation and mobility specialists teach individuals with visual impairment how to move safely and independently. It's meaningful, hands-on work, that helps people feel a sense of independence in their homes, schools, communities and workplaces

Master the credential

Earn your graduate degree and become eligible to seek globally-recognized certification in one 33-credit-hour program.

All required coursework, training intensive and internship placement prepare you for certification eligibility. You'll apply to become a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals. The ACVREP is an internationally-recognized certifying body.

Visiting campus

As a student in the orientation and mobility program, you'll need to visit twice. The first is a six-week summer intensive, with hands-on training. The second is to celebrate your graduation commencement with your cohort. More details are provided to admitted students.

See curriculum

Curriculum requirements

Is this an online program?
Courses are taught online.
There are two on-campus visits.

How long will it take to complete?
33 credit-hours.

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

Will I be eligible to take the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist exam?
Yes.

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.