The Visual Impairment M.A., program is designed to prepare students to teach children who are visually impaired. Nationally recognized for excellence, the program prepares individuals to provide services in this challenging and rewarding profession. Graduates of the program are successfully employed in school districts, special schools, and agencies in Arizona as well as in other states across the country.
Special Education M.A. (Visual Impairment)
Learn about issues related to the fields of special education and rehabilitation
Study Braille, the implications of visual disorders, and the use of optical and non-optical aids in classroom settings
Graduate with the knowledge, skills, and requirements needed to teach students with visual impairments (after receiving an Arizona teaching certificate)
Sample Courses
Courses in the program are delivered in a variety of formats, including online and in-person. Core coursework of the special education program includes courses like SERP 500 (Introduction to Special Education) and SERP 502 (Behavior Principles and Disability). In addition to core coursework, students in the visual impairment program specialization will take courses like SERP 520 (Low Vision and Visual Functioning) and SERP 519B (Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments), and SERP 523A (Braille I).
Careers
A master’s degree in visual impairment prepares you for a wide range of careers working with visually impaired youth. Most graduates of the program go on to become Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments, or TVIs. Other career options include working with children who are blind or are visually impaired in roles like a vocational rehabilitation counselor, early childhood specialist, social worker, or teacher aide.