Groundbreaking, Experiential Online Learning
Gain the skills to work with students with visual impairments, age birth to 21, with a special emphasis on the needs of early childhood and elementary-aged students. This highly innovative online program creates a learning experience that offers a flexible and affordable option for graduate study. You’ll interact with professors, collaborate on coursework and share information one-on-one or with the whole class—in a classroom that’s accessible 24/7. At the same time, complete your student teaching practicum in your home community. It’s one reason we are the top-ranked university in Colorado for online graduate programs in education, and nationally recognized for excellence in teacher education.
Degree Options
Take the next step! Explore courses, contact information and admission requirements for the M.A. program.
In addition to a master’s degree in visual impairment, you can also earn an orientation and mobility endorsement in our non-degree licensure program.
Non-degree Licensure Orientation and Mobility Program
Gain a competitive edge in the job market with an endorsement in orientation and mobility. Approved by the national accreditation body, the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (AVREP), the Orientation and Mobility endorsement program is for students who have a master’s degree in visual impairment or who are in the process of obtaining a Master of Arts in visual impairment. The program has one on-campus requirement of four weeks during one summer.
Related Programs
“I want to tell you how much I've appreciated working with UNC and their visual impairment program. I’m grateful that I’m able to work at my convenience since this program is online. Another advantage to this program is being able to work in the field of visual impairment while completing my graduate degree in order to get real hands-on experience”
—Yvonne Roll, New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Your Future in Special Education
School districts are looking for qualified teachers who can address complex challenges. With a master’s degree in the Special Education: Visual Impairment program at UNC, you’ll have the leadership preparation you need to succeed.
Consider UNC’s M.A. in Visual Impairment if you want to:
- Work closely with children with visual impairments, as well as teachers, parents and other members of the community
- Advance to the next level in your teaching career
- Work on your own schedule in a flexible, innovative online program
You’ll learn:
- Strategies to help students with visual impairments to achieve their full potential academically, socially and emotionally
- Braille codes and techniques for teaching literacy skills to students with visual disabilities
- Principles of orientation and mobility
Sample courses:
- Introduction to Visual Impairment and Deaf-Blindness
- Braille Codes and Formats
- Principles of Orientation and Mobility
- Medical and Educational Implications of Visual Impairments
- Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments
- Methods of Teaching Students with Visual Impairment
Where can your degree take you?
More children with visual impairments are being identified each year, yet fewer teachers are being trained to teach them. With UNC's master’s degree in the Visual Impairment program, you’ll have the training to make a real difference in your students’ lives.
As a special education teacher of students with visual impairments, you can work in public or private schools. You might work individually with a child in a classroom, or in classes alongside other students and teachers. You can also work with the child and parents in their home.
Ready for what's next? Here's what you need to know.
If there's anything else we can do, be sure to connect with us. We're only a shout away.
Still not completely sold? We understand. Here's more information on costs and funding and how to apply.
