Special Education - Visual Impairment (MA)
Main Campus, Tucson, United States
Master of Arts in Special Education - Visual Impairment
University of Arizona
Special Education - Visual Impairment
Program Overview: MA in Special Education - Visual Impairment
The MA Special Education - Visual Impairment program at the University of Arizona prepares students to teach children who are visually impaired. Nationally recognized for excellence, this program equips you with the skill set to help students with visual impairments succeed academically and socially in diverse educational settings.
Housed within the Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies in the College of Education, this program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience. Courses are delivered in a variety of formats, including online and in-person, providing flexibility for students who may be balancing professional commitments.
The program has graduated or made eligible for professional certification more than 200 students over the past decade. Graduates are successfully employed in school districts, special schools, and agencies in Arizona as well as in other states across the country, reflecting the strong demand for qualified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs).
Key Program Highlights
- Nationally recognized program preparing Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs) with strong employment outcomes across the United States
- Hybrid delivery format combining online and in-person coursework for maximum scheduling flexibility
- Federally funded scholarship opportunities available through Project PIVIT offering full-tuition support for eligible students
- Comprehensive curriculum covering Braille instruction, assistive technology, low vision assessment, and special education law and policy
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MA in Special Education - Visual Impairment curriculum includes core special education coursework combined with specialized courses in visual impairment. Students complete approximately 47 credit hours covering foundational special education theory, visual impairment-specific methods, assistive technology, Braille literacy, and supervised practicum experiences.
SERP 500: Introduction to Special Education
3 CreditsProvides a comprehensive foundation in special education principles, disability categories, legal frameworks, and evidence-based instructional approaches for working with students with diverse learning needs.
SERP 502: Behavior Principles and Disability
3 CreditsExamines behavioral principles and their application to individuals with disabilities, covering functional behavior assessment, positive behavior support strategies, and data-driven decision making in educational settings.
SERP 503: Special Education Law and Policy
3 CreditsExplores the legal foundations of special education including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA, with emphasis on IEP development, due process, and the rights of students with disabilities and their families.
SERP 520: Low Vision and Visual Functioning
3 CreditsFocuses on understanding low vision conditions, functional vision assessment techniques, and strategies for maximizing the visual functioning of students with visual impairments in educational environments.
SERP 519B: Assistive Technology for People with Visual Impairments
3 CreditsCovers the selection, implementation, and evaluation of assistive technology devices and software used by individuals with visual impairments, including screen readers, magnification tools, and accessible media.
SERP 523A: Braille I
3 CreditsIntroduces the fundamentals of literary Braille reading and writing, including Unified English Braille code, tactile graphics, and methods for teaching Braille literacy to students who are blind or have low vision.
Specialization Elective Areas
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in Special Education - Visual Impairment program is competitive and evaluated holistically. Prospective students should submit all required materials through Uni4Edu, which handles the complete application process on your behalf and provides guidance at every step.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, posted by the time the student enters the program
- Letters of RecommendationA minimum of three professional letters of recommendation
- Statement of PurposeA written statement outlining your academic goals, professional interests, and motivation for pursuing visual impairment education
- Classroom ExperienceDocumentation of 45 contact hours with children with special needs in a public school classroom (recommended but optional)
- Background ClearanceAbility to qualify for an Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card to allow work with minors in public school environments
English Language Requirements
- TOEFLMinimum score of 79 iBT (or 60 on the revised PBT with no section score lower than 15)
- IELTSMinimum composite score of 7.0, with no subject area below 6.0
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 60
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona offers several funding opportunities for students in the Visual Impairment specialization. Financial assistance is often available through federally funded grants and departmental scholarships. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on scholarship eligibility and application procedures.
Project PIVIT (Preparation of Individuals with Visual Impairments in Transition)
Full TuitionA federally funded loan forgiveness grant program offering full-tuition scholarships to increase highly qualified teachers with current knowledge about transitional services for students with visual impairments. Eligible students receive comprehensive financial support throughout their studies.
AER International Services Scholarship
USD 1,000Offered by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), this scholarship supports international members pursuing education in the field of visual impairment services.
College of Education Graduate Assistantships
VariesThe College of Education offers graduate assistantship positions that may include a tuition waiver and stipend. These positions provide valuable professional experience in research, teaching, or administrative support within the department.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects and Outcomes
Graduates of the MA in Special Education - Visual Impairment program are in high demand due to a nationwide shortage of qualified Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments. Most graduates go on to become TVIs, while others pursue roles in rehabilitation counseling, early intervention, and educational administration. The program has produced over 200 certified professionals over the past decade.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and is consistently ranked among the top public research universities in the United States. Its College of Education and Special Education programs are nationally recognized for excellence, particularly in the field of visual impairment education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education | U.S. News & World Report | Top 50 - Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Arts and Humanities | U.S. News & World Report | #58 |
| Special Education - Visual Impairment | AER Accreditation | Fully Accredited |
| Space Science | U.S. News & World Report | #10 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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