Visual Impairment and Blindness Minor

Program Summary

Program: Special Education

Program Option: Visual Impairment and Blindness Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 15

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

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There is currently a nationwide shortage of and critical need for trained professionals qualified to work with individuals who are blind or visually impaired.

A minor in visual impairment and blindness equips students with the skills and content knowledge necessary to support the needs of individuals with blindness and visual impairments, including those who have multiple disabilities and diverse learner characteristics. Completing the minor partially fulfills the requirements for Virginia's initial teaching license in special education blindness and visual impairments PK–12.

The minor courses are offered in a hybrid format with some courses face-to-face and others online in synchronous or asynchronous formats. Field experiences occur in the Northern Virginia area.

George Mason University will verify completion of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) state-approved preparation program at the graduate or undergraduate level. Such verification does not guarantee the issuance of a Virginia Collegiate Professional, Postgraduate Professional, or Pupil Personnel license from the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is solely the student's responsibility to comply with all requirements for licensure by the Commonwealth. Under Virginia law, a social security number is required for licensure.

This program has been identified by George Mason University as one that may lead to a career requiring professional licensure/certification. Federal regulations require George Mason to disclose information as to whether this program meets/does not meet the educational requirements for licensure/certification in your state, or whether such a determination has not been made. Please consult our Licensure Disclosure Tool for the disclosure statement specific to your desired state/program combination.

Minor Requirements

At least 8 credits must be applied only to this minor and may not be used to fulfill requirements of a major, concentration, undergraduate certificate, or another minor.

EDAT 422: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Sensory Impairments (3 credits)
EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
EDSE 311: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
EDSE 412: Braille Code (3 credits)
EDSE 418: Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)

Students may elect minor programs of study in addition to major fields. Students interested in a minor should meet with the minor advisor to obtain the required signature on the Minor Declaration form and submit the completed Minor Declaration form to the Office of the University Registrar.

TUITION CLASSIFICATION	COST PER CREDIT
Virginia Resident	$592.50 (includes MSF*)
Non-Virginia Resident	$1,612.00 (includes MSF*)
CEHD Course Fee ($25/credit with higher per credit or flat course fees for internship and select ATEP, RECR, and RMGT courses)	$25 - $257
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit	$617.50 - $849.50
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit	$1,637.00 - $1,869.00
Undergraduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee)	$350 \| $275 for transfer students

Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled.

*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50

For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers, and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Also, many school districts offer tuition reimbursement options. Speak to your employer for more information.

To be successful in your program, it is important to remember that each student is responsible for knowing George Mason’s rules, regulations, requirements, administrative policies and academic policies. Every student must meet with his advisor upon admission to the program to create a program of study. Even if students know which program/s they will pursue and their sequence of coursework, it is beneficial to discuss plans for internships, testing requirements, transfer options if applicable, etc. It is highly recommended that you meet with your advisor at least once per semester to review degree progress and plan for future semesters. The University Catalog, your program advisors, and the staff in the Student and Academic Affairs Office are key resources to assist you as you work toward completion of your degree requirements.

Advisors

Crystal Trebing	Jackie Beck	Jancy Templeton
Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names A-H FCPS Special Education-General cohorts	Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names I-S PWCS Special Education-General cohorts	Undergraduates and Graduate students (non-cohort) with last names T-Z LCPS & FCPS Adapted cohorts
cgolden3@gmu.edu (703) 993-4361 M, T 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. R 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face.	jbeck26@gmu.edu (703) 993-3463 M, F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. T, W 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face.	jtemple1@gmu.edu (703) 993-2387 M, T 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. W, F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. R 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Appointments available virtually or face-to-face.
Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Crystal Trebing.	Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Jackie Beck.	Click HERE to schedule a meeting with Jancy Templeton.

Schedule an Appointment

Current students may schedule or cancel appointments no less than 24 hours in advance. Advisor calendars are open two weeks in advance. If no appointments show as available with your assigned advisor, please check back in a day or two to see if new times have opened up. You can also e-mail general questions to your advisor.

Contact speced@gmu.edu if you have any questions or sschelp@gmu.edu if you have any issues with the scheduling system.

Drop-In Advising

Drop-in advising hours are available virtually through Blackboard or face-to-face in Finley 102. During these sessions, students receive one-on-one advising on a first-come, first-served basis. To access the virtual advising session please use the links below during the times listed:
Mondays: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Sessions are cancelled when George Mason is closed or if otherwise indicated.

Forms

Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.

Program Summary

Program: Special Education

Program Option: Visual Impairment and Blindness Minor

Credential(s): Minor

Credits: 15

100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes

Cost per Credit:
$592.50 in state
$1612.00 out of state

Request Information

Apply Now!

Visual Impairment and Blindness Minor

Program Summary

Course format

Licensure Disclosure

Minor Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Tuition (2024-25)

Financial Aid

Advising

Advisors

Schedule an Appointment

Drop-In Advising

Resources

Forms

Special Education

Program Summary

Primary Faculty