Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure, Master of Education in Special Education, Concentration in PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments Licensure
Program Summary
Program: Special Education
Degree: Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure, Master of Education in Special Education, Concentration in PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments Licensure
Credential(s): Graduate Certificate, MEd
Credits: 26, 47
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$636.00 (with VA educator discount)
$748.50 in state
$948.50 out of state
There is currently a nationwide shortage of and critical need for trained professionals qualified to work with students who are blind and visually impaired, making this an important and in-demand career option for educators.
This master's degree (or, for experienced educators, the graduate certificate option) provides teacher candidates with the tools they need to work with students who are blind and visually impaired, including those who have multiple disabilities and diverse learner characteristics. Candidates will gain skills and knowledge to support students in a variety of settings, including general and special education, and in the core content and Expanded Core Curriculum.
Depending on students' education and experience they can choose the 26-credit certificate for licensed teachers who hold a Master's degree, or the 47-credit MEd which provides coursework for those seeking initial Virginia licensure.
- The 47-credit MEd in Special Education with concentration in PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments Licensure prepares students to work with blind and visually impaired individuals, including those who have multiple disabilities. Students learn to support individuals in both general and special education settings.
- The 26-credit Graduate Certificate in Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure is intended for students who already hold a teaching license in the state of Virginia in either special education or general education, and may have already satisfied professional studies requirements.
Format
Coursework is offered primarily online with a face-to-face weekend for hands-on training in orientation and mobility. Internships and field placements occur in the Northern Virginia area.
Tuition Assistance
Visual Impairments Consortium: The Virginia Consortium prepares teachers to be highly skilled at working with students with visual impairment and blindness. The consortium is supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Education. Every semester, a limited number of tuition stipends are awarded to qualified applicants seeking teacher licensure in Virginia.
Virginia Educator Discount: A 15% discount off the university’s approved tuition rate is available for qualifying in-state graduate students who are educators in Virginia.
Graduate Research Assistantships: Part time positions are available for students interested in providing research support to faculty.
Licensure Disclosure
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.
MEd Degree Requirements
Core Coursework (15 credits)
- EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
- EDSE 517: Computer Applications for Special Populations (3 credits)
- EDSE 590: Special Education Research (3 credits)
Language Development and Reading
- EDSE 503: Language Development and Reading (3 credits)
Consultation and Collaboration
Concentration Coursework (32 credits)
- EDAT 522: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Sensory Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 511: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 512: Braille Code (3 credits)
- EDSE 513: Medical and Educational Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 514: Orientation and Mobility for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (2 credits)
- EDSE 518: Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 532: Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 613: Teaching Methods for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 616: Braille Reading and Writing (3 credits)
- EDSE 785: Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments (6 credits) must complete 6 credits of internship
Non-course Requirements
Graduate Certificate Requirements
Prerequisites (met prior to admission or upon admission):
- EDSE 501: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits) OR EDSE 201: Introduction to Special Education (3 credits)
- EDSE 503: Language Development and Reading (3 credits) OR EDSE 341: Language Acquisition and Reading and Writing Development (3 credits) (or passing RVE, or current VA teaching license)
- EDSE 511: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits) OR EDSE 311: Characteristics of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 532: Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits); OR EDSE 251: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports (3 credits) AND EDSE 353: Individualized Behavior Supports (3 credits)
- EDSE 663: Collaborative Teamwork to Support Students with Significant Disabilities (3 credits) OR EDSE 354: Consultation and Collaboration (3 credits)
Certificate Requirements
- EDAT 522: Assistive Technology for Individuals with Sensory Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 512: Braille Code (3 credits)
- EDSE 513: Medical and Educational Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 514: Orientation and Mobility for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (2 credits)
- EDSE 518: Curriculum and Assessment of Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 613: Teaching Methods for Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments (3 credits)
- EDSE 616: Braille Reading and Writing (3 credits)
- EDSE 785: Internship: Blindness and Visual Impairments (2 credits)
Non-course Requirements
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester (classes starting in August) |
Spring Semester (classes starting in January) |
Summer Semester (classes starting in May, June, or July) |
---|---|---|
Priority*: April 1 Space Available: August 19 |
Priority*: November 1 Space Available: January 10 |
Priority*: February 1 Space Available: May 15 |
For more information and to apply, visit the admissions website.
* Priority deadline ensures consideration for the intended semester as well as financial aid options for students. Programs will continue to review applications until at capacity. Some programs do not review applications past the priority deadline.
Application Requirements
All application materials must be submitted through George Mason’s online graduate application. In addition to meeting general university admissions requirements, applicants will need to provide the requirements below.
To be considered for graduate studies, the following items are evaluated during the admission review process:
- Graduate application and fee
- 750- to 1,000-word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants should follow the instructions included in the online application to submit the recommendation forms directly to their recommenders. Mason does not accept paper recommendations. Recommendations should be professional or academic in nature.
- Transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the United States. Please refer to the Office of Graduate Admissions information page for specific requirements regarding uploading unofficial transcripts.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions outside of the United States could have additional requirements. Please refer to the How To Apply page for specific requirements about submitting international transcripts, evaluations, and English language proficiency.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to graduate programs at George Mason University is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on the strength of their academic backgrounds, results of standardized exams (if required by the program), work experience, and any additional evidence of potential success in the program. Faculty admissions review is a holistic review of requirements as well as the applicant’s potential academic and professional success upon completion of the program.
At a minimum all admitted students must have:
- An earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or international equivalent, verified from official transcripts. Expectation of an earned baccalaureate prior to the first day of classes for the term for which the student is applying will also meet this requirement. See the graduate admissions policy for more information.
- A minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale in baccalaureate study. Students with less than a 3.0 GPA are encouraged to apply, addressing previous academic challenges and highlighting evidence for future success in their goal statement.
- International students should reference Admission of International Students for additional requirements.
Tuition (2024-25)
TUITION CLASSIFICATION | COST PER CREDIT |
---|---|
Virginia Resident | $748.50 (includes MSF*) |
Non-Virginia Resident | $948.50 (includes MSF*; discounted from $1,679.50) |
VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program** | $635.50 (includes MSF*) |
CEHD Course Fee | $25 - $84 |
Total Cost for Virginia Residents per Credit | $773.50 - $832.50 |
Total Cost for Non-Virginia Residents per Credit | $979.50 - $1,038.50 |
Total cost for VA Resident and PK-12 VA Educator enrolled in a CEHD graduate program* | $660.50 - $719.50 |
Graduate New Student Fee (non-refundable, one-time fee) |
$60 |
Please Note: Refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees. Internship courses will incur a higher course fee to fund on-site assistance involving intensive clinical training/supervision.
*Mandatory Student Fee (MSF): $159.50
**VA state residents who are eligible must apply for the 15% PreK-16 VA Educators Discount in order to take advantage of the lower tuition. Eligible students receive 15% off the total tuition and mandatory student fee.
Financial Aid
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.
Advising
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.
Internships
Internships provide students with an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning in their courses and to receive coaching and feedback on that practice from school- and university-based experienced professionals. Regardless of whether or not a student has teaching experience, supervised internship experiences are required components for any student completing the state-approved licensure programs. Students complete two internships: one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level.
Arrangement and completion of internship is a multi-step process. Students must make a plan with their advisor for internship, apply in advance, complete test and CPR/First Aid/AED requirements where applicable, register for the internship course and fulfill internship requirements. To ensure college deadlines are met and to confirm eligibility of internship options, each student should review internship options with an advisor early in the program.
There are multiple options for meeting internship requirements:
- Placement internship - Students request a setting in which to complete an internship. Mason places students in internship settings in fall, spring, and summer semesters. Summer placements are often arranged in local private schools. While participating in internship, candidates share their mentor teacher’s daily schedule to have a full-time teaching experience. Interns arrive and end their day based on the school schedule and may also participate in teacher responsibilities outside of typical school hours.
- On-the-job internship - Students use their employment setting for the internship site. The on-the-job option allows interns to complete the internship experience while they work. To be eligible for an on-the-job internship, students must be in a position approved by the school division for an on-the-job internship, be working in a public or VDOE-approved private school as an internship site, be working in a setting appropriate for their program, and have permission and support of the building administrator. Students must be able to accumulate sufficient direct and indirect teaching hours with students under the licensure area they seek. On-the-job interns identify a qualified mentor teacher from their school to support them during the internship, and a university supervisor is assigned to the intern by the university.
- Internship waiver - Students in the PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments licensure programs may waive one of the two internship requirements providing they document two full academic or calendar years of successful, full-time teaching in a public or accredited private school working with students who fall under the licensure category they are pursuing. Experience must be as the teacher of record in the classroom; experience as a substitute teacher, instructional assistant or intern does not qualify. Students should refer to the internship waiver checklist to ensure they can provide the required documentation and complete the required waiver observations.
Internship application deadlines, instructions for applying and internship manuals with details of internship responsibilities and requirements are available at Student Internship. Students wishing to complete internship outside of the Northern Virginia area should review the Distance Placement Guidelines.
Teacher Licensure
Submitting for Virginia Licensure
Students who have completed the university VDOE-approved program must meet all requirements for their licensure program, including internships and test requirements, prior to submitting for teacher licensure in Virginia. Once requirements for licensure have been met (e.g., grades posted for all classes, waivers submitted if applicable, tests completed, etc.), students may apply. Graduate students do not have to wait until conferral of their degree. Students seeking VDOE licensure may submit for licensure either by submitting all VDOE required documentation through Mason or by obtaining a college verification form from Mason and submitting through their school division.
Students are encouraged to check their records when they are approximately 6 weeks away from completion of their final coursework to avoid delays in processing licensure paperwork. Because your job or a job offer may depend on your ability to provide a signed college verification form for licensure, all paperwork (including internship waiver) should be submitted to the Special Education Advising Office at least six weeks prior to submission for licensure. This provides the necessary time for adjustments to be entered on your record before the licensure specialist completes your paperwork.
College Verification Form:
There are 3 options that the Mason licensure specialist can check on the college verification form:
- Option 1: Completed state approved program — This is the ideal route to licensure and the only route recommended by Mason. Program requirements are pre-approved by VDOE to cover licensure competencies. This option is available to students who complete either the undergraduate BSEd in Special Education with a licensure concentration or who complete a graduate licensure certificate. All program requirements including internships and program test requirements (e.g, VCLA) must be met.
- Option 2: "No – all but internships" — Graduate students with teaching experience in the public schools, for example in teaching general education or teaching as a provisionally licensed special education teacher, who complete all components of the licensure certificate program including program test requirements (e.g, VCLA) can receive a college verification form stating that while the program was not complete, all requirements for the licensure program other than internship were met. School divisions must verify teaching experience. Transcripts are then reviewed by VDOE to determine if the licensure requirements, including the requirement for supervised classroom experience, have been met. This option does NOT guarantee licensure and it is possible students will need coursework outside of their program to meet state licensure requirements. This route is not recommended by Mason.
- Option 3: No, has not completed a state approved program — Students who do not complete a licensure program at the university can submit transcripts to VDOE and request a review to determine which licensure competencies were met with the courses completed. This option does NOT guarantee licensure and it is likely students will need coursework outside of their program to meet state licensure requirements. Mason recommends all students pursuing licensure do so by completion of a pre-approved university program as noted in Option 1.
Licensure Outside of Virginia
Licensure requirements are state-specific. If you intend to seek licensure outside of Virginia, begin by consulting with the Department of Education of the state. You may also want to review the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement Facilitating Mobility of Educational Personnel. If a form is required by the state indicating your completion of a licensure program, or status in a licensure program, submit the form to the CEHD Licensure Specialist.
Resources
Forms
Current students should visit MyMason for important forms and documents.
Licensure Testing
Students should review licensure testing requirements for their teacher licensure program. Mason offers free licensure testing support resources for enrolled students.
Program Summary
Program: Special Education
Degree: Blindness and Visual Impairments PK-12 Licensure, Master of Education in Special Education, Concentration in PK-12 Blindness and Visual Impairments Licensure
Credential(s): Graduate Certificate, MEd
Credits: 26, 47
100% Online Option: No
On-campus/Blended Option: Yes
Cost per Credit:
$636.00 (with VA educator discount)
$748.50 in state
$948.50 out of state
Primary Faculty
-
Kimberly Avila
PhD, George Mason University -
Yoosun Chung
PhD, George Mason University -
Grace Francis
PhD, University of Kansas