Blindness and Vision Impairment M.Ed.

Major: Blindness and Vision Impairment
Degree Awarded: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 41.0 (with special ed background); 45.0 (no special ed background)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.1009
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-2056; 25-2057; 25-2058; 25-2059

About the Program

Prepares students for licensue as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI). This is a initial teaching certification. No background in education is required.

Program Mission

To develop and offer graduate education programs preparing highly qualified professionals to support children with visual impairment, including multiple disabilities, by creating an interprofessional environment of educators committeed to lifelong learning, critical thinking, and dedication to the individuals and communities they serve.

Requirements for Certification

Individuals entering the program must meet BLVS Admissions Requirements and the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for certification in Pennsylvania. These requirements depend upon whether the individual already holds a teaching certificate in another area, or wishes to earn their initial certificate.

In order to obtain a Pennsylvania certificate as a teacher for the visually impared, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has established requirements (listed below) for teacher certification of visual impairment.

A candidate who does not hold a teaching certificate in the Commonwealth is considered an applicant for initial certification.

A candidate who already holds a teaching certificate is considered an applicant for Advanced Certification.

Candidates for both initial and advanced certification must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Upon completion of the program, Pennsylvania requires that the applicant take the appropriate PRAXIS 2 examinations in Visual Impairments. These change from time to time and should be verified with the Educational Testing Service as to requirements in Pennsylvania at the time of completion of the program. students who reside in another state must follow the state's requirements for licensure and certification.

Applicants to the Teacher of the Visually Impaired program must submit copies of current state and federal background clearances at the time of the application of the program. A copy must also be submitted to the Drexel Protection of Minors department: ProtectionofMinors@drexel.edu.

Admission Requirements

Applications are accepted through he GradCAS centralized application service each semester with the following deadlines:

• Fall Semester - July 31
• Spring Semester - November 30
• Summer Semester - April 15

Once accepted, students can register for courses in the term immediately following matriculation, depending on the student's course of studies.

Criteria

All applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must hold a Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted to the program.

The following application items are required for submission:

Submit a completed application through GradCAS

Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of #138.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.

Transcripts: All applicants are responsible for having official transcripts for every college or university attended sent directly to GradCAS centralized application service, regardless of whether a degree has been received from that particular institution or not. Please note, a transcript marked "issued to student" is not acceptable, even when dellivered in a sealed envelope.

Letters of Reference: Applications must include three letters of reference highlighting your academic and professional skills and addressing applicant qualities in relation to orking in the field of blindness and low vision, education and/or rehabilitation. Please follow the directions for submitting letters of reference through the GradCAS application portal.

Statement of Purpose (minimum 250 words): Applicants must submit a typewritten, double-spaced, two- to three-page personal statement through the GradCAS application portal explaining their purpose in undertaking graduate study in their program of interest. This is an opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee about the applicant's goals, interests, motivation, and background as they relate to their career plans and academic pursuits.

Job Resume/Curriculum Vitae: All applicants must submit an educational and job resume/curricululm vitae through the GradCAS application portal. Thi should include the applicant's education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community/extracurricular activities to date.

License/Certificates: Applicants may submit a copy of any certificate or license held as it pertains to their current profession through the GradCAS appllication portal. Applicants to the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments who are currently certified teachers must upload a copy of a teaching certificate.

Background Clearances: Applicants to Blindness and Low Vision Studies programs must complete Child Abuse History, State Police and Federal FBI clearances at the time of matriculation to the program. The Office Student Affairs will contact the matriculated student with further instructions on submitting these requirements prior to enrollment.

National Test Scores (Optional): National test scores (such as GRE or MAT) are not required to be considered for admission into the BLVS program.

International Students: Please review any additional requirements in the section below.

Prerequisite Skills

Due to the nature of the coursework, the following prerequisite skills apply:

Writing Skills: Applicants are expected to demonstrate scholarly writing in their application essay, develop coherent and complete thoughts, and use correct grammar, and spelling.

Computer Skills and Technology Requirements: Students are required to have computer literacy skill upon entry into the program. Most of the courses are online and require computer skills related to emailing, word processing, uploading and downloading files and assignments, conducting internet searches, and interacting online among others. Prior to entering the program, students who lack basic skills in using the computer should complete a basic computer course from a computer education service, a community college, or university.

Admissions Selection Process

For more information regarding the admissions selection, interview and matriculation process, please refer to the program's website.

International Students

International Transcripts

For applicants who have attended foreign and French-Canadian schools, please provide the Office of Admissions with the following information:

A course-by-course credential review from a NACES recognized agency which evidences all post-secondary studies completed. Please consult the agency’s web site for requirements to complete the evaluation. Recommended agencies include:

• World Education Service
• SpanTran

An official credential evaluation (not a copy) must be sent from the evaluation service directly to the Office of Admissions.

Applicants also have the option to submit their credential evaluation directly to GradCAS.  If you choose this option, please view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details.

English Language Proficiency

Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Drexel University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client/student safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare or education team.

Official results from the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo examination are required of all non-native English speakers. One of these approved exams must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.

• If submitting TOEFL iBT scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
• If submitting an approved alternate English proficiency exam, please send official scores directly to the Office of Admissions.

While it is recommended that applicants submit TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS or Duolingo, exceptions will be considered for foreign applicants who meet one of the following criteria*:

• successfully completed a degree or diploma held from an accredited, post-secondary institution where the coursework was entirely in English, and provide evidence that it was conducted in English; or
• successfully completed, and provide evidence of, an approved English language learner’s program

*Note: All exemption materials and other appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and subject to the admission committee’s final discretion. Should any exceptions not be accepted toward the English language requirement, the Office of Admissions will inform the applicant of an alternative to fulfill it.

Degree Requirements

Requirements - no special education background

Requirements - with special education background