Vision Rehabilitation Therapy MS

Major: Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 41.5
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.2399
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 29-1129

About the Program

This program prepares professionals to provide comprehensive vision rehabilitation therapy services (adaptive activities of daily living/independent living skills) to blind or visually impaired adults/older adults in a variety of settings, including public schools, residential schools for students with visual impairments, rehabilitation agencies, low vision clinics, and Veteran Administration Medical Centers, among others. There are excellent employment opportunities in the field of VRT due to a national shortage of these professionals.

Successful completion prepares participants to apply for professional certification by Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Educational Professionals (ACVREP).

Admission Requirements

Admissions

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

• Fall Sememster - 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.

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 though 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 delivered in a sealed envelope.

Letters of Reference: Applications must include three letters of reference highlighting the student's academic and professional skills and addressing applicant qualities in relation to working in the field of blindess 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 typrewritten, 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/Curricullum Vitae: All applicants must submit an educational and job resume/curricullum vitae through the GradCAS application portal. This 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 application portal. 

Background Clearances: Applicants must complete Child Abuse History, State Police and Federal FBI clearances at the time of matriculation to the program. The Office of 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.

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 & Technology Requirements: The program requires graduate students to have computer literacy skills 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 interactinv online among other skills.

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.

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 Services
• SpanTran

An offician 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 this option is chosen, applicant should view GradCAS foreign transcripts instructions for more details.

Degree Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes