Vision Studies: Orientation and Mobility (Graduate Certificate)

The Orientation and Mobility Certificate Program

The discipline of orientation and mobility (O&M) teaches people with visual impairments to orient themselves and travel safely with confidence. Participants in our O&M program learn to evaluate needs and to teach the use of equipment such as the long cane and low vision aids, as well as the integration of a professionally trained dog guide.

Students learn how to teach travel skills in a variety of environments, including indoor, residential, business, rural, and urban areas. The curriculum addresses the art of teaching such skills across the lifespan to both children and adults, as well as those with additional disabilities.

The O&M certification program leads to specialized work with people who are blind or visually impaired. Candidates for the certificate proceed through a sequence of course work, field-based experiences, and practica to fulfill eligibility requirements as prescribed by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals. The total credits required for certification will vary depending on the candidate’s background in related course work.

O&M Certificate for Vision Professionals (19 credits)

O&M Certificate for Related Services Professionals (28 credits)

Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions  ” section of this publication, and the “Special Instructions for Applicants to Individual Programs” section of the application for admission to graduate study.

Please send the following admissions materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions only:

• Online Application. Applicants are accepted into the O&M certificate program once a year for the fall semester. Deadline is June 1. Specify that you are applying to the MEd in Vision Studies: Orientation and Mobility track, certificate only.
• Transcripts. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. A 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required.
• Three Letters of Recommendation. Use the forms provided by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Emphasis should be on academic and professional references.
• Test Scores: GRE, MAT, or MTEL. Complete all testing required by the university. If you do not have a master’s degree, you will be required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Please contact sgisd@umb.edu for questions regarding eligibility to waive scores.
• Statement of Interest and Intent (Required Writing Sample). Submit a two-part essay:
• Explain your reasons for wishing to pursue graduate studies (approximately 300 words).
• Indicate your specific interest in Orientation and Mobility, and discuss the type of work you would like to do in this field (at least 1,200 words).

This statement will be reviewed for both your overall message and your ability to write at the graduate level. Proofread your writing carefully; it is ranked according to its clarity, grammar, and syntax.

• Personal Interview with Faculty Member. When the Office of Graduate Admissions has notified us of your completed application, we will contact qualified candidates to arrange an interview (either in person or via teleconference). We will contact qualified candidates.
• International Applicants Only: TOEFL Scores. International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).