Special Education, Graduate Endorsement (Visual Impairment)

Graduate Endorsement in Education of Students with Visual Impairments (P to 12)

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

  • Blended
  • 36
    Credits
  • $357.00
    In-State
  • $750.00
    Out-of-State
  • Overview
  • Admissions and Requirements
  • Courses You’ll Take
  • Tuition & Fees

Program Overview

Admissions and Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

  1. A Bachelor's degree

  2. 2.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale

  3. Taken the GRE

  4. Taken the TOEFL or IELTS

    (Only required if English is not your native language)

  5. A written personal statement

  6. 3 letters of recommendation

  7. Official transcripts from all previous schools

NOTE: If you reside in state(s) KY contact a program adviser before applying.

To apply to this program:

  1. Complete and submit the online application for Graduate Studies
  2. Pay $50 application fees
  3. Submit separate application to Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders

Courses You’ll Take

Course Information

In addition to the required courses listed here, students also choose six credit hours electives in consultation with their adviser. Topics vary and course offerings will vary by semester.

Core Courses

Course NumberCourse NameCredits
SPED 847Etiologies of Student with Vital Impairments3
Structure and function of the visual system, conditions that affect visual ability, and the functional and environmental implications of low vision. Strategies for enhancing visual ability in children with visual impairments and children who have additional disabilities. Conducting Functional Vision Assessments.
SPED 846Visual Impairment: Characteristics3
An introduction to current educational programs and services for children with visual impairments, including children with additional disabilities. Topics include the history of educational services for this population, developmental characteristics, psychosocial aspects and current and past legislation.
SPED 852AApplied Technology Methods1
Theory and skill development in the selection and use of technology for students with visual impairments. Technology assessments, data collection, equipment feature, source of equipment, funding sources, writing technology instructional plans and demonstration of using various equipment and technology.
SPED 875Sensory Disabilities: Itinerant Teaching Methods3
Methods for providing services for students who are visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing, using itinerant and consultative models. Professional and parent in-service development, team-based problem solving, curriculum based pull-out services. Ecological assessment; technologies; and use of interpreters and paraprofessionals.
SPED 851Intermediate Braille Codes and Instructional Material Adaptations3
Advanced skills in Nemeth (mathematics code) and/or Literary code. Basic activities in braille formatting, foreign language, music and identification of braille technology devices and resources.
SPED 454Behavior Management3
Techniques for managing children's challenging behaviors. Functional assessment of behavior problems, strategies for preventing behavior problems, techniques for increasing prosocial behavior, and non-aversive procedures for decreasing problematic behavior.
SPED 852Instructional Methods for Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments3
Methods and materials for educating children who are totally blind or have low vision, including students with multiple impairments. Practical skills in selecting, designing, and/or modifying materials for content area subjects: mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign language and other subjects.
SPED 852BApplied Instructional Methods2
Practice using appropriate instructional methods and materials for educating the blind and low vision child.
SPED 849Braille Codes and Material Adaptations3
Basic skills in literary Braille transcription and codes. Acquire competence in reading and writing Braille and using the Perkins braillewriter and slate/stylus.
SPED 853Orientation & Mobility I3
Theory and applied practice in basic orientation and mobility techniques for use with students with visual impairments. Practical methods for work in concept development, orientation skills, travel skills and techniques, personal safety and independent travel. Needs of specific populations such as people with low vision and individuals with additional disabilities. Vision simulators and occluders. An introduction to the history and development of the profession.
SPED 872 or SPED 882Select one of the following:3
SPED 872: Deaf or Hard of Hearing | Characteristics OR SPED 882 Severe Multiple Disabilities: Methods
SPED 960, 860, 861Select one of the following:3
SPED 960: Family and School Collaboration in Special Education | SPED 860 Issues in Early Childhood Special Education | SPED 861 Infants with Disabilities and Home Visiting

Tuition & Fees

Nebraska Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$357.00
Fees
$52.25
Total
$409.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$1071.00
Fees
$156.75
Total
$1227.75

Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour

Tuition
$750.00
Fees
$52.25
Total
$802.25

3 Credit Hours

Tuition
$2250.00
Fees
$156.75
Total
$2406.75
Mackenzie Savaiano, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Practice

Mackenzie Savaiano coordinates the graduate program in Visual Impairments and her courses focus on assessment, educational planning and instructional methods for teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs). Savaiano's primary interest is braille literacy.

Application Deadlines
  • Fall SemesterJan 15