Overview

The Teaching Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility for Children programme at Western Michigan University provides advanced training for educators dedicated to supporting students with low vision or blindness. This dual-major pathway is designed to equip professionals with the diverse skills necessary to foster independence and academic success in children across various educational settings. By combining these two vital disciplines, the university ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the complex needs of students in both urban and rural school districts.

Students in this programme learn to bridge the gap between standard academic requirements and the specific needs of visually impaired learners.

Why Teaching Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility for Children at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University offers what is considered the most comprehensive curriculum for this specialisation in the United States. Rather than providing brief lectures on critical topics, the university dedicates entire courses to subjects such as Nemeth Code, daily living skills, and assistive computer technology. This depth of instruction ensures that practitioners are not just familiar with the tools of the trade but are experts in their application. The programme also offers flexibility through on-campus and distance education sequences to accommodate working professionals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 41 credit hours of intensive study. Modules may include:

Educating Individuals with Severe Impairments
Computer Technology in Rehabilitation
Physiology and Function of the Eye
Braille and Other Tactual Communication Systems
Teaching Math and Specialty Codes
Principles of Low Vision
Development Through the Lifespan
Adaptive Sports and Art Activities for Children
Itinerancy and Effective School Collaboration

Careers with Teaching Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility for Children

Graduates are prepared for specialised roles within the education sector, particularly as itinerant teachers or mobility specialists. The dual qualification is highly sought after by rural school districts that require versatile professionals capable of managing both classroom adaptations and physical navigation training. Career paths typically lead to positions in public and private schools, rehabilitation centres, and educational consultancy roles, where specialists work closely with parents, regular classroom teachers, and school administrators.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Educating Individuals with Severe Impairments

Adapted Computer Technology

Physiology and Function of the Eye

Physiology and Performance in Blind Children

Braille and Other Tactual Communication Systems

Teaching Math and Specialty Codes

Itinerancy and Effective School Collaboration

Principles of Low Vision

Small N Research

Adaptive Sports Activities for VI Children

Assisted Research

Teaching Children Who Are Visually Impaired

Professional Field Experience

Teaching for Independent Living

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Rolling admission, applicants may apply for any term.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

41 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Teaching Early Childhood Education View 1412 other Masters in Teaching in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

This program requires three recommendations

Written statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Teaching Children with Visual Impairments and Orientation and Mobility for Children.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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