Special Education (Visual Impairment)
Program description
The BAE program in special education with a concentration in visual impairment provides a strong foundation in evidence-based, high-leverage practices in special education. The visual impairment concentration focuses on diagnostic assessment, orientation and mobility skills, and specific teaching methodologies for students with visual impairments. It includes a strong focus on assistive technology to advance learning in the classroom and in daily life.
Students are taught to collaborate with parents, classroom teachers and related service personnel to meet the needs of learners with visual impairments. The curriculum is aligned with Arizona and national standards consistent with the Council for Exceptional Children.
Starting in Term 5, the program is delivered in partnership with the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix, Arizona. Courses are taught by faculty associates from FBC and full-time ASU faculty to provide candidates with theoretical and practical perspectives on teaching and learning for individuals with visual impairments.
Professional experiences take place at the Foundation for Blind Children and within a local school district, providing experiences that prepare students to teach in both self-contained and inclusive settings.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in Visually Impaired Special Education, birth–grade 12 and Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12, and an endorsement in Structured English Immersion, preK–12, from the Arizona Department of Education. In order to teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate professional knowledge and/or subject knowledge educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. Learn more about professional licensure
At a glance: program locations
Next steps to attend ASU
This degree qualifies you for two certificates offered by the Arizona Department of Education:
Visually Impaired Special Education, Birth–12
Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12
This degree also offers a full structured English immersion endorsement (Structured English Immersion, Pre-K–12) to work with English language learners.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more
Career outlook
Graduates of Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College are highly sought teachers in public, charter and private education institutions. Graduates with a degree in special education (visual impairment) can teach in a variety of special education settings such as resource rooms, self-contained classrooms and co-teaching with general educators.
Career examples include but are not limited to those shown in the following list. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
- Education Professor
- Elementary Special Education Teacher
- High School Special Education Teacher
- Middle School Special Education Teacher
- Vision and Mobility Therapist
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Paying for college
Admission requirements
Students are required to meet all applicable ASU admission requirements for first-year students, transfer students or international students.
As a transfer student, you can ensure a positive experience by signing up for an ASU transfer pathway program. Find your path to ASU