Prospective Students
- General O&M program info
- Download the O&M Program Brochure (PDF)
- Career Info
- Degree information
- Distance Education Readiness Checklist
- Current Course Schedule
- Program Course Descriptions
- Application Information
- MTEL Exam Information
- Contact O&M Program
- Frequently Asked Questions
General O&M Program Information
The University of Massachusetts Boston is the only academic center for preparing Orientation and Mobility Specialists in New England. The University is seeking graduate applicants in each of the six New England States and is particularly interested in expanding enrollment of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as students with disabilities.
The Graduate College of Education has federal grants to address the national and regional shortage of teachers and related service professionals with specialized knowledge in Orientation and Mobility. Students meeting admission and scholarship requirements may qualify for tuition support.
The UMass Boston O&M program utilizes a combination of Web-based courses and pre-practicum and practicum experiences which allow students to gain professional skills and prepare for the international certification exam through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).
The M.Ed. degree program in Special Education / Orientation and Mobility track is currently accepting applications for Fall, 2010.
Note: As of the Summer 2010 semester students in the Vision Studies Program must earn a B- or better in each Vision core course on their Program of Study. If a student earns a C+ or below, he/she must repeat the course at their own expense and pay any associated fees.
Although our program is mostly on-line, most of the courses have in person, face to face, class requirements. These requirements are dictated by each course instructor- typically 1-2 meetings per semester on a weekend. The Methods of Orientation and Mobility Lab (SPE-G 641) is a course which meets in person, one full day per week, from the beginning of July- Nov. (total = 20-21 full day classes.) In this lab, students learn O&M skills and how to teach these techniques to peers. In the lab, there are no more than 6 students per cohort with one instructor. Cohorts are assigned based on geographic area.
