Welcome Prospective Students

This page contains information and links to information about the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Graduate program at UMass Boston.

• General TVI Program Information
• Important note about Braille Requirement
• Download the TVI Program Brochure (PDF)
• Career Info
• Degree information
• Distance Education Readiness Checklist
• Current Course Schedule
• Program Course Descriptions
• Education Leveling Courses for TVI Program
• Application Information
• MTEL Exam Information
• Contact TVI Program
• Frequently Asked Questions

General TVI Program Information

The University of Massachusetts Boston is the only academic center for preparing Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments 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 UMass Vision Studies program in TVI has grant funding to address a national and regional shortage of teachers and related service professionals with specialized knowledge in Visual Impairments. Students meeting admission and grant scholarship requirements are eligible for tuition support.

The UMass Boston TVI program utilizes a combination of Web-based courses and pre-practicum field based activities which allow students to build a portfolio of professional skills and experiences.

The M.Ed. degree program in Special Education/Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments track is currently open for Summer, 2009. The University of Massachusetts Boston is fully accredited\ by the Massachusetts Department of Education for the Masters in Special Education, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments track.

Important notice about Braille Requirement

Students in the UMass Boston TVI Program must be able to read unaltered, embossed Braille (visually or tactually) in order to complete the two required braille courses and the Braille Proficiency Test.

In order to enroll for Practicum, each student is required to pass the Braille Proficiency Test. This test of the literary Braille code includes two sections: transcription (print to Braille) and interlining (Braille to print).

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.