Visually Impaired Learner

Nationwide, there is a critical shortage of teachers of students with visual impairments (TSVIs). The need for supporting students with visual impairment in the home, school, and community is particularly strong in rural areas. In such places where there may be fewer resources, TSVIs must step forward to provide equity in education.

Portland State University offers the only program for TSVI training in the Pacific Northwest using an innovative and flexible hybrid format. Whether you are seeking an endorsement or pursuing a master's degree with initial licensure, in the Visually Impaired Learner (VIL) program, you will acquire skills to provide high-quality services to students age birth to 21 with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities. Help those students fully access the general education curriculum.

Our master's degree program gives priority admission to applicants in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Hawaii, but all students are welcome.

Our online platform enables students throughout the Northwest region to earn course credits toward licensure as a teacher of students with visual impairments. Students can pursue a master's or endorsement program of study. Students enjoy the convenience of taking courses from home, while working in a supportive, highly personalized environment that's hard to find in an online master's degree program.

Program Benefits:

• 65 credits to a master's degree + initial licensure
• The program begins with an online summer session at Portland State. You'll spend three weeks establishing friendships with classmates and faculty. 
• Our cohort-based model promotes community. You'll go through the whole program with one set of classmates, developing supportive relationships along the way.
• Portland State's user-friendly online platform supports real-time interaction. You'll engage in conversations with your classmates, collaborate on assignments, study together, and share the camaraderie you would find in a fully on-campus program.
• Field placements within graduate student's local community at residential schools for the blind, and itinerant work across numerous schools, and within classrooms
• Our faculty members are committed to online education. You'll have regular contact with course instructors. If you need help, guidance or support, our faculty will be there for you.

Program Specifics

• Participate in the part-time, two-year program
• Enjoy convenient, hybrid scheduling for working professionals, including face-to-face and online learning environments where students learn individually and in groups
• Benefit from your peers' knowledge and experience in our unique cohort model

About the Program

PSU is the regional university preparation program for the Pacific and Northwest Consortium for Vision Education (PNWCVE). With a focus on consortium member states Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana, the VIL program encourages new TSVIs to seek work in some of the rural areas with the most need for TSVIs.

Students admitted to degree completion programs may apply for and receive financial aid and are eligible for scholarships while fully admitted and enrolled in no fewer than five credits per term. Students falling beneath the five credit/term threshold will not receive financial aid for any terms that a "credit load" falls under five credits.  

The College of Education offers specific scholarships to students in COE (degree) programs. Applications open in October annually.

In addition, we recommend checking with your State Department of Education as they often have scholarships available for low incidence rate populations. School districts may also be willing to fund part of your education with a commitment to return to the school district. Students may also be eligible for the TEACH grant.

Our master's thesis core offers a unique experience to engage in innovative research with mentorship from faculty. Professionals who do not require licensure may take individual courses to satisfy a personal development plan with the permission of the instructor. Be aware that by taking individual courses, you will not satisfy program and licensure requirements.