Visual Impairment Training Program (VITP)
The Graduate and Licensure Programs in Special Education with an emphasis in
Visual Impairment are distance education programs. Courses are offered through
a combination of on-campus weekend /summer classes and on-line study, allow-
ing students to continue working during the school year. All candidates must
complete a minimum 350 hour internship in their specialty area.
The VITP is aligned with the mission of NCCU and the professional standards
and beliefs in the field of visual impairment and blindness. Coursework is based
on the knowledge and skills identified by the Council of Exceptional Children
(CEC), the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education
Professionals (ACVREP), and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruc-
tion. The course of study covers all aspects of instruction including:
Learning to read and write braille and to teach braille reading
Learning about eye conditions and their implications for education
Learning to perform Functional Vision Assessments and Learning Media
Assessments
Learning about orientation and mobility
Learning about access technology
Learning about methods of teaching children who are blind or have low
vision
Learning to teach the use of optical devices to children with low vision
Learning how to incorporate areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum for stu-
dents with visual impairments.
M.Ed. and MAT
Visual Impairment
North Carolina Central University
School of Education
700 Cecil Street, Durham, NC 27707
919-530-5346 phone • 919-530-5353 fax
www.nccu.edu/soe/vitp.cfm
All students must be admitted to the NCCU
School of Education Graduate Programs in addi-
tion to being admitted to the VITP.
The VITP will recommend for graduate admis-
sion those applicants who present evidence of
their ability to do graduate work with distinction.
Such evidence includes:
Bachelor's Degree in Education or related
field such as rehabilitation counseling, soci-
ology, or psychology
Although not required, experience in the vis-
ual impairment/blindness field, related field,
or demonstrates knowledge of the field of
visual impairment and blindness is preferred.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 for undergraduate
work as shown on official university tran-
scripts. Suitable, motivated candidates with
slightly lower GPAs may be accepted on a
conditional basis.
Successful GRE score
Two letters of recommendation from persons
qualified to assess professional performance
and comment on potential teaching ability.
A writing sample indicating the applicant's
ability to write in a clear, concise, and profes-
sional manner.
A personal interview with members of the
VITP faculty.
UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Application for the Master's programs are available
at: http://www.nccu.edu/admissionsandaid/
applynow.cfm
LICENSURE ADD‐ON ALSO AVAILABLE
87
