Sunggye Hong, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of Visual
Impairment Specialization, University of Arizona, sghong@email.arizona.edu
The University of Arizona (UA) Visual Impairments Specialization Program (VISP) offers a graduate-
level program leading to a specialization in teaching children who are visually impaired (VI): TVI, or Teacher
of Students with Visual Impairments. As the only personnel preparation program in Arizona, many TVIs,
researchers, and leaders achieved their professional goals through the UA VISP. Nationally recognized for
excellence, this program prepares individuals to provide services in this challenging and rewarding profession.
Our graduates are successfully employed in school districts, special schools, and agencies in Arizona as well
as in other states across the country.
Program overview:
The University of Arizona offers personnel preparation programs for teachers of students with visual
impairments. The 1– to 2-year graduate level program leads to a master's degree in Special Education and
eligibility for Arizona teaching certification in visual impairments. The program of study requires 46-52 units
of coursework including 7-10 units of internship in educational or clinical settings. Academic coursework and
practicum experiences are highly integrated to ensure a close relationship between information and
performance competencies. Those who would like to obtain Arizona teaching certification without an academic
degree can take 26 to 32 graduate units depending upon their prerequisite courses and experiences.
Courses are offered during the academic year as well as during summer sessions, allowing part-time
students to participate in the program. All courses will be scheduled in a hybrid mode, granting students
outside of Tucson to participate in the class activities real time via internet.
VIDBE-Q
Volume 62 Issue 1
The University of Arizona,
Specialization in visual impairments
29
