North Carolina Central University and the AER Accreditation Council announce a 30-day public comment period for comments regarding the accreditation review of NCCU's O&M program. The comment period will close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 5, 2026. Send questions or comments to [email protected]. All comments will be kept in strictest confidence.
Special Education, Visual Impairment, Orientation and Mobility, MEd
Program Overview
The MEd with a concentration in Orientation and Mobility is a 39-credit hour program leading to eligibility to apply for certification through the Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). While this is an online program with courses being offered in the late afternoon and early evening, students are also required to participate in travel experiences in the natural environment for five to six weekends during spring and fall semesters.
Orientation and mobility specialists provide instruction related to knowledge and skills for independent travel to children or adults with visual impairments. These learning and instructional topics include the use of canes and dog guides, instructional and assessment techniques for independent travel, and advanced skills for street crossings, bus travel, and other complex environments. Students learn these skills by putting on blindfolds and simulation goggles while they learn to travel indoors, in residential neighborhoods, in business districts, in shopping malls, and in the downtown area.
Key Statistics from the Vision Impaired (VI) Program
The following chart shares the critical metrics in student performance from our program over the last 5 years. Metrics are shared in percentages and raw counts.
|
2018–2023 |
Orientation and Mobility |
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments |
|
Completion/Graduation |
61.5% (24/39) |
74.36% (29/39) |
|
Retention/Good Standing |
33.3% (13/39) |
69.23% (27/39) |
|
Post-Program Employment |
100% (24/24) |
100% (29/29) |
Admission Requirements
The requirements for all applicants are as follows:
- Online graduate admission application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all schools attended (if you earned your degree from a non-U.S. school, please see the international applicant requirements)
- Statement of purpose/personal statement
- The GRE is not required
Application Deadline Dates
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Fall: July 1
International Applicants
- Fall: April 1
Contact Us
How to Apply
All individuals who would like to apply to an NCCU graduate program (except the law program) must apply using the correct online graduate admission application.