O&M Course of Study

Five options available

1. Dual VIL Initial Licensure with Master’s + O&M program
2. Dual VIL Licensure + O&M program
3. O&M single track
4. O&M program add-on for TVIs 
5. O&M single track with master’s 

Which program is right for you?

Dual VIL + O&M Programs 

• Acquire skills for providing high quality services to students with visual impairment to fully access the general education curriculum and learn disability-specific skills including community travel skills;
• Complete coursework to apply for licensure in special education with a specialization in visual impairment as well as complete O&M coursework to qualify to take ACVREP’s orientation and mobility certification examination;
• Pursue master's degree while preparing for initial licensure.

Prerequisites

• SPED 418/518 Survey of Exceptional Learners

Add-on and single-track O&M Programs or O&M single-track with master’s 

• Acquire skills for providing high quality services to students with visual impairment to safely and efficiently access the community;
• Obtain a program of completion in Orientation & Mobility from PSU;
• Complete coursework to qualify to apply to take ACVREP’s orientation and mobility certification examination.
• Master’s students complete a research project with peers in O&M, while earning a master’s in special education through PSU

Prerequisites:

• SPED 540 Foundations of Education for the Visually Impaired Learner
• SPED 541 Implications of Vision Problems
• SPED 545 Orientation and Mobility/Life Skills
• Current Teaching License with VIL Endorsement

Candidates who have successfully completed a VIL Program from a university other than PSU may request that certain classes be waived based on completion of coursework in prior classes*.

Which program is right for you?

Dual VIL Initial Licensure with Master’s Plus O&M program

• Candidates seeking both their initial Special Education teaching license and VIL endorsement who will also obtain their master’s degree in Special Education and a program in O&M.

Dual VIL Licensure + O&M program

• Candidates who have a master’s degree in Special Education who are seeking both their Special Education teaching license as a teacher of students with visual impairments and a program in O&M.

O&M program only (does not include Special Education teacher license or VIL endorsement)

• Students who do not wish to seek Special Education licensure as a teacher of students with visual impairments , and those who intend to only work as O&Ms (with adults and/or in states that allow professionals to work only as COMS) may apply for the O&M program-only track.  This is designed for those who want to work in a professional setting assisting children and/or adults to become efficient, independent travelers who are able to safely and confidently navigate in a variety of environments.
• O&M single track students may also pursue additional coursework to earn a Master’s in Special Education as a part of their program of study.

O&M program add-on for TVIs (Teachers with a VIL License)

• Candidates who have a valid teaching license in general or Special Education with a VIL endorsement and who are only seeking to add the O&M program to their teaching credentials. This track is comprised of 25 credits of O&M-specific coursework. Additional electives are available based on the candidate's needs and course availability.

*If you have taken a substantially similar course at another post-secondary institution, contact the Special Education department via email at spedadmit@pdx.edu to initiate the course review process.