The Masters of Science in Special Education concentration in Visual Impairments is designed to give candidates expertise in teaching children with visual impairments. The program is funded by the United States Department of Special Education, Office of Special Education Services, Deep South Synergy (DS²) TVI Project. General and special educators are eligible who possess an active educator license are eligible. Participants can seek a Master of Science in Special Education, Visually Impaired Concentration Degree or the Mississippi K-12 Visual Impairments Add-on Endorsement. Limited financial assistance is available to qualified applicants.

Degree Requirements

The Master’s degree program requires successful completion of 39 credit hours. Twenty-seven of the 39 credit hours consists of specialized coursework, with 12 hours of university core coursework.

Mississippi K-12 Add-On Endorsement

Twenty-one credit hours of specialized coursework in visual impairments are required for the add-on endorsement.

Steps for Admissions

All applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and possess a current teaching license. Listed are the steps for admission to this program. They are:

1. Apply online for admissions to Jackson State University.
   • Go to https://www.jsums.edu/graduateschool/masters-admissions and complete the online application. Approved applications will be forwarded from the Division of Graduate Studies to the Department of Special Education for departmental admission.
   • Specify your major as special education on the application.
2. Complete Departmental Requirements

   Applicants for the Master’s degree must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and possess a valid teaching certificate. The application will be reviewed for approval by departmental faculty.

Full Admission Requirements

• A letter requesting admission to the Master’s visually impaired concentration program that includes an acceptable personal statement describing the applicant’s goals for professional development; and philosophy about educating exceptional children.
• A copy of the candidate’s valid Teaching Certificate.
• Three letters of Recommendation.
• A faculty interview.
• An extemporaneous writing sample.
• Copy of all post-secondary transcripts.
• Resume with career objectives and experiences.
• Submission of an entry professional portfolio.