Program Overview

Online Visual Impairment Certificate

The University of North Dakota offers an online Visual Impairment Certificate program, designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This program provides tailored instruction and specialized training to effectively support individuals with visual impairments in educational and community environments.

Program Details

• Program Type: Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
• Format: Online
• Estimated Time to Complete: 1 year
• Credit Hours: 12

Why Earn an Online Visual Impairment Certificate at UND?

The University of North Dakota's online Visual Impairment certificate program is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those with vision impairment. This certificate can be earned as a stand-alone credential by completing four designated courses or stacked with an undergraduate degree program, allowing students to earn both a bachelor's degree and the certificate simultaneously.

Career Opportunities

A Visual Impairment certificate can be paired with relevant academic or career experience to pursue or elevate a career in various areas, including:

• Access Technology Trainer
• Accessible Media Specialist
• Assistive Technology Specialist
• Braille Instructor
• Braille Transcriptionist
• Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist
• Early Intervention Specialist for visual impairment
• Educational Consultant for visual impairment
• Employment Specialist for individuals with visual impairments
• Low Vision Therapist
• Orientation and Mobility Specialist
• Rehabilitation Teacher for the blind and visually impaired
• Special Education Teacher specializing in visual impairment
• Vision Rehabilitation Counselor
• Vision Rehabilitation Therapist

These careers involve working directly with individuals who have visual impairments, providing them with support, education, and resources to enhance their independence and quality of life. Many types of companies and organizations are looking for professionals with expertise in visual impairment, including:

• School districts
• Nonprofit organizations
• Rehabilitation centers
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Government agencies
• Universities and colleges
• Technology companies

Visual Impairment Courses

The program includes courses such as:

• Orientation and Mobility (SPED 403): Introduces students to basic orientation and mobility techniques used by specialists when working with individuals with low vision and blindness.
• Visual Impairment / Early Intervention (SPED 432): Covers the purpose and principles of early intervention, addressing the developmental needs of young children with visual impairments and effective strategies to meet those needs.
• Technology for Visual Impairment (SPED 433): Provides an overview of assistive technology used by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including accessibility, mobile apps, and other technology for users who are blind or visually impaired.

Flexible Online Visual Impairment Classes

The program offers flexible online classes with asynchronous learning, allowing students to learn anywhere at any time. The learning experience includes:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations
• Interaction with instructors and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Leaders in Online Education

The University of North Dakota is a leader in online education, with over a third of its student population exclusively online. Students can feel reassured knowing they will have resources and services tailored to their needs, including:

• Same degree and transcript as on-campus students
• Same classes and professors as on-campus students
• Real interaction with professors, peers, and professionals in the field
• Personalized academic advising
• Free online tutoring
• Unlimited academic coaching
• Full online access to libraries, career services, and other resources
• 24/7 technical support

Best Online College

The University of North Dakota is ranked among the best online colleges in the nation for affordability, student satisfaction, academic quality, and student outcomes. Its breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest, making it one of the best online schools in the region.