Programs

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is offering a Master of Education Degree in Special Education with a Specialization in Orientation and Mobility. The 37-credit online graduate curriculum and resulting degree is regionally accessible across the six New England states with locally-based field experience coordinated throughout the two-year program of study. Students completing the 37-credit web-based curriculum are eligible to sit for the National Professional Certification Examination of the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals. Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach both children and adults with vision loss safety and confidence in independent travel skills.

Program Highlights:

• Commitment to student experience 
• Flexibility and convenience
• First rate faculty and advisors

Learn more about this program:
To receive more information and connect with the program manager, please complete the request form to the right.

Sample a Course

Click here for more information on the Master of Education in Special Education: Orientation and Mobility.

The Graduate Program is housed in UMass Boston's Graduate College of Education, which is fully accredited by NCATE, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Did you know?

University of Massachusetts has earned several awards for its distance learning programs, faculty and technology including:

• University of Massachusetts Ranked Among Top 28 Best Value in Online Education for Human Services & Psychology Professionals, 2009 by Get Educated
  
• Ranked Top 10 Online Degrees Colleges- September 2009 (Online Degree Reviews.com)
  
• UMassOnline Awarded Public Sector of the Year by Mass Technology Leadership Council , 2008
  
• Most Outstanding Online Teaching and Learning Program, UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Behavioral Intervention in Autism Program, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• 'Excellence in Online Teaching' Award, Dr. Jeannette E. Riley, Sloan Consortium Excellence Awards, 2008
  
• 21st Century Best Practices Award, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
  
• Program of Excellence, University Continuing Education Association (UCEA)-Journalism Certificate
  
• Excellence in Faculty Development, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Programming, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• Excellence in Online Teaching, Sloan-C Excellence Awards
  
• UMass Amherst Isenberg MBA, Top 10 national rankings, #4 Best Professors (2005, 2006, 2007 Princeton Review: Best Business Schools rankings)
  
• 4th in Primary Care Education, U.S. World Reports
  
• Ranked 45th Best University System in the World - London Times
  
• Excellence in Distance Teaching Education - United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 

The Master’s Program invites applications from individuals with a variety of academic and experiential backgrounds who hold baccalaureate degrees from an accredited institution.

Admission is competitive - Apply early! Here’s how…

Admission criteria include:

1. Graduate Application: Apply Online | Download pdf

2. A personal interview with the program faculty;

3. A statement of interests and intent;

4. Three letters of recommendation from former teachers familiar with the applicant’s recent academic work, or from employers familiar with his or her professional ability;

5. A score on the Miller Analogies Test (Please note: A test score is not required if the applicant holds an advanced degree from a U.S. university);

6. An updated resume.

 This program currently offers partial scholarship support through the Federal Office of Special Education.

Availability of financial aid varies depending on matriculation and course status. Please check with your program manager or advisor to determine your eligibility. Generally, if you are matriculated in a degree program and are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits each semester, you may qualify for financial aid. Please review our Financial Aid Checklist below.

1. Fill out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is important to list the University of Massachusetts Boston school code number 002222.
2. Next, download your required Financial Aid Forms here.
3. Check your financial aid status using WISER.
4. For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu

Tips:

• Please renew your FAFSA form every year.
• When you register for classes, please contact the Division of Corporate, Continuing, and Distance Education at UMass Boston (617) 287-7916) to let them know you that you have applied/are applying for financial aid. Also, it is in your best interest to register for your classes either by phone or fax ((617) 287-7916 ph; (617) 287-7902). You can download the registration form here. If you do not intend to apply for financial aid, you can register online.

Contact:

For more information or if you have further questions, please contact Financial Aid Services at 617.287.6300 or at finaid@umb.edu.