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Extended Programs

Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility

College/Department

UALR Graduate School
College of Education
Counseling, Adult and Rehabilitation Education (Department of CARE)

visually impaired women sitting on the bench at the bus stop

Description

The Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility prepares professionals to provide orientation and mobility services to people who are blind or visually impaired. Orientation & Mobility Specialists provide consumers with skills to maximize environmental information and to process and utilize it to make judgments and decisions for independent travel while using their remaining vision, long canes or dog guides.

Though the program is primarily web-based, students must commit to coming to Little Rock for the Summer O&M Institute: two consecutive three-week summer sessions consisting of blindfold simulation classes and student teaching. Students receive free room and most meals at the Arkansas School for the Blind, and students are given the opportunity to assist in light recreational duties (or student teaching responsibilities) with the children at the school. Internships may be arranged in the student’s home community under the supervision of a certified O&M instructor.

Delivery Method

Web-based

Admission Requirements

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
  • An overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (3.0 in the last 60 hours) or a masters degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education.
  • A personal interview with the O&M Program faculty member or a designated representative.
  • A personally-written essay of no more than 500 words describing your background and experiences and reasons for choosing a career in orientation and mobility.
  • A completed application to UALR’s Graduate School.
  • Conditional Admission Status: If applicants do not meet the admission standards outlined above, they may be considered for conditional admission.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to complete 42 hours of course work plus the Summer O&M Institute. Students adhering to a prescribed program of study may be able to complete the degree in 2.5 - 3 years.

Browse courses associated with this degree/program

Visit: O&M Options and Curriculum

Contact

Accreditation

The Program provides the coursework and supervised fieldwork experiences required for certification by the Academy for the Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

UALR is affiliated with the Electronic Campus of the Southern Regional Education Board, fully accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and designated as “doctoral/research intensive” by the Carnegie Foundation.

Learn More

Orientation and Mobility website

Disabilities

UALR makes every effort to meet special accommodation and access needs. For information on specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities, contact the department sponsoring the class you wish to attend, or call Extended Programs at 501.569.3003, or the Office of Disability Support Services at 501.569.3143. The Disability Support Services website, www.ualr.edu/disability, provides information about the accommodation process and web forms to apply for services.

Updated 4.28.2009