Overview

The Orientation and Mobility for Working-Age Adults at Western Michigan University provides comprehensive training for professionals dedicated to enhancing the independence of individuals with visual impairments. This Master of Arts degree focuses on teaching safe and efficient navigation techniques within various environments. Students gain the expertise required to help clients organise their surroundings mentally and move gracefully through the world.

Why Orientation and Mobility for Working-Age Adults at Western Michigan University?

Western Michigan University houses a distinguished Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies that has secured significant federal grants to bolster the field. The university is a leader in addressing the national shortage of qualified specialists, offering both on-campus and distance education pathways. Students benefit from a curriculum that meets all educational requirements for national certification by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15620 per year
National fee: USD 15620 per year
Local fee: USD 10414 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 37 credit hours designed to build practical and theoretical expertise. Modules may include:

Individuals with Complex and Diverse Needs
Physiology and Function of the Eye
Braille for O&M Specialists
Electronic Devices
Principles of Low Vision
Small 'N' Research: Design and Analysis
Development through the Life Span
Issues in Independent Travel
Professional Field Experience

Careers with Orientation and Mobility for Working-Age Adults

Graduates are highly sought after due to a sustained national shortage of orientation and mobility specialists. Professionals find rewarding roles in diverse settings, including K-12 schools, specialised agencies for the blind, and Veteran Administration Medical Centres. Many alumni also pursue careers within universities or establish successful private practices as independent contractors. The programme prepares students for the national certification examination, ensuring they are ready for immediate employment in the rehabilitation sector.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Services for Persons Who Are Blind or Have Other Disabilities

Psychosocial Aspects of Disability

Medical and Functional Aspects of Disability

Physiology and Function of the Eye

Braille for Orientation and Mobility Specialists

Orientation and Mobility with Children

Electronic Devices

Principles Low Vision

Small “N” Research: Design and Analysis

Gerontology in Orientation and Mobili and Rehabilitation Teaching

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-05-10 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

Rolling admission, applicants may apply for any term.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

37 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Adult Education School Counselling Teaching View 1413 other Masters in Teaching in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

This program requires three recommendations

Written statement

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Out-of-State

15620 USD / year

≈ 15620 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

10414 USD / year

≈ 10414 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer: 2,386 International Summer: 3,579

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Orientation and Mobility for Working-Age Adults.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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