Students gaining admission to the single TVI certification, single O&M certification, or dual TVI & O&M certification programs will be admitted into a fall term cohort. Students pursuing a MEd degree in addition to their certification program follow the same timeline. The Vision Studies Program faculty will review applications throughout the year with a preferred deadline date of June 15th for fall term admissions. Before making application to the Program, we suggest you contact Lynn Fox at alderson@pitt.edu, or by calling 412-648-7308 for further details.
Please Note: Evidence of a clear Act 33/151-PA Child Abuse History Clearance form, a clear Act 34-PA State Police Criminal Record Check form, and a clear Federal Fingerprinting form are required before beginning any practicum in a public or private school. Forms may be obtained by contacting Lynn Fox at alderson@pitt.edu.
Admissions Requirements
- Completed School of Education Admissions Application.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50 (USD) by credit card, check, or money order payable to 'University of Pittsburgh'.
- Submitted official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- Official, third-party evaluation of all international transcripts for applicants who have not received a master's degree within the United States. We strongly recommend using World Education Services (WES) to complete this service.
- Earned an undergraduate degree with a minimum QPA of 3.0 (applications from students who plan to earn their undergraduate degree before the term of admission will be considered).
- Completed the appropriate number of prerequisite credit hours in Academic Program Pre- and Co-requisites.
- Completed the appropriate number of prerequisite credit hours in Pennsylvania Department of Education Prerequisites.
- Submitted three letters of academic and/or professional recommendation.
- Submitted a thoughtful, clearly written goal statement of two to three double-spaced typewritten pages.
- Submitted written summary of practitioner observations (contact Vision Studies Program Coordinator for further information about this requirement) for applicants depending on their vision-related professional experience and background.
- Completed an admissions interview (by phone or in person).
- Submitted a resumé.
- Submitted a score of at least 550 (213 on the computer based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFEL) or at least Band 6.5 on the International English Testing System (IELTS) for all applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received an academic degree from an accredited institution in the United States.
Deadline
- Fall Deadline: Rolling admission with a preferred June 15th deadline.