College of Education

Admissions | Visually Impaired Learner

Admissions Timeline
*Priority Application DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026
Final Application DeadlineMay 15, 2026
Prerequisite DeadlineBy the start of the program
Program StartSummer 2026
This program admits every other year in even-numbered years.

*Submitting your application by the priority deadline will allow you access to the scholarship application due by February 1st.

Prerequisite Coursework

SPED 418/518 Survey of Exceptional Learners

  • If you have a current license in Special Education, SPED 418/518 Survey of Exceptional Learners is waived. 
  • If you have a current license in General Elementary Education or General Secondary Education, or you are working toward Oregon Initial Licensure, you may have completed a similar course. Review the equivalent prerequisites to determine if the course you completed is pre-approved. If the course you completed is not on this list but you believe the course is equivalent, please submit a special education substitution form to have the course evaluated.
  • If you have not already taken a similar course, please note that this course can be completed prior to starting the program or during your first year in the program.
  • If you are pursuing the Endorsement + MS, you must complete this course at the graduate level (SPED 518).

Course Substitutions: Endorsement/Endorsement + MS

Students with a current teaching credential may request that certain classes be substituted if they have completed similar courses at PSU or another institution. These courses include:

  • SPED 548 Positive Behavior Support in the Classroom
  • SPED 514 Legal and Ethical Foundations of Special Education 
  • SPED 520 Collaboration

Course Substitutions Process & Request

If you have taken a similar course at another post-secondary institution, you will need to submit a course substitution form and a copy of the course syllabus/course description. Upload the completed course substitution form(s) and documentation via the VIL Program Course Substitution Qualtrics form to initiate the course review process.  Your course substitution request will be reviewed and a decision rendered within three to four weeks.

Required Application Materials

Below is the list of the materials and information you will need to provide as part of your online application. We recommend preparing these materials in advance of submitting your application.

  • Unofficial Transcripts: from your bachelor’s degree-granting institution and from any institution at which you have earned graduate-level credit
  • English Language Proficiency: Automatically assessed in your application materials. Learn more about your options for proving proficiency.
  • Résumé.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • References: Submit contact information for at least two references via the application. Portland State University will contact your references and provide them with instructions for submitting recommendation forms.

Admissions instructions

  1. Create an account or sign into the Portland State University Admissions Application system.
  2. Select "Start New Application"
  3. Then select "Graduate Application"
  4. For the college, select "College of Education"
  5. For the program of study, select from:
    "Blindness and Low Vision Endorsement, Graduate Certificate"
    "Visually Impaired, MS and License"
  6. Select the term you plan to start the program

To validate your admission you must take a course during the term in which you have requested to be admitted. Should you not take a course in that term, your application will be cancelled and you will need to reapply.

Questions? Please connect with Stefanie Randol.