Blindness and Low Vision Studies Preparation (BLVSPrep) Concentration

If you are interested in pursuing the BS-HSS and are interested  in applying to the Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility for Adults or Master of Arts in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy you may take a set of courses in preparation for those programs. Once you have completed the BS-HSS Core courses in your junior year, you can apply for the accelerated degree program of your choice. If accepted into the graduate program through the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies your final 12 credits of the BS-HSS will also be applied to the respective program, otherwise you will take an additional 12 credit hours toward a minor or advisor approved concentration.

Although the classes below are the same, the Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility Services and the Master of Arts in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy are two different master's degrees. Please refer to the individual programs for specific information.

You must satisfy all the requirements of the HSS bachelor's degree, including the capstone course. In addition, you will take the following courses:

Blindness and Low Vision Studies preparation Concentration cognate courses

• BIOS 1120 - Principles of Biology - Credits: 3 hours
• BIOS 2400 - Human Physiology - Credits: 4 hours

Note:  For BIOS 1120 and BIOS 2400, please check with your advisor or the program for acceptable course substitutions. You may be able to take BIOS 1980 as a substitute.

• BLS 3050 - Introduction to Adults with Disabilities - Credits: 3 hours

accelerated degree - blindness and low vision studies

Undergraduate students admitted to the blindness and low vision accelerated degree program, with senior standing, may count up to 12, but no fewer than six credit hours of 5000-level courses for graduate credit. These designated courses may be used in completion of both the bachelor's and the master's degrees in blindness and low vision studies within 24 months after completion of the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Services and Sciences degree. Possible 5000-level courses include

• BLS 5770 - Services for Persons who are Blind or have Other Disabilities - Credits: 1 to 2 hours
• BLS 5880 - Psychosocial Aspects of Disability - Credits: 2 hours
• BLS 5890 - Medical and Functional Aspects of Disability - Credits: 2 hours
• BLS 5900 - Physiology and Function of the Eye - Credits: 2 hours
• BLS 5970 - Principles of Low Vision - Credits: 2 hours