Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
This program prepares professionals to design and deliver specialized educational services for individuals with visual impairments who face challenges in academic achievement due to their condition. It emphasizes evidence-based instructional strategies, legal frameworks, and individualized support systems to foster inclusive, effective learning environments across age groups.
- Identification and Assessment of Visual Impairments: Training in recognizing various types and degrees of visual loss, including low vision and blindness, and utilizing standardized tools to evaluate functional visual abilities and learning needs.
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Development: Instruction in creating tailored educational goals and accommodations aligned with federal and state mandates, ensuring equitable access to curriculum and instruction.
- Specialized Instructional Methods: Focus on teaching techniques adapted for students with visual impairments, including braille literacy, use of assistive technology, and sensory-based learning strategies.
- Orientation and Mobility Training: Education in guiding students to navigate environments safely and independently using canes, guide dogs, and spatial awareness techniques.
- Functional Vision Assessment: Application of assessments to determine how visual capabilities impact daily learning and task performance, informing instructional design and classroom modifications.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks: Study of federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other regulations governing educational rights and service delivery.
- Student Counseling and Advocacy: Development of interpersonal and support skills to guide students and families through educational transitions, emotional challenges, and systemic barriers.
Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School and Special Education Teachers, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School 25-2058 | $69,590 | $47,930 - $106,050 | 162,780 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, All Other 25-2059 | $67,430 | $43,220 - $109,360 | 39,350 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School 25-2057 | $64,880 | $48,070 - $102,730 | 95,330 | N/A |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool 25-2051 | $62,190 | $38,740 - $132,530 | 28,200 | N/A |
Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,096 in Mississippi to $98,568 in New York—a 101% difference. The highest-paying states include New York, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 384,750 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments is found at University of Massachusetts, Boston (57 graduates), Western Michigan University (WMU) (23 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (21 graduates), Portland State University (PSU) (11 graduates), and Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 161 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
57 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| Western Michigan University (WMU) |
Master's
|
23 | Kalamazoo, Michigan | Public | wmich.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
21 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Portland State University (PSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pdx.edu |
| Louisiana Tech University (LA Tech) |
Post-Master's
|
9 | Ruston, Louisiana | Public | latech.edu |
| Florida State University (FSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | fsu.edu |
| Dominican University New York |
Master's
|
6 | Orangeburg, New York | Private | duny.edu |
| North Carolina Central University (NCCU) |
Master's
|
6 | Durham, North Carolina | Public | nccu.edu |
| Salus University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
5 | Elkins Park, Pennsylvania | Private | salus.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| CUNY Hunter College |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
4 | New York, New York | Public | hunter.cuny.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Master's
|
3 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Northeastern State University (NSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Tahlequah, Oklahoma | Public | nsuok.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Master's
|
1 | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Public | uscupstate.edu |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW) |
Master's
|
1 | Mequon, Wisconsin | Private | cuw.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments programs
How much can I earn with a Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments degree?
Salaries for Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Special Education Teachers, Secondary School earn around $69,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New York average $98,568 compared to $49,096 in Mississippi. Approximately 384,750 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Massachusetts, Boston (57 graduates), Western Michigan University (WMU) (23 graduates), and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 133 in 2010 to 161 in 2023-24. This represents a 21% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Education of Individuals with Vision Impairments degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Special Education Teachers, Secondary School, and Special Education Teachers, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 384,750 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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