The VIP (Visually Impaired Program) offers initial certification in Visually Impaired (Blind and Partially Sighted) for both non-certified teachers in Missouri and certified and non-certified teachers in other states.

Missouri Residents:
Please refer to the "Application Process" section below for information regarding the application process for this initial certification program.

Non-Missouri Residents:
The purpose of the VIP program is to offer initial certification in Visually Impaired in the State of Missouri.  Students living in other states will be recommended for certification in Missouri once all program requirements (coursework and Praxis II exams) have been completed, regardless of your physical address.

Missouri State University does not guarantee the transferability of this certification to any other state. It is the student’s responsibility to work with the Department of Education in your home state prior to enrollment in coursework to determine the best way to transfer this certification from Missouri to your home state. It should be noted that certification requirements for Visually Impaired may be different in your home state, and transferring this certification from Missouri may require additional coursework or tests.

Master's Degree Option:
Students who wish to complete additional coursework beyond the 33 hours in order to complete a Master of Science in Eduation (MSED) in Special Education, need to begin the process by applying to the graduate college.  If you think you might want to pursue the masters degree, it is important to apply before you have completed 9 hours of VI graduate coursework.  If you haven't applied prior to completion of 9 hours of graduate coursework, any coursework beyond 9 hours will not be counted toward the masters degree.  For more information on the MSED program with an emphasis in VI, click here to get to the online graduate college, and then click on "College of Education".  You will find the MSED in Special Education in the "School of Teacher Education " section.

Application Process:
All applicants to the Visually Impaired Program must complete the following process to be admitted:

• Request a Transcript Analysis from the Teacher Certification Office at Missouri State University.  To request your analysis, click here
• Submit a letter of application describing why you wish to teach visually impaired students, what skills and abilities you have that would make you a good teacher of visually impaired students,  and why you believe you would be a good candidate academically for this program.
• Submit three letters of reference, including at least one from a present employer and at least one from an individual who can attest to the candidate's academic ability.
• Apply to the Graduate College at Missouri State ( ONLY if you intend to pursue the MSED Degree). To apply online, click here

All application materials should be submitted to:

Teacher Certification Office
Missouri State University
901 S. National Ave.
Springfield, MO  65897

Students in this program will be required to complete 12 hours of education coursework at ANY College or University that has a Approved Teacher Education program, and 21 hours of VI coursework only available online through Missouri State University. 

For a list of the courses at Missouri State required in this program, click here. 

For descriptions of the 21 hours of VI courses, click here.

Students living in the Springfield area are encouraged to complete the 12 hours of education coursework on the Missouri State campus.  All courses are offered during the day, evening and summers for your convenience.  Students outside the Springfield area need to contact a College or University in their area for assistance in identifying a minimum of 12 credit hours that meet the following competencies:

• Foundations of Education
• Psychology of the Exceptional Child
• Developmental Psychology at the Appropriate Level (K--12)
• Methods of Teaching Reading (elementary recommended)

Course descriptions for the above competencies must be submitted to the Coordinator of Teacher Certification BEFORE taking any courses.  The Teacher Certification Office at Missouri State will also maintain a list of approved courses to meet these competencies.  To request this list, email the office at: teachercertification@missouristate.edu