DESARROLLO DE LA PROPUESTA

DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Students may earn a master’s degree in one area and additional certificate(s) in one or more other disciplines.

All programs are now available through distance education and require a summer on-campus residency program to facilitate hands-on experience and practice.

Education programs are offered in the following formats: distance education (online), on-campus (face-to-face), and blended (combination of distance education, on-campus and/or community assignments).

In addition, the Salus University College of Education and Rehabilitation, in partnership with other states, offers distance education programs in which all courses can be taken online or in the students’ state of residence. States with which the University has contracts vary from year to year.

The maximum number of years permitted to complete a low vision studies master’s degree program is five.

ADMISSIONS

All applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted to a program of studies in the College of Education and Rehabilitation.

Professional preparation or experience in rehabilitation, eye care, psychology, social work, education or a related field is preferable for applicants. For applicants to the programs in Education of Children and Youth with Visual and Multiple Impairments, professional preparation in special education is preferred. Applicants who do not have a graduate degree must have achieved acceptable levels of performance on a national test, such as MAT (Miller Analogies Test), GRE (Graduate Record Examination), or OAT (Optometry Admission Test). The applicant may choose the test based upon his/her professional preparation and program interest.

Applicants must request three letters of reference to be sent directly to the College of Education and Rehabilitation. The letters should be from persons familiar with the applicant’s academic work, employment record, and personal

Applicants must submit a completed and signed application form, a response to one essay question, a statement of purpose, an application fee, and a resumé or

curriculum vita (summarizing work and educational experiences and

accomplishments).

Applicants who successfully satisfy the admissions requirements will be scheduled for interviews with the relevant program director and a faculty member.

Applicants must submit copies of current state child abuse and criminal history clearances and FBI federal criminal history clearances at the time of application to any of the low vision studies degree and certificate programs.

Prerequisite Skills

Due to the nature of the coursework for all of the degree and certificate programs in the college, the following prerequisites skills apply:

• Writing Skills

Students engage in various writing activities such as online discussion board postings, examinations, research papers, et cetera, throughout their respective programs. Applicants are expected to demonstrate scholarly writing in their application essays, develop coherent and complete thoughts, and use correct grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

• Computer Skills

Salus University College of Education and Rehabilitation requires graduate students to be computer literate upon entry into their respective programs of study. Most of the courses are online and require computer skills related to emailing, word processing, uploading and downloading files and assignments, searching the worldwide web, and interacting online among others.

Prior to entering the program, students who lack basic skills in using the computer should complete a basic computer course from a computer education service, a community college, or university. After entering the program,

students needing additional computer assistance can contact the University’s Help Desk ([email protected]), through the Department of Technology and Library Services.

Master’s degree candidates participate in research courses that may require skills in setting formulas for calculations in spreadsheets or databases and creating graphic representations of data.

Access to Transportation (Orientation and Mobility Programs)

Due to responsibilities required of Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists specifically the need to transport students and clients to appropriate learning environments – and to travel efficiently to, from and among students and clients, students in the O&M programs must have access to efficient transportation and auxiliary means of transportation.

Compliance

Salus University, by choice, declares and reaffirms its policy of complying with federal and state legislation and does not in any way discriminate in educational programs, employment, or in-services to the public on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disabilities, or veteran status. In addition, the University also complies with federal regulations issued under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ad m i s s i o n s P ro c e d u r e s

Admission to a program of studies in the College of Education and Rehabilitation is based on the “candidate profile” of individual applicants. The “candidate profile” is comprised of three indices: (1) Academic Achievement, (2) Personal Index and (3) Interview Index.

Academic Achievement

The criteria for evaluating academic achievement consist of grade point averages, major, college or university attended, number of college credits completed, degree status and national test scores. One essay and a Statement of Purpose are submitted with the application. The objective criteria are weighed according to recommendations of the College of Education and Rehabilitation Admissions Committee. The weighing of each criterion is privileged information, which is restricted to Admissions Committee members. If an applicant’s

academic achievement falls within an acceptable range, the applicant is invited to an interview.

Personal Index

These criteria are a subjective measure of an applicant’s acceptability. The index is comprised of letters of reference and extracurricular activities, and the

applicant’s essay and Statement of Purpose.

Interview Index

An evaluation of the applicant’s knowledge, interest and motivation to work in the field of vision impairment. The College of Education and Rehabilitation

Admissions Committee recommends that each applicant be interviewed by at least one faculty member and the director of the program. Each interviewer provides written information to the Admissions Committee. In-person interviews are preferred; however, telephone interviews can be arranged.

After the interview, the College of Education and Rehabilitation Admissions Committee evaluates the findings of the candidate profile (academic

achievement + personal index + interview index), and makes a recommendation regarding the applicant’s acceptability status. A student’s file must be complete before review by the Admissions Committee. Every effort is made to provide decisions to applicants within two to four weeks of the scheduled interview. The University’s director of Admissions will send final notification to the applicant.

For further information regarding individual programs:

• Low Vision Rehabilitation Program

Dr. Duane Geruschat, Co-Director [email protected] or 215.780.1360

• Low Vision Rehabilitation Program

Ms. Kerry Lueders, Co-Director [email protected] or 215.780.1366

• Orientation & Mobility Programs

Dr. Fabiana Perla, Director

[email protected] or 215.780.1367

• Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (Rehabilitation Teaching)

Lachelle Smith, Director

[email protected] or 215.780.1448

• Education of Children with Blindness and Visual Impairment

Lynne Dellinger, Director

[email protected] or 215.780.1362