Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Blindness (TVI) Certificate

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The Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education is fully aligned with the Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and prepares students for state certification to teach students who are blind or visually impaired preK-12. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with most courses online and a limited number of workshops in person. Students also complete a semester-long student teaching experience with a certified TVI. The Pitt program features a TVI graduate certificate (29 credits) whose courses lead to state certification and the option to add on a master’s degree in education for an additional six credits (35 credits total). 

Accreditations Associated

This program is fully accredited by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER). 

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelors degree in any subject with minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisite Coursework (can be taken as co-requisites during program)

  • Foundations of Special Education

  • Teaching English Language Learners

  • Supporting Literacy in the Inclusive Classroom 

  • Supporting Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms 

Student Teaching

Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all students must enter a teacher education program with and maintain an overall 3.0 GPA. If a student does not maintain a 3.0 GPA, they will be prohibited from student teaching or earning certification. 

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Completion of all coursework with a grade of B- or higher 
• Successful completion of a full-time student teaching assignment