Overview
This program prepares students to teach all age ranges of individuals who are blind or visually impaired to travel safely and efficiently through their environment. Completion of the program will allow students to apply for certification with the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) as a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS).
Program Structure
A new cohort starts every other year, and begins in the summer of even years (e.g., 2024, 2026). The Graduate Certiicate in O&M is 15 credits.
TERM
COURSE
Starting Summer:
July, Even year (e.g. 2024, 2026)
EPSE 514: Advanced Orientation and Mobility Techniques (6 Credits)
On-campus, 5 weeks | mid-July to mid-August; M-F; 5 hrs/day (allows for built in break and travel time)
First Winter:
September, Even year (e.g. 2024, 2026)
EPSE 537: Programming in Orientation and Mobility (3 credits)
Online, 13 weeks | September–December
Second Winter:
January, Odd year (e.g. 2025, 2027)
EPSE 538: Seminar in Orientation and Mobility (3 credits)
Online, 13 weeks | January–April
Start date and length dependent on placement after course completion
EPSE 598: Internship (3 credits)
In the field | 350-hour internship
Quick Facts
Program Enquiries
Requirements
Course Requirements
For individuals who do not have background in visual impairment with accompanying approved university courses that meet the pre-requisites, 9 additional credit hours of coursework, plus completion of a self-study program in braille reading and writing, are required.
Tuition and Fees
| Fees | Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee / Diplomat | International |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $45.50 | $45.50 |
| Tuition * | ||
| Tuition per credit | $410.17 | $958.38 |
| Other Fees and Costs | ||
| Student Fees (yearly) | $1,144.10 (approx.) | |
| Costs of living | Estimate your costs of living with our interactive tool in order to start developing a financial plan for your graduate studies. | |
All fees for the year are subject to adjustment and UBC reserves the right to change any fees without notice at any time, including tuition and student fees. Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors. In recent years, tuition increases have been 2% for continuing domestic students and between 2% and 5% for continuing international students. New students may see higher increases in tuition. Admitted students who defer their admission are subject to the potentially higher tuition fees for incoming students effective at the later program start date. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.
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