Admissions
Applications for the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies masters and certificate programs are accepted through the GradCAS centralized application service each semester with the following deadlines:
- Fall Semester - June 30
- Spring Semester - November 15
- Summer Semester - March 30
Once accepted, students can register for courses in the term immediately following matriculation, depending on the student’s course of studies.
If you are interested in applying to the BLVS degree programs or have questions regarding the application process, please email admissions@salus.edu or call 215-780-1301.
Criteria & Prerequisites
All applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and must hold a Bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university in order to be admitted to a program of studies in the College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation.
Application Checklist
Salus University is now accepting applications through the GradCAS centralized application service. Please follow all instructions as indicated on the application portal.
The following application items are required for submission:
- Submit through GradCAS: If new to the GradCAS application portal, you will need to create a new account. Once your account is created:
- Click Add Program at the top of the application home page.
- Use the search filters to locate the Salus University, Blindness & Low Vision programs. Select the BLVS program application according to the term (Summer, Fall, Spring) to which you are applying. Note: Within the Program Materials section is where you will be able to indicate to which individual BLVS program and degree level (Master's or Certificate) you would like to apply.
- Complete the application's four core sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
- Utilize the GradCAS Applicant Help Center as a resource.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $124.00 is required. Payment may be made through the GradCAS application portal.
- Transcripts: All applicants are responsible for having official transcripts for every college or university attended sent directly to GradCAS centralized application service, regardless of whether a degree has been received from that particular institution or not. Please note, a transcript marked "issued to student" is not acceptable, even when delivered in a sealed envelope.
- Letters of Reference: Applications must include three letters of reference highlighting your academic and professional skills and addressing applicant qualities in relation to working in the field of blindness and low vision, education and/or rehabilitation. Please follow the directions for submitting letters of reference through the GradCAS application portal.
- Statement of Purpose (minimum 250 words): Applicants must submit a typewritten, double-spaced, two- to three-page personal statement through the GradCAS application portal explaining their purpose in undertaking graduate study in their program of interest. This is an opportunity to inform the Admissions Committee about the applicant's goals, interests, motivation, and background as they relate to their career plans and academic pursuits.
- Job Resumé/Curriculum Vitae: All applicants must submit an educational and job resume/curriculum vitae through the GradCAS application portal. This should include the applicant’s education, work experience, publications, honors or achievements, and community /extracurricular activities to date.
- License/Certificates: Applicants may submit a copy of any certificate or license held as it pertains to their current profession through the GradCAS application portal. Applicants to the Education of Children & Youth with Visual Impairments who are currently certified teachers must upload a copy of a teaching certificate.
- Background Clearances: Applicants to Blindness and Low Vision Studies programs must complete Child Abuse History, State Police and Federal FBI clearances at the time of matriculation to the program. The Office of Student Affairs will contact the matriculated student with further instructions on submitting these requirements prior to enrollment.
- National Test Scores: As of June 29, 2018, beginning with the Spring 2019 application cycle, a national test, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Miller Analogies Test (MAT), or Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is no longer required. Applicants have the option to submit exam scores in order to enhance their application, but it is not required to be considered for admission into the BLVS programs.
- International Students: Please review below any additional requirements needed.
Prerequisite Skills
Due to the nature of the coursework for all of the degree and certificate programs offered in the College, the following prerequisites skills apply:
- Writing Skills
Applicants are expected to demonstrate scholarly writing in their application essay, develop coherent and complete thoughts, and use correct grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
- Computer Skills & Technology Requirements
The Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies requires graduate students have computer literacy skills upon entry into their respective programs. Most of the courses are online and require computer skills related to emailing, word processing, uploading and downloading files and assignments, conducting internet searches, 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.
- 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.
International Students
International transcripts
For international students and practitioners who have completed their college degree(s) outside of the U.S. or Canada, a course-by-course credential review from an accredited agency, which evidences all post-secondary studies completed must be submitted through the GradCAS application portal. These services are provided by various agencies including: World Education Services, PO Box 5087, Bowling Green Station, New York, NY 10274-5087, Phone: 212-966-6311, www.wes.org.
Further instructions on submitting foreign credential evaluations.
English language Proficiency
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential for success in a Salus University academic program as well as to help ensure patient/client safety and/or effective communication with members of a healthcare team. Official results from the TOEFL (or IELTS) examination are required for all students for whom English is a second language (ESL).
Exceptions will be made for ESL applicants who hold degrees or diplomas from accredited post-secondary institutions in countries where English is the official language and in which English is the language of instruction (e.g. the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand).
The TOEFL (or IELTS) examination must be taken within two years prior to the start date of the entering class to which an applicant seeks admission.
- If submitting TOEFL scores, please use the GradCAS code of B886.
- If submitting IELTS scores, please send scores directly to Salus University, Office of Admissions.
Admissions Selection Process
Admission to a program of studies in the University's College of Health Sciences, Education and Rehabilitation is based upon 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 and degree status. The objective criteria are weighted according to recommendations of the Blindness and Low Vision Studies Admissions Committee. The weighing of each criterion is privileged information, which is restricted to Admissions Committee members.
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 Statement of Purpose.
Interview Index
The Blindness and Low Vision Studies Admissions Committee recommends that at least one faculty member and the director of the program evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, interest and motivation to work in the field of vision impairment. Each interviewer provides written information to the Admissions Committee. In-person interviews are preferred; however, telephone interviews can be arranged when necessary.
After the interview, the College of Health Sciences, 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 Office of Admissions will send final notification to the applicant, along with information on how to matriculate and reserve a seat in the program.
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, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or intellectual 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.
Program Directors & Representatives
Blindness and Low Vision Studies Programs
Dr. Fabiana Perla, Chair
Low Vision Rehabilitation Program
Kerry Lueders, Director
Orientation & Mobility Programs
Jamie Maffit, Director
Educators of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments
Kerry Lueders, Director
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy
Lachelle Smith, Director
Admissions
Candida Mulligan, Admissions Officer
To be connected to the Blindness and Low Vision program directors and representatives or for further information regarding individual BLVS programs, please contact the Office of Admissions by email at admissions@salus.edu or by phone at 215-780-1301.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
For Non-Degree Seeking Student Status
Please complete the form found at the link below and submit. This form is appropriate for the applicant who may desire to take one or more of the courses offered in these programs, but is not enrolling in the full Master's degree or certificate programs. Please note: students in this status will be required to pay off-campus tuition costs. Please see Cost of Attendance for more information.
Application Form for Non-Degree Seeking Student Status
Non-degree seeking students may take up to 9 credits without enrolling in the full degree or certificate program. A student must complete the application process in order to be considered for enrollment.
For more information about the admissions process call 215.780.1301 or email admissions@salus.edu.