ABERDEEN, S.D. – When choosing a master’s degree, Adrianna Heinert knew she wanted to pursue a program that allowed her continued learning and growth in the field of special education.
Northern State University’s Special Education-Visual Impairment Graduate Program is allowing just that.
“Northern and this degree program are helping me achieve my career goals because I want to continue learning and have room to grow,” said Heinert, of Sioux Falls. “After I finish this degree I want to become certified in low vision and orientation and mobility. There is a ton of room to grow and move up in this field and I love that.”
Heinert earned her undergraduate degrees in Elementary and Special Education from USD in 2020. Now a Northern student, Heinert said her favorite part about attending NSU is that the flexible online program allows her to work and earn her degree at the same time.
“I am able to work on this program from home, which makes this degree much more obtainable,” she said.
Also, the faculty, staff and students at Northern have been very helpful.
“My classmates and professors at Northern have been fantastic; there is always more than enough support from them,” she said, adding, “Everyone that I have reached out to, whether it’s someone at the business office, a professor, or a classmate, has been very willing to assist and make my life as easy as possible.”
Heinert’s advice for other students is to make school their priority because there is nothing more important than education, and to continue their education every chance they get.
“I would without a doubt recommend this program to others – not many people realize VI is a field that you can get into, and people in this field are definitely needed,” she said. “Even general and special education teachers would benefit from having this as a master’s degree, because nobody knows what to do with their students who are blind or visually impaired.”
To learn more about Northern’s online graduate program in Special Education with a Visual Impairment Specialization, visit NSU M.S.Ed. Special Education Degree.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.