ACADEMICS

The Master of Science in Vision Science (MS) will be a research-based graduate degree. Research is a vital part of the ongoing development of the profession and is incorporated into the mission statement of the College. The MS program will emphasize hypothesis-driven research and the development of analytical skills in experimental optometry and vision science.

Each of the four MS program tracks will incorporate the development and presentation of seminars and formal lectures in specific courses to develop the students’ skills in scientific presentations. Moreover, all degrees will incorporate the design and conduct of an original research project, a written thesis, and defense of the thesis before a graduate committee.

The required coursework taken in the MS degree program will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of vision science principles and concepts. The elective coursework will further emphasize the specific sub-discipline that is of interest to the student. The research undertaken in fulfillment of the MS degree will provide new knowledge for the profession and train the student in the conduct of sound research. Thus, the background in the required and elective coursework combined with the research training will prepare the student to enter a career as an educator and/or researcher. This career could be in an academic, institutional, corporate, or clinical setting.

Curriculum Details

MS Degree Requirements

• Completion of the curriculum requirements.
• Completion of a minimum of 60 quarter-hours of graduate credit.
• A cumulative graduate grade point average of at least 3.00.
• Completion of the Master's research requirement, successful defense of the MS thesis, and submission of a final bound copy of the thesis.

Core Requirements

Core Required Courses for the MS Degree Program

• BVS 910 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology (4 credits)
• BVS 920 Sensory Neuroscience (4 credits)
• BVS 940 Visual Optics (4 credits)
• BVS 950 Sensory Processes and Perception (4 credits)
• BVS 951 Psychophysical Methods and Experimental Design (4 credits)
• BVS 900 Special Topics, Individual Studies and Advanced Topics courses in Vision Science are also offered (1 – 4 credits).

To qualify for the MS degree, a student must pass three (3) of the above core courses plus the seminars BVS 952: Ethics in Research (2 credits); BVS 901: Teaching in the Visual Sciences (2 credits); and BVS 902: Biostatistics (2 credits).

Required course total = 18 credits