Degree Offered
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy
College Graduate Handbook
The rules of the graduate program in Vision Science are
provided in the College Graduate Handbook. (requires Adobe
Acrobat Reader)
The Graduate Curriculum
The graduate coursework consists of four required “core” courses,
which provide the graduate student with a broad background
in Vision Science. Additionally there are a number of elective
advanced seminars are offered from which the graduate student
chooses based on his or her specific research interests.
Click here for a listing of the graduate curriculum in Vision
Science.
The student also may choose from a vast array of courses
provided by other departments in the university. The Course
Offerings Bulletin for the university is available online
at: http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/bulletin/
The Graduate
Faculty
Our graduate program has excellent faculty and research
facilities and provides a broad range of basic and clinical
research opportunities with a strong emphasis on patient-based
research. Currently extramurally funded research is being
conducted in the following areas: keratoconus, infant vision,
development of myopia in children and adults, ocular development,
contact lenses and myopic progression, low vision, corneal
topology, vision screening and quality of life issues. Information
about the curriculum, graduate faculty, financial support,
and the application process is included.
Prerequisites for
Graduate Work
Graduate work in Vision Science requires the completion
of satisfactory undergraduate work in Vision Science, such
as provided by an Association of Schools and Colleges of
Optometry accredited program. If the basic course requirements
are not met by the time of admission additional course work
may be required in excess of the regular requirements for
the degree.
Requirements for the Masters (MS) Degree
A minimum of 45 graduate credit hours is required to earn
a Master's degree. No more than 10 credit hours of Vision
Science 999 coursework (research) may count toward this minimum.
The student must complete at least two 800 level courses
in Vision Science, with at least one being selected from
Vision Science 801, 802, 803 or 804. The remaining coursework
is selected according to the student's interests, and as
recommended by the student's advisor.
Combined MS - OD Program (OPT 7)
A combined program is available to outstanding students
enrolled at The Ohio State University, College of Optometry
who wish to pursue the Masters and the O.D. degrees simultaneously.
Optometry students may apply for admission to this program
no sooner than the beginning of their second year. Admission
of applicants is based on the student’s academic performance
and the Graduate Studies Committee’s assessment of
his or her motivation and capability to complete a program
of independent research in combination with the regular optometry
curriculum. Under this plan, up to 15 quarter hours of coursework
in the optometry curriculum may be counted toward the required
hours for both degrees. The completion of an independent
research project and a thesis is required.
Residency / Masters Degree Programs
The College of Optometry offers a MS degree in conjunction
with a Post-Graduate Advanced Practice Fellowship in four
areas: 1) Cornea and Contact lenses; 2) Pediatrics and Binocular
Vision; 3) Vision Rehabilitation: and 4) Family Practice..
This is a two-year program that provides the opportunity
to obtain the MS degree in Vision Science combined with clinical
experience. Students in this program must meet all requirements
for the MS degree and additional proscribed course work and
clinical assignments. Applicants to this program must be
graduate optometrists and eligible for licensure to practice
optometry in the state of Ohio.
Click here for more information regarding this program.
Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree
Students admitted to the Ph.D. program must have successfully
obtained the Master of Science degree in Vision Science,
or its equivalent. A minimum of 135 graduate credit hours
(or 90 graduate credit hours beyond the Masters degree) is
required to earn the doctoral degree. No more than 30 hours
of Vision Science 999 (research) may count toward the total.
The minimum program of study consists of Vision Science 801,
802, 803 and 804 (20 quarter hours), three elective Vision
Science 800 level courses (9-15 quarter hours) and 12 quarter
hours of graduate level courses taken outside the department.
Beyond this minimum, each program of study is designed according
to the student's interests in consultation with his or her
advisor.
On completion of all required coursework and before proceeding
with his or her dissertation research the applicant must
pass a general examination consisting of both written and
oral portions, which encompasses four core areas in Vision
Science plus an elective area of study.
Associateships and Fellowships
Graduate Associateship positions (GA) are available to graduate
students in Vision Science. Applicants will be notified at
the time of the offer of admission whether a GTA position
is awarded. Fellowships also are available on a competitive
basis through the Graduate School. Information about fellowships
may be requested on the application form.
NIH Postdoctorate Training Award (T32)
Full financial support may be available on a competitive
basis to advanced level graduate students in Vision Science.
Internet Based Information
Extensive graduate admissions information is available at
the university web site: http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/apps/grad-dom/intro-gd.html . Applications may be submitted electronically from the web
site: http://www.applyweb.com/apply/osu/ (follow the on-line
instructions to obtain a password).
For Additional Information
Requests for application materials and other Inquiries regarding
the program should be addressed to:
Karla Zadnik, O.D., Ph.D.
Chairman, Graduate Studies Committee
The Ohio State University College
of Optometry Graduate Program
338 West Tenth Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1280
(614) 292- 3246
Send email to Graduate Programs
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