Personalize Your Education
In addition to our superb curriculum, you may choose to take advantage of optional education experiences that will enhance your knowledge in specific areas and further prepare you for your career. The options listed below are all manageable within the four years of the optometry program - most at no additional cost.
Optional Education Experiences
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Have a passion for research? Consider our combined OD/MS program, in which students complete a Master's in Vision Science degree within the last three years of the Optometry program. Students are paired with one of our world-class research faculty advisors who will help guide them through an independent research project and thesis. Students who complete this program gain a higher level of expertise in an area of interest and may go on to find careers in industry, academia, or simply be the optometrist of choice when new products are ready for patient trials. Visit our graduate page to learn more about program requirements.
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This highly competitive program is available to top tier students who have an interest in research. During the summer between the first and second years, six or seven motivated students are selected to receive a stipend and assist with a clinical research project with one of our esteemed faculty. This invaluable experience may lead students to the pursuit of Master’s or even Doctor of Philosophy degrees, or it may just be a great way to spend the summer. Either way, students will get unique insight into the world of revolutionary research coming out of Ohio State.
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This university-wide program provides graduate and professional students the opportunity to expand their knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the needs of our nation’s growing older adult population.
The required core curriculum, an integrated series of four courses, focuses on basic components of gerontology shared by many professions. Students then choose from a wide range of elective courses to complete the 14-hour requirement. Successful completion of the Specialization in Aging is noted on students’ transcripts.Learn more about the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Aging page on the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences website, or contact Jessica Krok-Schoen, PhD, Assistant Professor, Health Sciences, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at 614-366-9203, or Jessica.Schoen@osumc.edu.
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In this program, students from multiple disciplines join together in a cohort and support each other as they complete a yearlong service project that addresses the health related needs in the community. Participants in the fellowship receive a $3000 stipend, and the guidance of an academic and community-based mentor in order to realize their chosen project. Fellows then become part of the elite Schweitzer Fellows for Life alumni network and will continue to use their gained leadership skills and public service commitment throughout their careers.
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While our in house practice management curriculum is comprehensive, and will prepare students with a solid foundation for optometric practice, students who want have a deeper understanding of general business concepts can choose to complete a graduate business minor through the Ohio State Fisher College of Business. This healthcare focused program, brings together students from Optometry, Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, and can be completed in one summer of evening classes. This program does have some additional tuition fees associated. Visit the Fisher's website for more information about the additional fees associated with a graduate business minor.