Grad student working with cell cultures

Traditional Master of Science

The College of Optometry offers a two-year post baccalaureate course of study in Vision Science to obtain a traditional Master of Science degree.

Question Can I request a waiver of the application fee?
Answer

The Vision Science graduate program does not provide any fee waivers for the application, so you will need to pay this fee to apply to our program.

Question Can you waive the English language or GRE testing requirement?
Answer

The only instances by which these application components are waived is listed on this webpage.

Question Should I seek out an advisor prior to applying?
Answer

All interested applicants should apply to the program first rather than contacting individual faculty to seek a position in their lab. Placement with advisors is conducted after an offer of admission is made.

Question My transcript from University 2 shows the courses that I took at University 1, so do I still need to submit a transcript directly from University 1?
Answer

Yes. The Ohio State University Graduate School requires transcripts from every institution where you received college credit, whether or not you graduated. We must have stand-alone transcripts for each university where credit was earned.

Question Do you have funding to support my education, or is there a separate application process to be considered for funding?
Answer

We consider all applicants for potential funding, so there is no separate application. If funding is available, you will be notified at the time an offer of admission is made.

Prerequisites

  • All students must have a cumulative GPA equivalent of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prior undergraduate and graduate work.
  • Earned baccalaureate or professional degree from an accredited college or university by the expected date of entry.

Application Procedures

  • Must apply to the graduate school.
  • Must have application and all documentation submitted by February 1st for admission in autumn semester. Off cycle applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Requirements

Degree Requirements

In consultation with their advisor, students select coursework according to their interests. However, coursework must include:

  • 30 graduate credit hours
    • No more than 10 credit hours of Vision Science 7999 (research credits) count toward the degree
  • Must complete at least two of the following four core courses:
    • VS 8001 (Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye)
    • VS 8002 (Ocular Motility and Binocular Vision)
    • VS 8003 (Visual Sensory Processes)
    • VS 8004 (Optics of the Eye and Specification of the Visual Stimulus)
  • Must complete the following Vision Science courses:
    • VS 7101 (Basics of Graduate Work)
    • Vision Science 7960 (Ethics in Biomedical Research)
    • Vision Science 7980 (Statistics for Clinical Research)
  • Completion of an independent research project and thesis is required.