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Graduate Program is Vision Science
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. A listing of the graduate curriculum in Vision Science can be found in Appendix B of the Graduate Program Handbook (PDF).
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.
Advanced Practice Fellowship Program
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.
More information regarding this program is available in Appendix A of the Graduate Program Handbook (PDF).
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 website: 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
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