PhD in Vision Science

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Vision Science

The Graduate Program in Vision Science offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Vision Science which ensure that the successful graduate acquires knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as experience and focused training to conduct independent research in Vision Science.  The program provides a broad, graduate-level core curriculum in vision science, optics, binocular vision, ocular anatomy, physiology, genetics, statistics, and research methodology.  Successful candidates receive - depth training to conduct basic, applied and/or clinical vision research, achieve proficiency in developing and presenting basic and advanced material as effective lectures in small to large classes, grand rounds, continuing education venues, and as peer-reviewed presentation at major national and international meetings.

Requirements

Successful completion of the PhD program requires:

  • A minimum of 33 months in residency
  • A minimum of 60 credit hours
  • Successful completion of all core curriculum with letter grades of “B” or higher
  • Successful completion of a written qualifying exam
  • Successful completion of an oral qualifying exam and advancement to Candidacy
  • Successful completion of a written Dissertation, major portions of which are suitable for
    publication as at least three papers in peer-reviewed journals

Curriculum


Philosophy (33 months) in Vision Science Degree Program

Fall Semester Year 1 (Aug-Dec)
VISC 7305 Fundamentals of Vision Science 3.0
VISC 7310 Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility 3.0
VISC 7115 Genomics Medicine 1.0
VISC 7220 Ocular Physiology 2.0
MATH 6363 Research Statistics 3.0
VISC 7125 Teaching In Vision Science 1.0

Spring Semester Year 1(Jan-May)
VISC 7530 Visual and Applied Optics 5.0
VISC 7335 Clinical Ocular Anatomy 3.0
VISC 7240 Functional Neuroanatomy 2.0
VISC 7245 Research Methodology and Dissertation Development 2.0
VISC 7125 Teaching In Vision Science 1.0

Total Curriculum Hours 26

Summer Year 1
VISC 7125 Teaching in Vision Science (courses, labs, CE, presentations) 1.0
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0
Written Qualifying Exam* N/A

Fall Year 2
VISC 7125 Teaching in Vision Science (courses, labs, CE, presentations) 1.0
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0
Oral Qualifying Exam: Broad Focus on Area of Dissertation Research N/A

Spring Year 2
Advancement to Candidacy (contingent on passing the oral exam) N/A
VISC 7125 Teaching in Vision Science (courses, labs, CE, presentations) 1.0
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0

Summer Year 2
VISC 7125 Teaching in Vision Science (courses, labs, CE, presentations) 1.0
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0

Fall Year 3
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0

Spring Year 3
VISC 8550 Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing 5.0

 

PhD Program consists of 60 credit hours.
DOD students can begin in July to match their PCS move; option also available to non-DOD students
*The written qualifying exam will be an objective, multiple-choice exam reflecting a compilation of Core Curriculum