Vision Science

The M.S. program requirements can be completed in an average of 2-4 years. Requirements for the M.S. degree:

• Enroll in three of the six core class modules (VIS 743, 744, 745).
• Students have the option of completing three 10 week lab rotations in labs of the student’s choice. Once a student identifies a lab/mentor in which to carry out their thesis research, they may cease lab rotations.
• Enroll in an ethics, presentation, and statistics course. Students may also choose to take other electives.
• Select a thesis committee

Applications for admission to the Graduate Program in Vision Science are reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee looks at the applicants\' scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A combined score of at least 270 in the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE exam is recommended for the M.S. degree, and at least 300 for the Ph.D. degree. Students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program have an average GRE score of 1200 (old) or 330 (new). Admission also requires undergraduate grades of at least a B average over the previous 60 semester hours of credit, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants should have a strong background in the biological, physical or health sciences.

Students with suitable foreign qualifications are welcome to apply, and must demonstrate a command of written and spoken English. In addition, a minimum score of 500 of the paper test, 213 on the computer version, or 80 on the internet based test of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a minimum score of 6.0-6.5 on the IELTS test is recommended.

Over the past fifteen years, 40% of the graduates of the program have been women. We continue to encourage qualified women and under represented minorities to apply.

The Vision Science Graduate Program offers a rolling admission process; however, students who submit a completed application by January 15th are given priority. Application fees are waived for Domestic and Permanent U.S. Residents who apply for the PhD program. Applications for the MS, OD/MS are $35.00 U.S. dollars and all international applicants, regardless of program, is $60.00. Click here to apply.

Financial Aid

The program provides full financial support to doctoral students. This includes an annual stipend through a fellowship, full tuition and fees, travel allowance and health insurance. Fellowships are funded by the Graduate School, the Department of Vision Sciences, the National Eye Institute and other outside agencies. Starting Fall Semester 2013 a stipend of $26,500 annually is offered to entering students.