Degree Programs in Vision Science Print E-mail

 

Ph.D. Degree

 

The Ph.D. program requirements can be completed in an average of 4-5 years.  Requirements for the Ph.D. program:

  • First Year

Enroll in all six of the core class modules (VIS 743, 744, 745, 746, 747, 748).


Complete three 10 week lab rotations in labs of the student’s choice.  Students enter the Vision Science Graduate Program with the intent of using their classroom and laboratory experiences during the first year to help them further define their research interests.  The lab rotations allow students to choose areas and mentors that are of interest to them, with the idea that at the end of the 3rd rotation, a student will be prepared to select a permanent lab/mentor in which to carry out their Ph.D. research.


At the end of the 1st year, students take qualifying/comprehensive exams on four of the six core class modules.  Students choose which exams they wish to take

  • Second Year

PhD students are further required to take three upper level (700) graduate elective courses plus a course in statistics, presentation skills, and ethics.  Dauphin Island Sea Lab (VIS 729) will count toward one of the electives.
Select a dissertation committee

  • Third Year and beyond

Propose, conduct, and defend dissertation research

 

 

MS Degree

 

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, 746, 747, 748).

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


Propose, conduct, and defend thesis research

 


OD/MS Degree


For students accepted into the UAB School of Optometry, the O.D./M.S. combined degree program prepares students for careers that combine clinical optometry and clinical and/or basic research in Vision Science.  This program involves a combination of basic science, research, and clinical training.  The program is geared toward students who have outstanding scholastic qualifications and are highly motivated to pursue careers as clinician-scientists.

 

  • Full tuition and fees waiver for graduate research credits leading to an M.S. degree in Vision Science
  • Stipends available on competitive basis (applicants for the T-35 training grant must be U.S. citizens or have permanent residency status)
  • Can be completed during the four years of Optometry School
  • Qualifications: 3.0 G.P.A. and enrollment or acceptance into the UAB School of Optometry



REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE:


  • Student must have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours
  • Formal selection of a Graduate Committee
  • Advancement to Candidacy (approval of a research project proposal)
  • Formal public presentation and approval of a thesis


DEGREE OUTLINE: Timing is very important in the combined degree program and you will be making good progress if you are meeting the following guidelines.  Here is a tentative guideline for you to plan on for successful progress:

 

Year 1 -

  • Fall 08 – Search for lab/mentor (3)
  • Spring 09 – Search for lab/mentor, selection of mentor at end of spring term (3)
  • Summer 09 – Selection of project by end of summer and Graduate Committee formed (3)

Year 2 -

  • Fall 09 – work on proposal (3)
  • Spring 10 – present/defend proposal (3)
  • Summer 10 – data collection (6)

Year 3 -

  • Fall 10 – writing thesis (4)
  • Spring 11 – writing thesis (4)
  • Summer 11 – thesis defense (4)