Academics

The Vision Science PhD program emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of vision science research through broad exposure to the basic concepts and techniques used in specialized fields. Engaged in both laboratory-based and clinical research, our students work with faculty advisers whose research matches their own interests.

Current research topics include biomedical optics, perception and visual cognition, molecular and cell biology, neuroscience, computational vision, genetics, immunology, microbiology and clinical science.

Students are afforded a great amount of flexibility to investigate their research interests. Required course work is primarily taken during the first year, and individual curricula and research are arranged in consultation with the student’s Academic Advisor and Thesis Mentor. Normative time for completion of the PhD in Vision Science is five years.

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. in Vision Science is conferred in recognition of the candidate’s command of a comprehensive body of knowledge in the field of vision science and its related disciplines, and their ability to initiate, organize, and pursue the investigation of significant problems in vision science.

Requirements

Coursework

The Core Curriculum comprises a series of four courses split between the Fall and Spring semester of your first year. The series is intended to provide a general overview of the main topic areas in Vision Science for students of widely varying backgrounds.

Coursework

Lab Rotations

First-year students are required to complete two lab rotations – one per semester. Students may choose to complete a 3rd rotation during the summer of the first year. The objective of the research rotation is to allow students to become familiar with different areas of research, learn new experimental techniques, obtain experience in unique research laboratories, and ultimately to identify a lab in which to conduct dissertation research.

Lab Rotations

Teaching

Teaching is a critical component of the graduate education in Vision Science. All Vision Science PhD students are required to spend at least two semesters as Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), teaching in the Optometry professional school curriculum.

Teaching