Program Overview
The PhD in Vision Science program at the University of the Incarnate Word's Rosenberg School of Optometry provides students with the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research in Vision Science. The 33-month residency program emphasizes a broad core curriculum, research, and a dissertation, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, and industry. Students are assessed through written exams, oral presentations, and research projects, and must successfully complete both written and oral qualifying exams to advance to candidacy.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Vision Science program at the University of the Incarnate Word's Rosenberg School of Optometry is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct independent research in Vision Science. The program emphasizes a broad, graduate-level core curriculum in vision science, optics, binocular vision, ocular anatomy, physiology, genetics, statistics, and research methodology.
Objectives:
- Acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities in Vision Science
- Develop experience and focused training to conduct independent research
- Achieve proficiency in developing and presenting basic and advanced material as effective lectures
- Advance research in Vision Science
Program Description:
The PhD in Vision Science program is a 33-month residency program that requires students to complete 60 credit hours. The program consists of core coursework, research, and a dissertation.
Outline:
Year 1
Fall Semester
- VISC 7305: Fundamentals of Vision Science (3.0 credits)
- VISC 7310: Binocular Vision & Ocular Motility (3.0 credits)
- VISC 7115: Genomics Medicine (1.0 credit)
- VISC 7220: Ocular Physiology (2.0 credits)
- MATH 6363: Research Statistics (3.0 credits)
- VISC 7125: Teaching In Vision Science (1.0 credit)
Spring Semester
- VISC 7530: Visual and Applied Optics (5.0 credits)
- VISC 7335: Clinical Ocular Anatomy (3.0 credits)
- VISC 7240: Functional Neuroanatomy (2.0 credits)
- VISC 7245: Research Methodology and Dissertation Development (2.0 credits)
- VISC 7125: Teaching In Vision Science (1.0 credit)
Summer
- VISC 7125: Teaching in Vision Science (1.0 credit)
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
- Written Qualifying Exam
Year 2
Fall
- VISC 7125: Teaching in Vision Science (1.0 credit)
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
- Oral Qualifying Exam
Spring
- Advancement to Candidacy
- VISC 7125: Teaching in Vision Science (1.0 credit)
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
Summer
- VISC 7125: Teaching in Vision Science (1.0 credit)
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
Year 3
Fall
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
Spring
- VISC 8550: Dissertation Research, Analysis and Writing (5.0 credits)
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of written exams, oral presentations, and research projects. The written qualifying exam is an objective, multiple-choice exam that reflects a compilation of core curriculum content. The oral qualifying exam is a broad focus on the area of dissertation research. Students must successfully complete both the written and oral qualifying exams to advance to candidacy. The dissertation is a major research project that must be original and publishable in peer-reviewed journals.
Teaching:
The PhD in Vision Science program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in research. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and laboratory work. Students also have the opportunity to participate in teaching and research activities.
Careers:
Graduates of the PhD in Vision Science program are prepared for careers in academia, research, and industry. They may work as professors, researchers, or scientists in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and private companies.