Program Overview

Introduction to the Vision Science Graduate Program

The Vision Science Graduate Program (VSGP) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers students the opportunity to pursue a Master's or Doctoral degree within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The program is organized around four basic research themes: ocular biology, systems neuroscience, biomedical optics, and patient-based vision science studies.

Program Overview

The VSGP allows students to work with faculty from several academic disciplines, including optometry, ophthalmology, neurobiology, neurology, psychology, behavioral neuroscience, occupational therapy, rehabilitation science, and more. The program also offers a combined clinical degree (O.D./M.S.) that prepares students for a career blending clinical practice with vision science research.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the VSGP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum undergraduate GPA of at least a B (3.0) average
• A strong background in biological, physical, or health sciences is highly recommended
• Previous research experience is strongly encouraged

Application Requirements

The following documents are required for a complete application:

• Personal statement/essay
• Curriculum vitae/resume
• Official transcripts from undergraduate degrees, along with transcripts from other institutions where transfer credits were obtained
• Three letters of recommendation
• Payment of application fee ($50 for domestic applicants and $60 for international applicants)
• GRE (Graduate Record Exam) test scores are not required

English Proficiency

International applicants are required to submit English proficiency scores to demonstrate a command of written and spoken English. The minimum English proficiency scores required by the UAB Graduate School are:

• TOEFL: 80
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTEA: 53
• IELA: 176
• Duolingo: 120

Admissions Process

The admissions process involves the following steps:

• Submission of the application along with all required documentation by the application deadline
• Initial review of complete applications by the VSGP Admissions committee
• Recommendation of applicants for interviews
• Interviews with the admissions committee (in-person for domestic PhD applicants, online for international applicants and MS applicants)
• Final review of applicant interviews and determination of the final admission list

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the VSGP are:

• Doctoral application deadline: January 15th (Fall entry only)
• Master's application deadline: January 15th (Fall entry only)
• OD/MS application deadlines:
  • Fall Term Entry: July 1st
  • Spring Term Entry: November 1st
  • Summer Term Entry: April 1st

Research Themes

The VSGP is organized around four basic research themes:

• Ocular biology
• Systems neuroscience
• Biomedical optics
• Patient-based vision science studies

Degree Opportunities

The VSGP offers the following degree opportunities:

• Master's degree
• Doctoral degree
• Combined clinical degree (O.D./M.S.)