MSVS Coursework
The MS program is designed to be completed in 5 semesters/terms. Full-time students need to take 9 credits or more in the fall and spring semesters. International students need to maintain full-time status during their study time. Please consult with the Office of International Programs if there are any concerns.
The Master’s curriculum consists of coursework in the following six categories. Students with a bachelor’s degree in Optometry should complete 43.75 credits from the six categories listed below. OD/MS or post-OD students from an ACOE-accredited optometry program may satisfy some coursework with relevant course credits from their OD program. Students with other backgrounds may require additional coursework determined by the VSG Committee and the student’s academic adviser.
The Master’s curriculum consists of coursework in the following six categories.
- Vision Science Core courses: 19.25 credits
- Vision Science Seminars: 9.0 credits
- Basic Research skills: 6.5 credits
- Clinical Skills: 1.0 credit
- Master’s Research Work: 7.0 credits
- Elective Courses: 1.0 credit
Total: 43.75 credits
1. Vision Science Core Courses: 19.25 credits
- VSC 521 - Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of Eye I 2.75 credit(s)
- VSC 521L - Lab: Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of Eye I 0.5 credit(s)
- VSC 522 - Anatomy, Biochemistry, & Physiology of Eye II 2.0 credit(s)
- VSC 522L - Lab: Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology of Eye II 0.5 credit(s)
- VSC 523 - Neuroanatomy of the Visual Pathways 2.0 credit(s)
- VSC 631 - Common Ocular Diseases 2.0 credit(s) OR OPT 631 - Ocular Diseases II 2.0 credit(s)
- VSC 644 - Fundamentals of Ocular Motility 1.0 credit(s) OR OPT 701 - Ocular Motility 1.75 credit(s)
1) Students without a BS-Optometry degree should take 8.5 credits of Optics courses by completing all the courses below:
- VSC 511 - Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I 2.5 credits
- VSC 511L - Lab: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics I 0.0 credit
- VSC 512 - Geometric, Physical and Visual Optics II 3.0 credit
- VSC 512L - Lab: Geometric, Physical, & Visual Optics II 0.0 credit
- VSC 513 - Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics 3.0 credits
- VSC 513L - Lab: Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics 0.0 credit
2) Students without a BS-Optometry degree should take 4.0 credits of Optics courses in one of the two ways:
- VSC 514 - Clinical Optics 4.0 credits, or
- VSC 515 - Visual Optics I 2.0 credits and VSC 516 - Visual Optics II 2 credits
2. Vision Science Seminars: 9.0 credits
- VSC 751 - Vision Science Seminar I 3.0 credits
- VSC 752 - Vision Science Seminar II 3.0 credits
- One of the following Advanced Seminars:
- VSC 811 - Advanced Seminar in Vision & Optics 3.0 credits
- VSC 821 - Adv Sem in Ocular Anatomy & Physio 3.0 credits
- Eye Diseases & Public Health:
- VSC 831 - Adv Sem in Eye Diseases & Public Health 3.0 credits,
- VSC 833 - Advanced Seminar in Health Policy & Eye Disease I 1.5 credits and VSC 834 - Advanced Seminar in Health Policy & Eye Disease II 1.5 credits
- VSC 841 - Adv Sem in Ocular Func & Vis Perf 3.0 credits
3. Basic Research Skills: 6.5 credits
- VSC 502 - Scientific & Clinical Writing 1.5 credits
- VSC 704- Clinical Research Methodology 2.0 credits
- VSC 705 - Statistics for Clinical Research 3.0 credits
- VSC 660 - Practice of Clinical Skills 1.0 credit
5. Master’s Research Work: 7.0 credits
- VSC 701 - MS Vision Research Colloquium 1.0 credit (2.0Credits required)
- VSC 756 - Independent Study 1.0 credit (1.0 credit required)
- VSC 791 - Thesis Research 1-3 credits(s) (4.0 credits required)
After the thesis requirement has been met, the elective requirement can be met with an additional credit in VSC 791 - Thesis Research, VSC 756 - Independent Study, or other courses offered in the College of Optometry except VSC 701, VSC 760, VSC 998, VSC 999, or any courses listed under Vision Science Core Courses. OD/MS students cannot apply credits used for the OD electives to the MS elective requirement.
With approval from the program director, Students may take VSC 760, VSC 998, and VSC 999. Credits earned from these courses are not counted toward the degree requirement.
- VSC 760 - Curricular Practical Training 1.0 credit
- VSC 998 - Continuing Enrollment: Pre-Thesis/Dissertation 1.0-9.0 credit(s)
- VSC 999 - Continuing Enrollment: Thesis/Dissertation 1.0-9.0 credit(s)