Degree Requirements | PhD in Vision Science
To receive the Ph.D. in Vision Science from the Pacific University College of Optometry, the student must complete the following requirements:
- Fulfill course requirements with satisfactory performance: The minimum credit requirements vary based on students' backgrounds. Additional coursework may be deemed necessary by the VSG Committee and the student's advisor.
- Submit an early research report (e.g., a publicly defended Master's Thesis, a peer-reviewed research article, or equivalent)a, b
- Demonstrate proficiency in research skills as evidenced by passing the Laboratory Study course.
- Pass the written and oral comprehensive knowledge examination in four topical areas of vision science.
- Pass the Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal Exam. Present the dissertation proposal for the Ph.D. Qualification Exam, obtain approval from the dissertation advisor and the research committee before data collection.
- Successfully present and defend the Ph.D. Dissertation Project in public, and deposit it to Pacific University Library CommonKnowledge.
a While an MS degree is not required to earn a Ph.D. degree, Ph.D. students must meet all course requirements for the MS degree, including all coursework and an MS-level thesis or a peer-reviewed research paper.
b The early research requirement must be met before a Ph.D. student applies for the qualification examination. A previously defended and accepted MS thesis or a manuscript accepted by a peer-reviewed journal meets this criterion.
c Ph.D. students must demonstrate proficiency in research skills beyond the required courses. Examples include but are not limited to computer programming, advanced statistical methods, neuroimaging techniques, or other vision-science-related research skills. The research proficiency must be approved by the student's advisor and their dissertation committee.