The mission of the Vision Science Graduate Program is to provide opportunities for graduate students to: (1) advance knowledge in vision science, (2) develop research expertise in advanced experimental approaches and state-of-the-art research skills, (3) gain empirical experience in knowledge dissemination through scientific writing and research presentations, and (4) prepare for careers in academic institutions, governmental research/regulation sectors, or private corporations.

Through intense coursework and empirical research work, the PhD students are expected to:

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the general field of vision science in the individual's specialized topical area(s).
2. Write IRB research proposals and grant funding applications.
3. Conduct original research or complete comprehensive literature review in the area of the individual's focus.
4. Demonstrate fluency and independence in study design, data gathering, and data analysis.
5. Produce an original written research dissertation of high quality, successfully defend it orally.
6. Publish dissertation in a peer-reviewed journal or orally present it at peer-reviewed conference(s).
7. Participate in scientific professional organization(s).

1. A candidate needs to fulfill course requirement with satisfactory performance¹ and pass the qualification exam of general knowledge²
2. A candidate is required to submit an IRB application³, when applicable, and successfully obtain approval by thesis advisor and committee⁴ as well as IRB committee (Pacific University). A candidate should also complete at least one grant proposal as part of the “Advanced Seminar” course requirement (e.g., courses OPT-946 to OPT-949).
3. A candidate will complete an original research or a comprehensive review paper and successfully defend in front of the thesis advisor and committee⁴ to fulfill the dissertation requirement.
4. The preliminary dissertation proposal³ including proposed research design, methodology and data analysis will be evaluated by the thesis advisor and committee⁴.
5. The candidate will successfully present the completed dissertation orally as well as in its written form to the thesis advisor and committee for the final defense⁵.
6. The candidate will share the learned knowledge with the professional community either in a peer-reviewed journal or a scientific conference.
7. Active participation in the professional community as demonstrated by attendance, presentation, and/or membership in scientific organizations.

1. Pacific Catalog 2016-17 (p.451, section of “Academic Standard”)
2. Pacific Catalog 2016-17 (pp.447-448, section of “Qualifying Examination of General Knowledge in Vision Science”)
3. Pacific Catalog 2016-17 (p.448, section of “Preliminary Examination of the Dissertation Proposal”)
4. Pacific Catalog 2016-17 (p.448, section of “PhD Research Advisor and Dissertation Committee”)
5. Pacific Catalog 2016-17 (p.448, section of “Final Defense of the Dissertation Research")