Graduate Programs

Graduate Admissions Overview

Vision Science is the study of the structures and processes involved in vision. It includes physics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, behavioral sciences, applied mathematics and engineering, as these subjects apply to the visual system.

The Graduate Program in Vision Science is designed for individuals holding a professional degree in a health science or a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Students in the graduate program may work towards either a PhD degree or MS degree in Vision Science.

The Graduate Program is administered by the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research. Recommendations concerning admissions, curriculum, tuition waivers and graduate assistantships, course and standing, and student advisors are made by various Associate Dean's committees. Student records are maintained in the Office of Student Affairs.

PhD in Vision Science

4 to 5 year research program:
PhD students participate in a series of seminars, tutorials and research tailored to the interests of the students. Intensive training in selected areas of research and completion of a doctoral dissertation form the basis of graduate training. PhD students are eligible for financial support through graduate student stipends, tuition waivers, grants and fellowships.

OD/PhD in Vision Science

Minimum 6 years:
Students follow the optometry curriculum while devoting summers and academic year elective time to graduate seminars and research. At the end of the third year of the OD program, students work full time towards their PhD degree. Upon completion of all PhD requirements, students return to the OD program to complete clinical requirements. The students are supported in their work through stipends and fellowships.

OD/MS in Vision Science

4 years:
Qualified OD students may also apply for admission into the Graduate Program in Vision Science leading to the joint OD/MS degree. Typically, elective time during the regular academic year and summers is devoted to graduate courses and research. In this manner, students are able to fulfill OD and MS degree requirements within 4 years. Financial support for the dual degree program comes through fellowships and tuition waivers. Students who are accepted into the OD/MS program do not pay any additional tuition for the MS degree portion of the program.

Affiliated MPH Program at SUNY Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn

4 years:
The recent establishment of a Masters in Public Health (MPH) program at the SUNY Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn presents an opportunity for professional program students and faculty at SUNY College of Optometry to earn the MPH degree. Current SUNY Optometry students can complete both the OD and MPH concurrently during the course of the 4-year OD program. It is estimated that the total tuition for the program will be approximately $9,000.

Requirements for Admissions

• To be considered for admission to the Graduate Program in Vision Science an applicant must have completed the following requirements: Baccalaureate or professional degree

• Graduate Record Examination (general aptitude tests institutional code 2897) for all students applying to the full-time PhD program as well any student applying to the OD/PhD program. The site also provides info on test locations and dates. http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register

• OATs may be substituted for the GRE only for optometry students applying for admission into the OD/MS in Vision Science.

• Standardized test scores are heavily emphasized in admission decisions. The most recent scores carry the most weight. The math scores carry more weight than verbal scores; and scores are not used in decisions regarding advanced standing.

• Demonstrated ability to express oneself clearly in both written and spoken English. Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Test of Spoken English, must be submitted by applicants whose first language is not English.

• Letters of recommendation from 3 professors sent directly from the recommender to us as an email attachment (either JPEG or PDF with electronic signature) or as sealed snail mail with signature.

• Transcripts of all college and postgraduate work.

• Some of the requirements may be waived by the Associate Dean under certain circumstances.

 Important Dates

• Completed applications for admission to the full-time or part-time graduate program in Vision Science can be submitted any time up to March 1 for Fall semester admission. 

• Applicants are notified no later than April 1 and are required to respond with a decision no later than April 15. 

• Students applying for the OD/PhD or OD/MS program must first be accepted into the OD program before applying.

• Students applying for the OD/PhD or OD/MS program must first be accepted into the OD program before applying and can apply for admission by Nov. 30.

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

For the 2012-2013 academic year, tuition and fees for the Graduate Program are as follows:
(Please note, all figures are in US dollars)
 

Full-time:

Part-time:

Fees:

Out-of-state U.S. citizens may be eligible for in-state resident tuition after their first year.

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Waivers and Graduate Assistantships

All eligible full-time graduate students receive tuition waivers. Teaching and research assistantships are awarded to eligible full-time graduate students each year. As of September 2010, the current graduate assistantship stipend level is $30,000 per year. Graduate students with an OD degree and a NYS optometric license may also apply for part-time clinical appointments.

Students admitted to the OD/PhD or the OD/MS program also receive a full tuition waiver for the Graduate program at the level of a New York State resident for the last two years of the professional OD program.