MS in Vision Science

Master of Science students receive a broad education in a variety of areas of vision science as well as training in the concepts and methods used in both basic and clinical research. A total of 40 semester credit hours in courses and research is required. In addition, students must complete a written thesis and an oral presentation.

The MS degree in Vision Science is only available to students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program OR the Residency program at SUNY College of Optometry.

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Dual Degree OD/MS in Vision Science

The dual OD/MS degree program is designed for students interested in conducting independent, original research in addition to their optometric education, including those aspiring to a career in academia or industry.

Qualified SUNY College of Optometry OD students may apply for admission into the MS program after the Fall semester of their first year. Accepted students enter the MS program in the Spring Semester of their first year. Students take the MS courses and carry out research during the regular academic year and summers. This enables students to fulfill both OD and MS degree requirements within four years.

Students who are accepted into the OD/MS program do not pay any additional tuition for the MS degree portion during the four years they are enrolled in the OD program.

Requirements for Admission

OD/MS in Vision Science Program

To be considered for admission to the OD/MS Program in Vision Science, applicants must meet with a potential Graduate Research Advisor to discuss possible research projects. Applicants must list their selected advisor and provide a synopsis of a proposed research project in their application.

Potential students must complete the MS in Vision Science Application (Add link to application).

The Graduate Admissions Committee will review student’s OptomCAS application materials including OAT scores, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. In addition, students’ OD Program transcript will be reviewed. Additional letters of recommendation are optional and can be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office via email at gradadmissions@sunyopt.edu.

The deadline for submitting the completed MS in Vision Science application and required documents is January 4.

Joint Residency/MS in Vision Science Program

The two-year joint Residency/MS program is designed for optometrists interested in conducting independent, original research, including those aspiring to a career in academia or industry.

Acceptance into the MS program is contingent on acceptance to the Residency Program at SUNY College of Optometry.

Requirements for Admission

Residency/MS Program

Potential students must complete the MS in Vision Science Application (Add link to application) and submit the following required documents to Graduate Admissions via email at gradadmissions@sunyopt.edu.

Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Official OAT Scores
Three letters of recommendation

The deadline for submitting the completed MS in Vision Science application and required documents is January 4.

The Graduate Program in Vision Science provides comprehensive research training that positions our students to achieve career success and make significant contributions to the field. It combines a rigorous, intellectual program of study and research with an interactive, collegial sense of community.

We have developed a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to the needs of our students, who come to our program with a broad range of interests and from diverse educational backgrounds. Courses stress analysis and discussion of the primary literature and provide training in key skills necessary for a research career in academia or industry.
Students can choose from approximately 25 faculty mentors for their thesis research. Look through a complete list of our program’s research faculty, which includes links to their individual or lab web pages.
From first year lab rotations, the qualifying exam, and the thesis defense, students receive regular guidance and mentoring from faculty and are evaluated at important milestones to ensure that they progress successfully through the program. Read more about mentoring and milestones of our graduate students.
In addition, students attend journal clubs, weekly research colloquia, and additional annual community events, such as the VisioNYC seminar series, which brings together dozens of vision scientists in the New York metropolitan area our spring retreat held in upstate New York.

The Graduate Program in Vision Science operates within the Graduate Center for Vision Research (GCVR). For a concise overview of the program degree requirements and curriculum, please see the M.S. Program Handbook.

For more information on the Graduate Program in Vision Science, please contact:

Briana Aizin
Graduate Center for Vision Research
SUNY College of Optometry
33 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 938-5544
Email: baizin@sunyopt.edu

MS in Vision Science